Getting the Best Used Car for Your Needs

Buying a used car is an economical alternative to buying new or leasing. It offers some of the best benefits of buying new, such as being able to sell or trade in the vehicle at the end of its life, coupled with the low cost of leasing. However, deciding which used car is the right one for you can be more of a challenge. The good news is that there are several ways to narrow the field and ensure that you are getting the best car for your money. Gentilini Motors offers these tips to help our customers find exactly what they are looking for in a used vehicle.

Assess Your Budget

Before you walk into our South Jersey car dealership, you need to draw up a budget. This will affect every decision that you make thereafter and will help your dealer to guide you to the right car. Take a look at your fiscal situation right now and calculate how much you have to spare comfortably, and remember to plan for a few unexpected expenditures here and there, such as a plumbing job. Now calculate the car payments that you will be able to afford and be sure to include insurance and gas. If you don't take this crucial step, you may fall in love with and sign for a car that makes every month financially difficult.

Choose a Style

Once you have determined a budget, you can move on to choosing the type of vehicle that you want. To do this, consider your day-to-day needs. Do you primarily drive in the city or the country? Do you have a family or are you planning to? Are you more concerned with style or economy? Do you need to transport cargo or sports equipment? The answers to all of these questions will inform your decision-making process. For instance, if your commute takes you along the AC expressway for a little over an hour, you'll probably want a car with good gas mileage. If you are planning on having at least a couple of kids, you might want a crossover or SUV. The best vehicle might meet somewhere in the middle of all of the things you want and need.

Ask about Each Car's History

When you are buying used, it always pays to find out about the history of any car that you are thinking about purchasing. And we're not just talking about major accidents here; after all, a car that hasn't been maintained properly is one that is much more likely to quit on you early. The good news is that here at Gentilini Motors, we provide a CARFAX report for each and every one of the used vehicles in our inventory. These assessments allow you to see how many times a vehicle has been detailed and what specifically was done, and that, in turn, allows you to make an informed purchase.

Do the Math on Mileage

Don't make the mistake of seeing a low price and jumping at a deal – check the mileage! The average person drives about 12,000-15,000 miles a year, so take the number of years that the car has been on the road and times it by that. For instance, a car that has been driven for three years should have roughly 36,000-45,000 miles on it: if that car has 82,360 miles on the odometer, it will be priced lower because of the inherent wear and tear, and may not last you as long; on the other hand, if the car has only been driven 21,267 miles, you'll get a long life out of it and a great value for your purchase.

If you are looking for the best car dealerships in South Jersey, look no further! With our knowledgeable dealers and amazing bargains, you will be able to easily find the car that suits your needs. Call or contact us today at Gentilini Motors for more information or to schedule a test drive!

When it Makes Sense to Lease a Car

There are many advantages to both buying and leasing cars in New Jersey and, depending on your needs and situation, either one can make sense. However, in some circumstances, one makes more sense than another. So when would leasing be the right choice for you? Here are some circumstances in which leasing is the way to go:

Your Last Car Died Unexpectedly

Maybe you could have saved the money to buy a car, but then something happened that left you with no time: perhaps someone else totaled your car or your engine just up and died, and replacing it would cost more than a down payment on a new car. If you and/or your significant other rely on your vehicle for transportation to work, you may not have time to save the money for either the repairs or a down payment. That's when leasing can really come in handy! Car lease deals in NJ sport either low or no down payment – a big advantage for people caught in one of the awkward situations mentioned above.

You Haven't Been Able to Save for a Car

Maybe you were trying to save money for a car, but things just kept popping up to drain your bank account. From the unexpected hospital visit and your storm-damaged roof to that family wedding that cost you money in gas, hotels, and presents, there just wasn't any money to spare for a new car. Getting a lease will enable you to drive a new, hassle-free vehicle despite your financial difficulties. And by the time the lease is up, maybe you'll have been able to put aside enough to buy the car of your dreams.

You Might Not Have Money for Unexpected Repairs

If you're already contending with lots of unexpected expenses, paying for car repairs won't be something you look forward to. Leasing is a great way to avoid any such possibility. With a lease, you get a brand new car at a low price, and you get a warranty that lasts through the entire term. The warranty will cover most things and your insurance will handle any major damage, so you'll be covered no matter what happens.

You Want/Need a Nicer Car than You Could Afford to Buy

Maybe you want a minivan or SUV for your family. These vehicles are not the cheapest compared to other car types, and some can be downright expensive. While, if you're on a budget, you obviously won't be getting the fanciest model, you'll still want one that's spacious and comfortable. A lease is a great way to achieve this. With a lease, you're paying for a portion of the car based on the sales price, and minus the depreciation it will accumulate. Thus, the car payments will usually be much lower with a lease – and that's to say nothing of the deals and incentives that the dealership will offer you!