THE USED CAR BOOM: WHY USED CAR SHOPPING IS MORE POPULAR THAN EVER

Not so long ago, people perceived used car shopping as a last resort. If you can’t afford a new car, just shop used, right? Aren’t new cars the gold standard? Actually, Elizabeth and all of the US are experiencing a used car boom – an increased demand for high-quality used cars at great prices. Why would more Americans than ever shop used? Believe it or not, this used car boom isn’t just about price. Here are some of the top reasons why many Americans now prefer to shop used, and why this may be a better investment for you, too.

This year, there’s been a sudden uptick in demand for private transportation as a safe and clean alternative to relying on public transportation. Not having to wait for a scheduled stop doesn’t hurt, either. As ample as public services like buses, trains, and taxis may be in our area, paying per ride can add up to more annual costs than simply buying and maintaining your own vehicle.

That is, if you buy used. Used cars are, by and large, far more affordable than new ones. Brand new vehicles straight out of the factory come at a premium and have higher sticker prices, not to mention higher fees that are tacked onto it. This lower cost alone is reason enough for many Americans to prefer shopping for used cars.

What about maintenance and expensive repairs that a used vehicle may need? If you buy a used car straight from the previous owner in a private sale, who knows what state the vehicle is really in? You could end up taking home a real clunker that costs you more to repair than it’s even worth! However, reputable used car dealerships like Richard Lucas Chevrolet only stock quality vehicles that are ready to go the distance with you. The best dealerships will provide you with a free CARFAX vehicle history report so that you know its full accident, maintenance, and repair history.

Overall, a quality used car may cost as little to maintain as a new car. That means just paying for regular inspections, oil changes, and other affordable services that keep your vehicle in top shape and improve its longevity. Therefore, you save money when you own your transportation rather than paying per ride at a higher rate using public services. Add to that the freedom and privacy of being the one behind the wheel, and there’s no question that you get more value out of owning a used car.

Used cars have long been considered a better investment than shopping new, even while a new car is considered a luxury model. Used cars don’t just have a lower sticker price than new cars do; they’re an excellent investment because they maintain their value well. Most of a new car’s price comes from its spic-and-span cleanliness, lack of previous ownership, and zero mileage. Once you drive away, the car you just purchased has immediately lost these perks and, therefore, much of its value. Used cars don’t experience this sudden dive in value and can even retain much of their purchase price in resale value – provided that you maintain them properly.

Best of all, the increased demand for used cars hasn’t led to industry price-gouging. In other words, used cars are just as affordable as they’ve always been. If anything, they’re a smarter investment than ever, specifically because of this increased demand. Think of it this way: when you trade in a used car at your local Elizabeth used car dealership, you hand over a hot commodity that’s in higher demand than ever. Therefore, you’re likely to get an even better trade-in price now than you would have in previous years.

The definition of a good investment is getting back a good chunk of what you paid. This year, making a smart investment out of a used car is a strong possibility. Just be sure you’re looking to invest your money in the right place.

Used car shopping may be affordable, but like all good investments, it comes with a certain amount of risk. The riskiest way to shop used is to buy directly from the previous seller. Reputable used car dealerships, meanwhile, carefully curate their selection and make sure to only stock quality cars. Their name is attached to what they sell you, after all, and selling you a car in poor condition would be a serious blow to their reputation.

Shopping from a major dealer also opens you up to a wider selection of vehicles, including recent year models from a variety of popular auto brands. You can find cars with higher trims, different specs and powertrains that appeal to you, and added features that are harder to find from private sellers (trucks with added towing packages, for example). A dealership’s service team can help you find the vehicle you need based on what’s on your must-have list: good fuel economy, low price, plenty of cargo space, or anything else.

You might even consider shopping for certified pre-owned vehicles – used cars refurbished by the auto dealer and sold in good-as-new condition with a factory warranty. Chevy certified pre-owned cars are accident-free, have a good maintenance record, and are gently used. In fact, many certified pre-owned cars are trade-ins that the previous owner retained for a short period of time, meaning that they likely have low mileage and little-to-no signs that anyone ever drove it.

A dealership with a larger selection of used and certified pre-owned cars increases your chances of finding exactly what you’re looking for at a price that works for you. Most importantly, though, because large used car dealerships sell a high quantity of vehicles, they can sell their products at lower prices. If you need a financing plan for a used car, you can get it set up through a dealership. Don’t expect a private seller to offer you a secure payment plan.

Used cars are in higher demand than ever, so don’t wait. The right vehicle for your wants, needs, and budget may be on our lot right now. All of Elizabeth, New Jersey, comes to us first for quality used cars that are safe to drive, a good investment, and – most importantly – available at the lowest prices around.

We proudly serve Elizabeth, New Jersey, along with Staten Island, Woodbridge Township, and more. In fact, customers keep coming back to us because of our easy, stress-free buying process. We can also get you approved for a finance offer quickly so that you don’t have to wait to take home a high-quality vehicle.

Our inventory includes some of the most popular Chevrolet vehicles, including quality trucks, SUVs, cars, and vans. Shop used or certified pre-owned, or, if you’re on a tight budget, explore our selection of used vehicles for under $10,000! Then, be sure to come by and see us regularly at our certified service center, where our factory-trained employees can keep your vehicle properly maintained.

Nothing enters our used car inventory unless it’s a reliable, long-lasting vehicle worthy of the Richard Lucas name. When you shop with us, you know you’re taking home a used vehicle that will last you many years. See for yourself why we’re the most popular and trusted used auto dealer in all of New Jersey.