Monday, December 15, 2014

Pre-owned for Peace of Mind

Buying a pre-owned vehicle can seem like a difficult process. Before certified pre-owned programs were instituted by dealerships and manufacturers, trying to save money by buying a used car was seen as a risky move. However, in the past few years, buying used has become not only safer, but sometimes even preferred. And when working with top-notch, respectable dealerships such as Gentilini's, the process only becomes easier.

What makes buying pre-owned so exceptional? There are many reasons that it can make more sense for you, from the cost, warranties, and financing options to the long life of the vehicles today. However, if you are unsure of what to look for, here are some things to consider when talking to a used car dealer:


àHow does inspection work, and what parts of the vehicle have been specifically examined? Are inspections up to manufacturer's standards?

àDoes your car model of choice have any manufacturing issues or concerns? If there have been issues, find out if the dealership has dealt with the situation accordingly.

àAlso, remember to ask about the details of the vehicle warranty—have all major (more costly) repairs been taken care of? How long will the warranty extend and what does it cover?

àDoes each car come with a vehicle history report? The best dealerships will provide them online or in-person, but you can type in the VIN number at CARFAX and find them independently, as well.

àDo you have an old vehicle? How much is it worth? Even $500 or $1,000 will be helpful when put towards your new car, and will keep your payments lower if you finance.

àHow much has the vehicle in question depreciated? Vehicles lose a significant portion of their value during the first few years and, as most used cars are at least a couple of years old, you can neatly avoid the most costly period of ownership.


In addition to asking these questions, make sure to review all possible resources during the buying process. For instance, you can check out the value of your potential vehicle, the specs, safety information, etc., at sites such as TrueCar.com, Kelley Blue Book, or Intellichoice. These companies have revolutionized the used car market, the buying process, and the legitimacy of pre-owned vehicles altogether. Coupled with Certified Pre-owned programs, these reference sites and guides make used cars a safe, smart choice for any buyer, and take a great deal of the worry out of the process.

Buying used allows you to get the car you want at a price you can afford. However, purchasing a car is always going to be a big decision – one that should be considered carefully. By shopping for certified pre-owned cars in New Jersey, you can get the most for your money, and a vehicle that will last you for years to come. 

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