‘Used Cars Are Bad’ & Other Car Buying Myths to Rev About

The internet is a powerful tool for people to share information. But with the power of the internet, it’s also easy to get information mixed up or outright wrong. It can be difficult to explore all the posts on Facebook and Reddit about cars, but some myths are more common than others when it comes to used cars. We’ve compiled some of these myths in this blog post, so you can ignore them when you hear them from your buddy.

MYTH # 1 – USED CARS ARE BAD

Buying a used car is a normal practice. Just because you buy something second-hand doesn’t mean that it’s not going to work.

Many people prefer to buy used cars for various reasons – say financial constraints or environmental concerns. They get more for less, and the initial purchase price is lower than getting a new car.

MYTH # 2 – THE LESS I PAY FOR MY CAR, THE BETTER DEAL I GET

This only applies if you plan on keeping your vehicle for an extremely short period or you don’t care about your safety and will drive around like it’s a death trap (because that’s what driving in a death trap feels like).

Buying a high-quality used vehicle may cost more initially but could save you money in the long run because it doesn’t depreciate in value like brand new vehicles.

MYTH # 3 – BUYING A CAR IS EASY AS PIE

You don’t need to have an MBA from Harvard or be fluent in Mandarin Chinese to buy a used car, but you do want to put some thought into it before purchasing.

This is no different than buying other big-ticket items such as TVs and sofas. You wouldn’t just go to a furniture store and buy the first one you see, would you?.

You need to do some research, read reviews, get feedback from friends and family, and take your time.

MYTH # 4 – USED CARS ARE MORE LIKELY TO BREAK DOWN ON THE WAY HOME FROM THE DEALER’S LOT

You should never judge an entire category of products by a few examples (it leads to confirmation bias). While it’s true that some used cars are lemons, this is not always the case.

Just like buying a new car where you might get lucky and have no issues or unlucky with repairs for years afterward, so too can be said about buying an older model vehicle.

If manufacturers take care of their product lines (which all should), there shouldn’t be any particular risks buying a used car.

Take the time to learn about cars, research good deals and make an informed decision before you buy. If you fear having no warranty protection against unexpected repairs, consider purchasing an extended warranty for peace of mind (not as much risk if it’s paid up-front). A little preparation helps tremendously when it comes to car shopping.

Buying a used car can be nerve-wracking, but the process doesn’t have to be painful. When you’re ready to buy a used car, don’t hesitate to stop by Jim Ellis Buick GMC, serving Dunwoody, GA, and we’ll make sure it’s as easy as possible for you! We have an excellent inventory of used cars for sale, and our experts will be delighted to serve you.