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Purchasing a used car is a wise decision when you want or need a new vehicle. While many people have safety concerns when shopping for used cars, most cars, trucks, SUVs, sedans, and other vehicles are actually built to be highly safe and durable for a long time. They will also maintain their value without a sharp depreciation. When you purchase a new car, its value sharply depreciates the second you drive it out of the lot. It will continue to plummet in value throughout its first year of use. Used cars, meanwhile, will not lose value so dramatically. Best of all, used vehicles are far less costly than new ones, especially when additional fees are frequently tacked onto the sticker prices of new cars. Shoppers can expect to save tens of thousands when buying a pre-owned vehicle. Of course, these benefits are only significant when you shop smart. Gullible or impatient shoppers may purchase the wrong vehicle for their needs or budget. They may even buy a vehicle that is not safe. Here is a smart shopping guide for all who are shopping for used cars in Shakopee, MN. 1. Learn about the Models Do your research about the cars on the lot. How reliable are they? How highly rated are they? Can it last over 100,000 miles without the need for excessive repairs? Consider looking up each offering in resources like Consumer Reports and J.D. Power and Associates, which collect user reviews, company data, and professional opinions on all major vehicle models. Certain types of vehicles have their weaknesses. For example, a certain sedan may be prone to airbag failure whereas a certain truck may be prone to transmission problems. Prioritize vehicles that perform well in safety tests and have been subjected to few recalls, if any. Of course, there are thousands of vehicles out there so do not task yourself with reading everything about everything; just shop around for vehicles that stand out to you and do your research on those specific ones. 2. Look for Fair Financing The bottom line is the most important piece of information you need when shopping, no matter what you are buying. This is especially true of vehicles because the price range is so wide that you will need to find out what you can afford before making a decision. Of course, this does not mean that you should necessarily make an independent deal with a private seller first. While this may be the cheapest way to purchase a car, a private dealer is not subject to any business regulation and you can find yourself the proud owner of a complete booby trap of a car. Find a dealership that will work with your budget and offer financing with a fair interest rate. 3. Consider a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Certified pre-owned vehicles, or CPOs, are vehicles that are intensely inspected, restored, and tested before being placed back on lots. They will have few, if any, aesthetic flaws--scratches, dents, chipping, etc.--and will likely come with a warranty. While this will be a pricier option, it is still a far less expensive purchase than a new vehicle. CPOs can often be confused for brand-new cars, so why pay more? 4. Ask for the Details All of the information you need to know might not be readily available to you as a consumer until you ask for it. Check the history of any used cars you find for accidents, service details, serious repairs, or title issues. You may find upon researching a vehicle being sold independently that it was previously totaled or was damaged in a flood. Also check for a warranty, what it covers, and how long it lasts. You are going to be driving the vehicle regularly, after all. You need to be sure that your bases are covered. All in all, there are a number of excellent reasons to shop for used cars in Shakopee, MN. While some people have concerns about used vehicles, you will have nothing to fear if you follow the advice above and shop smart.
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