Deciding between buying new or used is an age-old dilemma for car buyers. Being the first person to ever drive a vehicle has its magic, but many prefer the lower costs and wider variety that come with getting a pre-owned one. It usually helps to do a little research before buying used to determine how you can choose the ideal used vehicle for you.

Used Vehicles for Sale in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

For those living in or near Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who are in the market for a well-maintained used vehicle, it’s a great idea to check out our collection. We have a wide range of makes and models, so customers are likely to find the car that best suits their needs, style, and budget. Our certified technicians inspect every car we sell, and we do our best to make them as affordable as we can. Take a look at our website to view our inventory and schedule a test drive.

Why Should You Buy Used?

There are many arguments in favor of buying a used vehicle instead of a new one. Some compelling ones are:

Used Cars Generally Cost Less

Although it’s fairly obvious, it’s still worth mentioning. The main advantage that used cars have over new ones is that they cost significantly less. It’s estimated that a new car loses as much as 10% of its initial value the moment its buyer drives it off the lot. It also keeps losing between 15% and 25% of its value over the next few years, so a 5-year-old vehicle may cost half of what it did initially. Since we inspect the used cars we sell and ensure they’ve been well-maintained, buying one that’s a few years old for a fraction of its initial price is good business.

Customers Have More Options Within the Same Budget

The number of new cars that fit into a buyer’s budget is often limited. However, the same budget is likely to fit a much larger number of used vehicles. This means that it’s easy to find a car that perfectly suits in every way instead of compromising on various aspects to fit a specific budget.

It’s Easier To Upgrade to a Higher Trim

Buying a used car may also mean getting a model with more advanced features. New models generally come in different trims, with each adding multiple features and raising the car’s price. However, the difference in price isn’t usually so significant when buying used. This means that buyers can get the make and model they want in a higher trim than they might otherwise have afforded.

There Are Lower Additional Expenses

When purchasing a car, buyers pay not only for the cost of the vehicle but also for registration fees, insurance, and other related costs. Since many of these are calculated based on the car’s value, they’re all likely to be significantly lower when buying used.

It Helps the Environment

Finally, buying a used vehicle is a good idea not only for the customer but also for the environment. Building a new car from scratch is a very resource-consuming and polluting process. Since most of the damage it does to the environment occurs during this phase, buying used means getting a car that has done most of its environmental damage already.

What Questions Should You Ask When Buying Used?

Making a good choice when buying a used vehicle may depend on asking the right questions. Some of the questions to get answers to before committing to buying used are:

What’s the Car’s Market Value?

The first thing buyers probably want to know when they’re interested in buying a used car is if its price is fair. There are websites that can help with this. Simply provide relevant information, such as the make, model, year, and mileage, and it’ll generate a rough estimate of the vehicle’s market price. If the price of the car is above the market value, try negotiating a discount with the dealer.

What’s the Car’s History?

Two identical new vehicles may have different values later on due to the way the previous owners have driven and maintained them. It’s crucial to learn as much about the vehicle’s history as possible, so start by finding out its mileage. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, the average car owner drives around 13,500 miles per year. If a car has fewer miles than that, it’s likely to be a good deal. Also, look out for other relevant information, such as its service history and records of any accidents.

Does It Have Any Mechanical Issues?

It’s also important to enquire about the used car’s current mechanical situation. Performing a thorough mechanical inspection can help identify any issues that may not be noticeable until later. If the car has mechanical issues, ask the dealer to take care of them or find another used vehicle.

Is New or Used Better for You?

The answer to that question depends on multiple factors, and it’s ultimately down to personal choice. Some people like the idea of having a car that no one’s driven before, while others want to get the best car they can find within a certain budget. An attractive compromise between the two is buying a certified pre-owned vehicle. They’re relatively new used vehicles that have undergone rigorous technical inspections by certified technicians.

Check Out Our Extensive Used Vehicle Selection

Here at Gerry Lane Enterprises, we offer our customers a large selection of well-maintained used vehicles. Our certified technicians have inspected them, and they’re available at fair market prices. If you’re not sure which one is right for you, our knowledgeable sales team will assist you in finding it. You can also trade in your current vehicle and get credit assistance from our finance team. Contact us today  or pay us a visit, and we’ll help you find your ideal vehicle.