Buying a car is one of the most significant financial decisions you'll ever make. You depend on your vehicle every day, and it's a choice you'll want to get right. The process of purchasing a used car can be fraught with a number of challenges that can make it difficult to be sure you're getting the right one, but with a little bit of care and attention, it can be the best way to get you the car of your dreams.

In this article, we'll look at some of the things you should look out for when considering a new car, why a used car can be a really smart decision to make, and some of the vehicles that are available.  

Why Consider a Used Car? 

Image by David von Diemar  is licensed with Unsplash License

One starting point is to consider why you want a used car in the first place. When you buy a new car, the value drops dramatically within the first two years, meaning you've already lost money when you get home from the dealership. After one year, a new car can lose 19% of its value and up to 50% after just two years. This isn't quite the same for a used car, where you can get a good, reliable model that's a few years old for a much more affordable price. 

When you include the fact that buying a used car might get you a much better car for the same price, the used market begins to look increasingly attractive.  Often, people avoid used cars because they think they're going to be sold a dud or a "lemon." The assumption is that people only sell these cars because they have a defect - if the cars were still working well, they wouldn't be up for sale. 

However, this kind of approach no longer rings true. People can choose to replace their cars for all sorts of reasons, such as because they want the latest model, they're relocating, or they want a larger or smaller vehicle. Today, cars are manufactured to last longer than they were a few decades ago, so you're still in with a chance of getting a fairly decent vehicle at a very competitive price, even if it's a few years old. 

Buying From a Dealership 

One thing to consider is buying a used car from a dealership. One reason that people might be put off buying a used car is the possibility of being sold a dud that ends up spending more time in the repair shop. Buying from a dealership gives you peace of mind, as the car often comes with a warranty. Further, the dealership can offer a financing deal with the paperwork and make sure that the car is running smoothly.

Buying a used car from a dealership offers a good middle ground compared with buying one from a private seller because you can have a more affordable model than a new vehicle without compromising on your peace of mind. 

If you use a dealership, you're also likely to avoid a number of additional costs with the new car. Rather than paying for extra features or things such as shipping and destination charges, a dealership gives you a price that means you pay for what you get. Additionally, a used car has a lower price than a comparable new car, meaning that you'll save on the insurance and tax costs. In some states, you'll be charged less to register the car and pay less on sales tax. This means there's less to worry about and more money in your pocket. 

Where To Start 

The best place to start is just to browse. Have a look at our used inventory,  compare it with what you might get new, and mull it over. Then, once you've managed to iron out what you don't need, you can begin to focus on what you're looking for. Bear in mind that dealerships such as Huffines Kia McKinney have a wealth of experience and knowledge and an awareness of all the advantages and disadvantages of various models.

If you need advice, have any further questions, or just want to have a closer look, drop us a line , and we'll be happy to help.