Spring Cleaning

Out With the Old - In With the Used

Spring is here or at least it's near. And there's no better way to rejuvenate yourself than making the old gas-guzzling car in your driveway disappear. Purchasing a vehicle is a great way to invest some of those well-deserved tax returns. The thrill of buying a car can be exciting yet stressful. So many decisions to be made: which make, model, color, size,transmission type are among the many choices you'll need to make. While we can only offer suggestions, ultimately, the decision is yours. But, if you have already decided on a used versus a new vehicle, we are here to help. Many people believe buying new is the best option when purchasing or upgrading a car. Why not if you can afford it, right? Wrong! Affording a new car doesn't mean it's the best choice for you. A well-inspected used car might trump the new car option for several reasons. One major deciding factor is the vast difference in vehicle cost. But, here are three convincing arguments to buying used instead of new:

1. You'll pay cheaper insurance - a new car means higher car insurance rates. Annual insurance rates can run as high as 20 percent of a car original sticker price. Although it may only seem like $20-$30 more per month over the next few years, you could be investing a healthy sum into insurance alone.
2. You'll get the facts - online services like carfax.com and kbb.com (kelley's bluebook) allow you to quickly determine the value of a used vehicle. In just minutes, you can find out a car's maintenance history including if it has sustained any major damage and get dealer certification noting that the vehicle has been re-inspected bumper to bumper.
3. You'll appreciate depreciation - a new car can depreciate up to 20 percent the moment you drive it off the lot. And by year three, that new vehicle is only worth about 60 to 70% of its original value. For a used car, the initial and largest depreciation has been absorbed by its original owner, allowing you to get maximum price value for your purchase.

• You deserve the best value for your hard earned money.
• Used does not have to mean old.
• It's never too soon or too late for spring cleaning.