Benefits of buying a used car

The most glaring benefit is the fact that a brand new vehicle loses some of its value almost immediately upon being driven off the lot.
It is possible to buy a "certified pre-owned" car/vehicle. These cars are held to a higher standard than just plain "used" cars.

http://cars.about.com/od/helpforcarbuyers/a/buyingused.htm?p=1

More choices available because due to the poor conditions of the economy, prices will be lower

http://www.cars.com/go/advice/Story.jsp?section=buy&story=nuIntro&subject=new_used

I think the main benefit, at least for me and my family, is if you pay cash for the vehicle, you will usually get a much cheaper price and there will be no monthly payments to worry about. The insurance coverage will also be cheaper.

Comments: 18

Nancy R. will view, may comment! Jan 31, 2009, 4:03pm EST

Yea, I dont like monthly payments!

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Ginger C. Jan 31, 2009, 4:13pm EST

I know thats right, less debt is better! Great info! Thanks!

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Ryan M. Jan 31, 2009, 4:47pm EST

I would love a car. I am not sure if I would go used because you never know how the person before you treated it. I am going without right now until I can afford a new car. The used cars I have had broke down.

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Qpon Lady Jan 31, 2009, 5:26pm EST

7 out of 10 huh? Thanks for the views.

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Qpon Lady Jan 31, 2009, 5:27pm EST

Nancy, me either. : )

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Qpon Lady Jan 31, 2009, 5:29pm EST

Ryan--I am fortunate to be married to a mechanic with 20 something years of experience. So, he knows if a used car is a lemon or a good buy. : )

I know what you mean though. That is one drawback to buying used, not knowing how the car was treated by the last owner.

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Qpon Lady Jan 31, 2009, 5:30pm EST

Thanks for the comments. I am actually working on a paper for my class and was just putting my thoughts and findings in one place, or attempting to.

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tammie p. Jan 31, 2009, 6:14pm EST

thank you for sharing this

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Laurie R. Feb 1, 2009, 12:20am EST

thanks for the post

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Fran S. Feb 1, 2009, 4:04pm EST

I've bought way too many cars off the showroom floor, NEVER AGAIN.... as I've aged I've gotten much wiser with my $$$

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fancy c. Feb 1, 2009, 10:25pm EST

no monthly payments here

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Tora K. Feb 2, 2009, 10:33am EST

I think it really depends on the car you get. You could save a ton of money on vehicle payments by buying used, only to find out a few months down the road that you're going to have to shell out even more to get the thing repaired. I'd much rather drive a new one; at least then I know how it's been treated and maintained.

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