Vehicle Classics

Tips For Buying A New Or Used Sedan

If buying an SUV seems like overkill for your limited cargo needs and a pickup truck doesn’t quite fit your personal style, a sedan may be right up your alley. There are several categories, from small to luxury, and each offers a unique blend of comfort, attractive aesthetics, and practical utility. Most cars in this class are also fuel-efficient while delivering impressive engine performance.

In this article, I’ll provide four tips for buying a sedan. Whether you intend to buy a new or used model, the following guidelines will help you select a vehicle that meets your expectations.

#1 – Consider A Six-Cylinder Engine

Smaller cars in this class typically have 4-cylinder engines. They tend to be more fuel-efficient that larger engines, but the disparity between a 4-cylinder and a 6-cylinder is diminishing. Today’s larger engines are almost as fuel-efficient as smaller ones. Plus, they deliver more power and a smoother ride.

#2 – Pick A Drivetrain That Suits Your Environment

FWD, RWD, or AWD? The majority of cars that are built today come with front-wheel drive. When the roads are wet and slick, this type of drivetrain offers more traction and control than RWD vehicles. That said, rear-wheel drive offers more overall steering control under normal driving conditions. All-wheel drive isn’t as popular as the other two drivetrains, but many sedans come with it. Like FWD, it is especially effective on slippery roads. If you live in a location that receives a lot of rainfall, FWD or AWD cars will provide more control on the road.

#3 – Test The Trunk

Don’t simply judge a trunk by its space. You should also consider how comfortable it is to work with. For example, if you’re a regular golfer, you’ll be loading and unloading your clubs often. Make sure the trunk’s height and design allow you to do so easily. The same is true if you travel often. You’ll be lifting your suitcases into the trunk repeatedly. If it’s too high, it will quickly become an inconvenience. A generous trunk can still be hard to work with.

#4 – Sit In The Back Seats

Buyers often become enamored with a sedan without checking to see whether the back passenger seats offer enough room. Sit in them. You should be able to move the front seats all the way back without significantly encroaching on the back passengers’ leg space. The best way to test them is to first sit in the driver’s seat and adjust it so you’re comfortable. Then, sit in the seat behind the driver to check whether there’s enough space.

Buying a new or used sedan is a matter of personal taste and needs. The cars in this class offer general purpose utility, but that utility can mean different things to different people. Whether you prefer a small 4-cylinder or spacious V8, there is a sedan that can seamlessly fit your style.

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Buying A Car: Old Vs. New

With the economy continuing to roil, and pundits claiming that turbulent times remain ahead, millions of would-be car buyers are putting their purchases on hold. Since I’ve always been a proponent of purchasing used vehicles, I thought it might be time for another column extolling their virtues. If you already have your heart set on a brand new truck or SUV, don’t let me stop you from buying it. For the rest of you, let’s revisit some of the reasons why you may want to consider a pre-owned automotive gem.

They Last Longer

Older readers may remember when the most common retort about purchasing a pre-owned vehicle was “you’re going to buy someone else’s headache on its last legs.” These days, all makes and models are built to last a lot longer than those which rolled off the factory floors decades ago. In most cases, a model that is 2 or 3 years old will run just as smoothly as it did when it was originally purchased.

Depreciation

Ah, yes. Depreciation. The bane of every new car buyer. But, cars have always lost most of their value during the first 3 years. It’s an expectation. Savvy buyers wait a few years and purchase them from owners who bought them straight from the showroom floor. In effect, they let others suffer the consequences of depreciation.

So, how much value will a car lose during its first 3 years? It depends on the make and model. Hondas, world-renowned for retaining their value, can be expected to drop approximately 25% over the first few years. On the other hand, a Ford might drop 35%. In light of the fact that the operational efficiency of cars doesn’t suffer during its first few years, this drop in value makes a pre-owned vehicle even more attractive.

Certification

What if you discovered that you could purchase a great used vehicle for thousands of dollars off the sticker price and someone would guarantee that it worked properly? It’s a tempting offer, right? A lot of pre-owned cars are being sold as “certified.” If the vehicle has been certified by the automaker, that means trained automotive engineers have tested and recalibrated the systems. They bring those systems back to the original specifications that were set by the automaker. Pre-owned models that are certified cost a bit more, but the peace of mind can be valuable.

Old Vs. New

We’ll explore this issue in greater detail in the near future. This decision is particularly important in today’s economic environment. The truth is that most people who purchase new vehicles do so either because they’re seduced by the glossy exterior or they can’t stand the thought of buying used. Keep in mind that vehicles last longer these days, depreciation is inevitable (and expensive), and you can purchase a certified pre-owned model.

Read about other Common Car  Questions like Knowing your Mechanic

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How To Know It’s Time For A New Car

Cars don’t last forever, obviously. Sooner or later, no matter how much you love your vehicle, you’ll be forced to retire it for a newer model. Even if you have maintained it properly, changing the oil every 5,000 miles and visiting the repair shop for routine tune-ups, its days are numbered. Understandably, a lot of drivers don’t know when the pull the trigger, severing the relationship they’ve cultivated over the years. After all, there’s a level of comfort that develops after years of owning a car; handling it becomes practically intuitive.

Today, we’re going to talk about an often sore subject: getting rid of it. Specifically, I’ll explain how you can identify the telltale signs that your vehicle is nearing the end of its life.

Cost Of Repairs

During the first few years, very little goes wrong under the hood. The parts and systems typically perform flawlessly; if something unexpected does happen, the warranty will likely cover it. So, there’s no out-of-pocket expense even if a component fails. However, after six or seven years, it’s not uncommon for the normal wear and tear to begin taking a toll. Your alternator might fail; you might develop a short in the electrical system; or, the transmission may start skipping.

In most cases, the parts won’t be covered by the warranty after that much time has passed. Any repairs or replacement parts will cost you a few dollars (and often, a few hundred). Over time, you’ll find that the systems are failing more frequently, requiring additional trips to the garage. When that happens, it may be time to retire your vehicle.

Is It Safe?

Cars, trucks, and SUVs are built to comply with strict safety standards. When they come off the factory floor, they’re designed to protect drivers and passengers from injury. That said, the systems that are responsible for keeping you safe can malfunction during your vehicle’s twilight years. For example, the airbags might fail to deploy during a collision. Or, your car may develop a short in the electrical system, effecting an important component.

Sometimes, a mechanic can repair the problem cost-effectively. But, as vehicles age, these issues happen more frequently. It may make sense to consider buying a newer model.

The Curse Of Aging Car Parts

Unless you own a high-performance vehicle, you’re probably not budgeting for constant repairs and replacement auto parts. Unfortunately, the older a vehicle gets, the more often these things become necessary. If you’re spending more time with your mechanic than you are with your family, it may be time to put your car out to pasture. Chances are, doing so will not only save money over the long haul, but provide a safer driving experience for you and your passengers.

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