Why Used Cars May Be Right For You

New car shopping can be one of the most exciting processes that one can go through. You get to see the latest designs, the most recent technology and all the bells and whistles that accompany the latest in automotive design, plus that new car smell. Unfortunately, new cars are not always in the cards. Some of us, at times, need to look into a different option, and that option is often used cars. Louisville area drivers know that there is no shortage of places to buy used cars. From mom and pop places to massive superstores, the used car buying experience can be just as daunting as searching for a new vehicle.

At McCluskey Chevrolet, we understand that process and how large it can loom in front of you. We also know that it can be just as exciting as buying a new car, if you know where to look. On our lot, you will find dozens of used and pre-owned vehicles, to complement our enormous new inventory. From cars to trucks to SUVs, you will be sure to find just the used car you are looking for.

New, Used and Pre-owned

There are a multitude of reasons for opting to buy a used car over a new one. Sometimes it comes down to a financial decision, sometimes a unique situation in life leads you in the used direction. Check out some of these many reasons below, and if you are in any one of these or similar situations, head over to McCluskey Chevrolet and we can send you on your way in a perfect used vehicle for you.

Roughly seven out of every ten cars purchased in the United States annually is a used car. Needless to say, the used and pre-owned market is booming with people just like you. The most common reason for the surge in used cars is economical, the price is simply better. Used and pre-owned vehicles will cost quite a bit less than a brand new one. But, in all fairness, they still don’t cost as much as they could. Used cars, by definition, have had at least one owner in their lifetime. That means that they will have natural wear and tear, plus mileage and previous work done.

At McCluskey, we absolutely refuse to put a used vehicle on our lot that we ourselves would not be proud to drive. Even though a used car has some literal and figurative mileage on it, it is still perfectly good to get you from point A to point B. Though we can’t speak for our competition, each and every used vehicle on our lot is as road worthy as the ones in our respective driveways.

Taking that concept one step further, a certified pre-owned Chevy vehicle is one that has gone through an extensive examination by certified Chevrolet engineers. The engineers use an exhaustive 172-point checklist that covers everything from interior quality to computer diagnostics to engine performance. If any one of those 172 points does not meet the high quality of the Chevy standard, that vehicle will not be considered a certified pre-owned vehicle.

Certified pre-owned vehicles also must go through a vehicle history report and a road test. Upon satisfaction of this process and the certification by Chevy, this used vehicle will also get a limited warranty. That is a little extra security and peace of mind for those who opt for a certified pre-owned vehicle.

Benefits for New Drivers

There are plenty of other reasons that are not financially motivated for buying a used car. One of the other more popular reasons is teen drivers. If you have a child that just turned 16 and is still learning the rules of the road, it might not be the wisest decision to put him or her in a brand new car. At some point in each of our driving careers, nearly all of us will have at least one automobile accident. Hopefully it is only a minor fender bender, but it could be more severe.

When this inevitably happens, the cost to repair the damage done to a new car will be substantially higher than the cost of fixing a new vehicle. On top of that, insurance rates on a new car (for drivers of any age) are higher, but this is especially true for teen drivers.
Teen drivers also are more likely to have less knowledge or aptitude for vehicle maintenance. If they go too long without performing routine maintenance checkups, like oil changes or filter replacements, they can do catastrophic damage to a vehicle without ever getting into a wreck. So, if you have a teen driver, it may make more sense to invest in a used car and not shell out extra money for a car that is statistically more likely to be damaged by an inexperienced driver.

Lifestyle Changes

Some drivers find themselves in a temporary living situation, where it doesn’t make financial sense to purchase a brand new car. For instance, some people may have to relocate and take a temporary contract job, where they will only be in their new place for a few months or years. After that, they will be moving on to something different. It would make far more sense to buy or lease a used car than invest in a new car that you may not be able to take with them to the next stage in life.

College students are another demographic that used cars appeal to. On top of the obvious financial benefit, college students are in a very temporary place in life. They will be moving on to a different place and (hopefully) tax bracket upon graduation. It makes much more financial sense to invest in a used vehicle to get to and from classes and work than spending money that they more than likely do not have. And, as a reward for years of diligent study, perhaps a graduation reward is a new car.

SUVs and crossovers now make up more than half of the international automobile market. Some of these purchased have been for the purposes of having a second recreational vehicle, for weekend fun. These often have trailers or campers attached to them, as well. It is much more feasible to purchase one of these recreational SUVs as a used car than a new one, if it is just going to sit parked for the majority of the time.

Used cars near Louisville at McCluskey Chevy

Here at McCluskey Chevrolet, we have more than enough used and certified pre-owned vehicles for you to choose from. All of them are high quality, road-worthy automobiles; otherwise, they wouldn’t be here. Come on down and talk to our talented sales staff. We can show you all around each of these vehicles and answer any and all questions you may have. We have the pleasure of selling used cars to people just like you every day, so we know exactly what you are looking for.

You can also visit with our finance department. Here, we can help you get the perfect financing deal to suit your budget. We can also discuss leasing and whether or not that is the way for you. We know that getting a new-to-you used vehicle is a big investment, and we want to make sure that you know exactly what you are entering into. Stop by soon and see what McCluskey Chevrolet can do for you!