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Deciding to Buy a New or Used Vehicle in Austin, Lakeway, Round Rock and Cedar Park and Surrounding AreasSo its time to buy a new car. Is it worth it to speed the extra and get a brand new one? Or is it better to save your money and get an older, yet reliable vehicle? Both can be purchased from new car, an auction or a private owner. In the case of a used car, you can also look at a used car dealership or superstore.
When making the decision to buy a car, it is vital to analyze your personal situation. First assess how the car will be used. If you will only be using the car to go back and forth to the grocery store, perhaps a used, compact car will fit your needs. If you have a lot of family members or are an outdoor enthusiast, an SUV may be a better choice. Also think in terms of the future. Do you anticipate your children moving away or going to college in the near future? A pick up truck is the obvious choice for hauling significant loads. Who will be driving the vehicle? Are you the only driver? Will there be multiple drivers? This may be a car that will be used by your first child, but remember there are three younger children as well, in which case a newer, more reliable vehicle that will last a longer time is a good choice. It may be a car used for a time, perhaps if you are planning on living in a certain location for less than a year. A used, older car may be a smarter decision for this purpose. What features are desired? Living in Texas , for most of us, air conditioning is a necessity. Do you need or enjoy power windows and locks? What about a sunroof or CD player? Leather or cloth interior? Anti-lock brake systems, integrated seat belts or child protection equipment? Because these features can really change the cost of a car, it is a good idea to know what you want, and a rough estimate of how much those features cost in advance. How much are you willing to spend on a vehicle? Consider how much you want to spend for a car, and then determine how long you want to be paying for it. The amount of time you spend paying the car off, as well as the cost of monthly payments depends on the down payment and your credit standings. If your credit isn’t favorable, you may end up paying more for the car initially. Some people, however simply prefer to pay off their vehicle over a number of years, putting down a very small amount of money when initially purchased. Once you’ve determined these factors in buying a car, make sure to do your homework. Don’t be afraid to test drive several and walk away from a deal if it is not exactly what you are looking for. Any vehicle is a long term investment, you want to know that you made a sound decision based on facts and experience. Ask friends and family members to assist you. Consult with web sites that provide factual information on current prices, features, models and makes.
In addition, practice talking with car dealers. You will get better in your approach in terms of questioning and negotiations each time. This process will help you to determine whether you are more interested in buying a new or used car. When talking to dealerships always know the market value of the car you are considering. This will give you some leverage in allowing you to make an appropriate offer. Start by making an offer lower than the market standard. In most cases, your offer will have to go up but rarely will it go down. It is a good idea to consult with other professionals, family, friends and web sites that specialize in automotive consumer information and pricing to determine a good number to start with. The benefit of having new car for some people is the enjoyment they get from never having a previous owner or being able to have the most current, trendy make. They are comforted knowing that most everything is under warranty, therefore alleviating the stress of repairs and maintenance. However, each day, many people are realizing that the cost of a new car can really be an expense. Today’s new vehicles compare with the cost of a home a generation ago. With a new car, the minute you pull away from the lot, the car has already depreciated.
Due to the severe depreciation of new vehicles and the proven track records of older vehicles, many opt to buy a previously owned car. They feel like they have gotten the most for their money. In some cases, the old owner has had to replace many key parts, therefore it is very possible to get an automobile in better condition than when the seller had it. When considering buying a used vehicle, a concern is that you may be buying into someone else’s problems. Many times someone is selling a car because there is something wrong with it and the price of repair exceeds the value of the vehicle itself. To be sure of this, get a detailed history of the vehicle, including all service and maintenance records. Most importantly, ask if the vehicle has ever been in an accident. In this case, cars are rarely re-built as well as they were built the first time. Also find out about any severe weather complications that may have affected the car such as flood damage. Talk to the owner or dealership about any malfunctions in it’s operating system such as a discrepancy in the odometer. Lastly, take it into a trusted mechanic or auto body shop to get an expert opinion on the condition of the car. For information consult: The Car Book, by Jack Gillis Consumer Reports (April issue) Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine (December issue) Automotive News- gives information on rebates and incentive programs Car Price Network- Offers new car invoice and list prices. The also provide car valuations and produce a report on rebate and incentive programs for a fee. Back to Transportation Services Main Page What do you think? Our goal is to get more and better information out to Austin residents everyday. We can't improve without your help....Please let us know what you like, dislike and what we could be doing better. Email at feedback@austinsmartconsumer.com
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Austin Money Savers Tip When looking at new cars, take into consideration the cost of different features. For example, getting a 2 car vehicle typically costs about $500 less than buying the same car with four doors. Also, assess what you can do yourself. For instance, buying a car with a CD player already installed may be more expensive than buying it without and installing your own. 
Keep in Mind If you find a used car you like, make sure to go to other lots and drive the same make and model. It will give you a good idea of the condition of the one you are interested in. Privacy / Legal + Disclaimer