Remember These Factors When Choosing Between a New and Used Car

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When you decide it is time to update your old car or get your first one, you will need to decide whether you want a new or used vehicle. Either option has its benefits, but it is harder to choose today than it used to be.

Considering TechnologyUsed Car Birmingham

One important thing to consider when choosing between a new and used Toyota or another model is the technology. In today’s modern world, technology and safety features tend to advance quickly. This means that if you want to have all the latest features available, you will always need a new car. At the same time, it also means that if you just want the basic technology features, like Bluetooth, USB, and auxiliary audio inputs, you can save a lot of money. Since technology advances so quickly, used models with fewer tech features tend to be significantly cheaper due to depreciation.

Pricing

Probably the biggest reason Birmingham drivers choose a used model over a new one is the price. You can easily save thousands of dollars simply by choosing a used version of last year’s model as opposed to the newest one. This makes used or pre-owned vehicles the ideal choice for those on a budget. When considering price, however, don’t forget about fuel economy. Newer models tend to do better in this respect, although the difference is not always significant. In some cases, however, you may end up saving enough money on gas over the car’s lifespan to make up the difference you pay. This is only true, however, when the new and used models are in different generations or include major updates.

When you head to Limbaugh Toyota in Birmingham, Alabama, the team can work with you to figure out how a used car is the better choice for you and show you the wide selection of options.

Simple Steps to Protect Yourself When Buying Used

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If you aren’t careful when buying a used car, you may find yourself getting a bad deal or buying a vehicle that is in poor shape. Many shoppers fall into the same traps or simply forget a few key things to do, but by being aware of these things, you will already be ahead of the game.

Check for Title WashingTitle Washing Limbaugh Toyota

In title washing, the seller will either forge a car’s title or simply use a blank or stolen title. Frequently, this is done to hide the history of a car if an insurance company declared the car as a complete loss because of damage. The best way to avoid this is to make sure you get a vehicle history report using the VIN. While checking information with the VIN, also double-check that the National Insurance Crime Bureau doesn’t have the car listed as stolen.

Examine for Damage

Although it may seem obvious, taking the time to check a used car for damage is worth mentioning. This crucial step should involve a Birmingham mechanic you can trust and is important because a vehicle report may not include all the paintwork or bodywork. This typically happens if the car was fixed without using insurance.

Avoid Deposit Schemes

You should never put down a deposit on a used car unless you are buying it from a dealership or person you know and trust. Some scam artists request a deposit with a wire transfer so the car can be released from another country or so they can “hold” it for you. This is nearly always a scam.

The best way to protect yourself when buying a used car is to buy it from a trustworthy dealership. At Limbaugh Toyota in Birmingham, Alabama, we have a reputation you can count on as well as a large selection of used models.