Buying a car is one of the biggest financial decisions some people will ever make. Although its hard to compete with the great feeling of buying a new car, there are practical benefits of buying a used car in San Antonio that are all related to the affordability, reliability, flexibility, and value of the vehicle.
Even if you’re a first-time car buyer or just upgrading your current car, buying a pre-owned car can be a wise decision financially without compromising quality.
In this blog post, we look at the primary benefits of buying a used car san Antonio and why more Texans are moving toward pre-owned vehicles instead of new vehicles.
1. Affordable Pricing and Reduced Depreciation.
Cost savings is the main reason people choose used car san antonio. When a new car is driven off the dealership lot, it loses around 20–30% of its value in the first year. After 3 years, it may potentially lose almost 50% of value.
When you buy a used car, you are benefitting from the initial depreciation — which means you are getting more value for your dollar. Lastly, many late-model used vehicles are in great condition and are selling for a reduced price compared to new.
Example:
You can buy a brand new toyota camry for around $30,000 new, but a two-year-old camry with low miles may only cost $20,000 — that’s $10,000 in savings and you are still getting a great, reliable car with similar quality, safety, and features.
2. Lower Insurance Premiums.
When insuring your car, the price is typically based on the value of the car, its age, and repair costs to put it back on the road. Used cars usually have lower market value therefore insurance premiums tend to be much lower than new cars.
A lower premium can add up to hundreds of dollars in savings each year, especially if you are young or if your family has multiple car’s that you are insuring. Plus, when you buy your used car outright (as opposed to financing it), you can usually eliminate policies that are not necessary, like comprehensive or collision.
3. Variety and Better Choices.
San Antonio’s used car market is thriving! This means there are more makes and models available for purchase on the market. Whether you’re looking for a small car that is fuel efficient, or a family-sized SUV, or a heavy-duty pickup truck, you’re likely to find a match to fit your style and your budget.
When you’re considering a used car, you have many different options, styles, trims and model year vehicles to evaluate. The beauty of the used car industry is that you may even come across a vehicle that was discontinued and not available for purchase new, as that is what happen each year when new models are produced.
4. Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Vehicles.
If you’re concerned about reliability with a used vehicle, consider purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle. These vehicles have completed thorough multi-point inspections, extended warranties, and are manufacturer-backed.
CPO vehicles provide the best of both worlds — inexpensive used vehicles and a comforting feel of a new vehicle. Most San Antonio dealerships are moving into certain CPO programs with popular brands like Toyota, Honda, Ford, and Chevy to get you out the door with confidence.
5. Reduced Registration Fees and Taxes.
In Texas, registration fees and taxes are based on the car’s value and model year. Since used vehicles are less expensive, you will pay less each year for registration fees and taxes to the state of Texas in your car ownership.
While the fees and taxes may feel small at first, over the years, those accumulated registration fees and taxes will feel much larger, especially since many people keep vehicles for longer than a typical loan payment of four to five years.
6. Fewer Hidden Costs and Fees.
New vehicles also come with new dealer fees, destination fees, and other packages that many people often experience before paying. A used vehicle may or may not have hidden dealer fees or an added tax that can affect the total price you ultimately pay.
Most reputable used car dealerships in San Antonio, will offer pricing transparently and even offer a Carfax or free inspection so that you know exactly what you’re buying.
7. Slower Depreciation and Better Resale Value.
When you buy a second-hand car, you bypass the large part of degeneration pattern. Since your vehicle is moving into it’s next phase of it’s life, it’s going to hold more value for years to come.
Example: You purchase a 3-year-old-used car and sell it in three years. The value of your vehicle is likely to drop much lower than a new car, sold for the same amount of time. Result: better resale value, less loss of money over time.
8. Modern Features at a Cheaper Price Point.
Modern cars provide a competent upgrade of technology and safety features that trickle down to used vehicles within reason of a few years. And you can avoid the new-car premium.
Features like backup cameras, Bluetooth, blind-spot monitoring, and keyless entry that change the convenience and comfort of driving, at a price point matching your budget.
Buying a used car in San Antonio gives you the convenience and comfort without the sticker shock.
9. Environmentally Conscious Choice.
Buying a used car is environmentally conscious. Producing a new car takes more energy and more resources and adds to carbon emissions to a new product. Buying used is a way to extend the life-cycle of the vehicle, and carbon footprint is minimized.
In a market – like San Antonio – that is leaning towards sustainability with an urban focus and the toolkit of eco-friendly solutions, using a used car is no less practical.
10. Available Vehicle History Reports.
With technology today – car lovers can find detailed vehicle history reports, due to companies like Carfax and AutoCheck. This brings in what can happen and happens when owning a vehicle. Potential factors included in the reports are.
- Previous Owners
- Accident History
- Service Records
- Odometer Readings
Transparency of reports, on used cars, gives buyers a higher level of detail when making decisions risk when choosing a pre-owned vehicle.
11. Financing Choices for Pre-Owned Vehicles.
Financing your pre-owned vehicle has never been easier. Many San Antonio dealers, as well as many local banks, will offer competitive loan rates for used vehicles (pre-owned vehicles), especially for vehicles that are less than five years old.
There are some lenders (some local banks) that will offer zero down payment or low-interest financing on CPO vehicles (certified pre-owned vehicles).
Final Thoughts
The advantages of purchasing a used vehicle in San Antonio go well beyond just saving the initial cost price. The lower insurance and registration costs, diversity of selections and eco-friendly aspects of purchasing a used vehicle all add to the advantages, making these vehicles an easy decision for most buyers.
The San Antonio used-car market is full of competitive options if you are in the market for affordable, reliable, daily driver, family-friendly SUV, or first vehicle. Simply. be sure to:
Do your research,
- Know the vehicle’s history, and
- Buy from an honest, local dealer.
You will get the reliability of transportation, good value, and peace of mind yourself, at much less the price of purchasing a new vehicle.