Are Used Cars Reliable?

If you're searching for a vehicle that fits your budget and lifestyle, buying used may be the way to go. They are affordable, yes, but are used cars reliable?

The team at Val-U-Line® will break down the reasons why you can depend on a used car for your everyday commutes. Then, keep reading to learn how to find a dependable pre-owned automobile.

What Makes a Used Car Reliable?

There are a lot of factors that go into a used car's reliability, which can begin before you even drive the car home.

Less Depreciation

It's a pretty known fact that new vehicles start to depreciate the moment you drive off a dealership's lot. In the first two years of owning the car, it could lose as much as 30 percent of its value.

When you buy used, though, the car has already gone through this initial depreciation phase. Therefore, you could buy a luxury vehicle at a non-luxury car price. Your car may even gain value depending on what brand it is. This can greatly help you out should you decide to sell or trade it in down the line.

Can Look into Their History

Used cars get thoroughly inspected ahead of time-especially if they're certified pre-owned. Not only that, but you also can see what kind of work it's had done in the past among other things.

Many pre-owned models come with a vehicle history report, often from CARFAX®. This lets you look into a car's past, including:

• Number of previous owners
• Whether it's been in an accident
• If it's been properly serviced

By looking into a used car's history, you can see just how dependable it is.

Longer Lasting Performance

Automobiles are being designed to last longer than ever. It's now becoming more common to find a used car that continues to perform well after 100,000 miles.

Even older models can be free of dents, scratches, or wear and tear. They can also still be in great mechanical shape. This all depends on how well the previous owner took care of the car. If they got it inspected when needed and kept the cabin clean, then you should be able to enjoy it for a long time.

Furthermore, many pre-owned vehicles still have part of their original warranty. You may even be able to get an extended warranty on your new ride. In total, you could get coverage for as much as 100,000 miles. This can give you great peace of mind for any maintenance or repair work your used car may need.

How to Find a Steady Used Car

If you're searching for a pre-owned car, make sure to create a budget ahead of time so that you know what you can afford. Then, check out a dealership's inventory to see what they have available.

It's good to look at the offerings online so you can see photos and read the listing of specs and features. You'll also want to ask for a vehicle history report since that can help narrow down your options.

Finally, one of the best ways to find a reliable used car is to take a test drive. When you're on the road, test outs its performance and braking. Also, make sure that all the buttons and controls are easily accessible and work correctly.

In completing all these steps, you're sure to find a dependable pre-owned automobile in no time.

Shop for a Reliable Used Car Today

At Val-U-Line®, we offer a plethora of reliable used cars. It's just a matter of deciding which one would fit your lifestyle.

Contact us to test drive any of our pre-owned models and start searching for your dream ride today.