Are Used Cars Right for Your Family?

Most families today have at least two cars because they are a necessity. Maybe both parents work, or teenagers have activities they need to get to. For whatever reason, multiple cars in a family is becoming the norm. Are used cars the right choice for your family?

Ask Yourself How Much Driving Will be Done

Buying used is often a good idea if the car won't be driven for long distances. If it will only be used to and from school and activities, a low-mileage used car may be the ideal solution for the student in your family. Many older cars are just as reliable as new models, but with a much lower sticker price. The same goes for anyone commuting a short distance to work.

Consider the Insurance Costs

Insuring a new auto is often, but not always, more expensive than insuring a used car because it's worth more. There are exceptions, such as when a new car has extensive safety features, but if you're considering a used car and new car that are the same make and model, the one that's just a few years old will probably be less expensive to insure.

Will More Than One Person Drive the Car?

How long will you keep the vehicle if you buy a used model? In many families, used vehicles are used for more than one child. If you have two or more teens who will need wheels within a few years, it's a lot easier to buy a third car when you can hand a gently used model down to the newest driver.

Consider Repair Costs

Used autos tend to need more repairs, so be sure to consider repair and maintenance costs as well as car price and insurance costs. Buying a gently used model that has a good maintenance record can reduce repair costs.

Consider all costs, not just the sticker price, to decide whether used cars are the best choice for your family's transportation needs.

ajax loader2