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What enables people to be on time for an important appointment,
attend a favorite social event or recreational activity, or just drive
on a pleasant summer day? What machine do many people get to
know as if it were almost a member of the family? What enables
drivers to experience an increased sense of freedom? Of course,
what else but the automobile. Or in today's terms: the automobile,
sport-utility vehicle, or minivan.
More and more people are realizing that the cost of new
transportation can really throw a budget into reverse. In many
instances, today's new vehicle prices compare to the cost of
a new home just a generation ago. Since dependable
transportation is a necessity--do not despair; a two to four-year
old used automobile, sport-utility vehicle, or minivan can be
purchased at a savings of 25 to 50 percent as compared to
its cost when new. Furthermore, the number of well-built,
dependable vehicles has increased during the past decade.
When well maintained, these vehicles can be driven for many
miles, and they are now available at substantial savings.
The following tips will help you to get more driving pleasure and
save money on your next used vehicle purchase.
1. Take the time to really identify your transportation needs.
Buying used transportation that satisfies transportation needs
to the greatest extent results in increased driving pleasure.
Also, you will be less likely to get tired of the vehicle and
want to sell it after only a year or two.
2. Consult the April (vehicle edition) issue of Consumer
Reports at a public library. The Frequency-of- repair
information will help you to focus upon used vehicles that
will likely need fewer repairs.
3. At the public library, consult the N.A.D.A. used car price
guide. Checkout the vehicle classified sections of the largest
newspapers in the United States. Vehicle price trends begin
in the major cities and then progress to other areas of the
country.
4. Become aware of when a vehicle will be redesigned.
Get an additional price break by purchasing a vehicle
(the previous design) six months to one year after the
new vehicle design hits the market. Try to avoid buying
a vehicle that will be redesigned soon after you have
purchased it or its price will drop on you.
5. Keep in mind that there are several used vehicle sources
from which to choose: private owners, rental car companies
(some rent sport-utility vehicles and minivans), Internet
sources, bank repossessions, company vehicles, off lease
vehicles at dealerships, etc. Be certain to inform each
source that you are considering the others.
6. Remember that information, knowledge, and
understanding are the keys to driving the best vehicle
for the price.
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