New Jersey Recovers from Recession; Cars Come First

It's been in the news for a while now that New Jersey was and is one of the slowest states to recover from the recession economically. Legislators have frantically been re-investing government funds in an attempt to stimulate the economy, create jobs, and encourage high school graduates to attend college for the past few years. It may have looked bleak for a while there, but there's definitely a light at the end of the tunnel – when you look at the recent NJ car sales, the soaring number of new vehicle registrations indicates things are starting to look up.

If things continue at the pace they're going – there have been about 198,000 new cars and trucks registered in the state as of May – it seems as though we'll be close to the numbers we saw in the years before the recession in no time. In Bergen County alone, sales are up by 14.6 percent if you compare the beginning of 2013 to the beginning of 2012. That's immense progress, and the new and used car dealerships in South Jersey are excited.

Dealers all across the state are promising to keep interest rates low to keep the signings coming. Considering a car is one of the biggest purchases a household makes, the influx of vehicle purchases is a great sign for the state's economy and dealerships are doing what they can to encourage these sales. According to a dealership owner from North Jersey, far too many New Jerseyans have been tolerating their junkers since not being able to afford replacements; since buyers have begun making the purchases, he believes there is still a lot of demand to be fulfilled and therefore plenty of potential for a strong second-half of the sales year.

How can a New Jerseyan in the wake of the recession replace his or her old vehicle with something more reliable? Look for holiday sales, specials on interest rates, and financing deals. Keep tabs on your local car dealers – the end of the summer season is always rife with bargains.

5 Tips on Buying a Pre-Owned Car

Today, most consumers know that purchasing a pre-owned car is a more practical choice than buying a new one. Therefore, when it comes to buying a used car, there are traditional steps that every buyer should take before making a decision.When buying a used car you have to consider the fact that someone else has owned and driven the vehicle, thus you want to make a smart decision when choosing a used car.  Buyers must check to see if the car is in working condition and research the car’s accident history.  These days some dealerships have Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle programs in which their vehicles undergo mandatory procedures before the buyer tests drives the car.  From safety performance inspection to being repaired and revamped, some dealers will have used cars up to new car standards. 

Ultimately the decision to buy a used car really comes down to what you can afford.  If you are on a tight budget, then buying a pre-owned car will be a decision you will make based on your wallet.  By following the five steps below you will be able to determine if your used car is really worth your buck:

1.)   Analyze your budget.

Before stepping onto a car lot you should know how much money you want to spend on a vehicle.  When analyzing your budget include the price of your car, gas, insurance, and also maintenance. 

2.)    Know what kind of car you want.

Try to have a clear idea of the kind of car you are looking for and what features you want in a car before visiting a dealer. Make sure the used vehicle you want is a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle so you can have new car peace of mind.

3.)    Shop and research your vehicle.

If you already know what car you want, research the vehicle on sites like Carfax or Autotrader.   These sites will provide information on the vehicles in your area that fit your budget and will also show comparable prices on the car’s makes and models.  Learn about the value of Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles for sale in South Jersey.  With this information on the car, you will have a better chance of purchasing a dependable used car.

4.)    Test drive the used car.

Test driving the car is very important.  While you are test driving, be sure to ask the dealer about the car’s history, and whether or not the car is Certified Pre-Owned & comes with a warranty. Keep in mind you should take notes, thus you can cross check when you get home.

5.)     Discussing the asking price.

When you are researching a vehicle, look at the prices. Thus, when you find the car you want, you can use the comparable car prices of the vehicle when discussing the asking price. Keep in mind that the cheapest price isn’t always the best deal when it comes to used vehicles. Weigh the value of Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle programs.

As consumers continue to buy used cars, more and more dealerships are beginning to accommodate the buyer by offering special deals on their fuel efficient cars and hosting special summer events. If you are looking to purchase a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle, be sure to contact your local South Jersey Ford & Chevy dealer, Gentilini Motors in Woodbine, New Jersey.  Our Certified Pre-Owned Programs take the risk out of buying a previously owned vehicle. Driving a Ford or Chevy Certified Pre-Owned vehicle means driving with the knowledge and confidence that the vehicle you purchased has been thoroughly inspected and comes with manufacturer-backed limited warranty coverage.