When you go to a car dealership, you enter the showroom and open one of the display cars. What is your first step? You breathe deeply to inhale the intoxicating 'new car smell.' It's quite alluring, and most people find that they need to buy it, but then they see the high price tag of these Toyota vehicles and turn away.
Most Australians spend over $35,000 on a new vehicle, but used cars are just as good and can cut the cost by about a quarter (or more if you find a great deal). In a sense, you're buying a super expensive air freshener to get that new car smell, and you don't have to!
While there are plenty of reasons to get a new Toyota, buying a used one makes a lot of sense, too. You don't have to focus on buying a vintage car and restoring it, although you may want to in your free time. Instead, you're looking for Toyota models that are reliable, affordable, and have all the bells and whistles you need. Let's figure out what the reasons are for buying a used Toyota.
1. Save Money
You can save so much money by buying a used car. The reason is that new vehicles depreciate quickly. Once you've signed all the paperwork for a new car, drive it away, and ride it around town, it's no longer new. It's considered used, and since that's the case, it's going to be worth much less than what you paid for it, even in just an hour. After a three-year run, your 'new' car is now worth about 54 percent of what you originally paid for it.
That's a huge difference, and it isn't true for all the vehicles out there. Most Toyota vehicles have a better percent of the original value than the typical used car. However, you can see a depreciation of value in Toyota makes, too.
That's not the only way you're going to save money. Typically, you may pay less sales tax, and the insurance costs can be much less, too. Most insurance companies lower the rate you pay to register your vehicle, as well. Money might not pour in from that, but you can bet that you're going to save more money with a pre-owned Toyota than you might with another brand. You've got to choose wisely, though, as there are tons of options, and you crave the top one for your family and needs. Still, regardless of the Toyota model you pick, you're sure to get a good value for it.
2. It's Reliable
Remember in the past, when you could buy a car, and it lasted for a decade or longer? Most automotive manufacturer companies don't do that anymore. Often, they only last as long as five years, and the warranty proves that. You must make the choice to pick the right brand.
Today, Toyota cars are top of the line. Every person wants one because they can take years of abuse and are still reliable. While you've got to focus on the previous owner and what they did to it, you can usually look and see what condition the car is in.
Reliability doesn't necessarily focus on the aesthetic appeal, though most people prefer something that has aged well. Most of the cars on the market now last longer. The manufacturer knows this is what you need, and it's important for you to have something that's going to run for many years to come.
As long as you have it inspected and you focus on routine maintenance, a used car is the right choice when it comes to reliability.
Plus, you're going to obtain the latest safety features without the added costs. They've already been put in the car, so the original owner had to pay the high price for it. You get all the benefits without the headaches.
3. CPO Program
Thanks to those lower payments, leasing is very popular with new automotive buyers. Every time someone leases a vehicle, the warranty stays intact, and they are often careful about when and how they drive. If you check out the rules for leasing, most of them require the person to pay back on the mileage and keep the car in pristine condition. If it doesn't come back that way, they pay more.
Most leases use the three-year term, and routine maintenance is a must. Therefore, people take great care of the car or have to pay significant fines later. When the lease term is over, the car has to be returned and find another home. Typically, the dealership marks it as a certified pre-owned car. To do that, there are many rules, but this guarantees that the car is in 'like new' condition. Cars that are sold through a certified pre-owned program are well-cared for, have lower mileage, and the maintenance is done at each interval.
Toyota offers such a CPO program, which gives you various benefits. Buying one of these cars is a great idea because you get the value you prefer and ensure that it is safe to drive.
4. Vehicle History Reports
The dealership isn't required to provide you with a vehicle history report on the Toyota car you are thinking about buying. However, most of them do because they want you to feel like you're making a great choice on your used car.
You can also go to various websites to get a vehicle history report. It's essential to obtain one when you buy a used Toyota car. Just get the VIN from the vehicle and let the company run some research on it. That way, you are going to know everything there is to learn about the car before you buy it.
Highlights of the information contained within these reports can include:
- Previous registration status (taxi, fleet, etc.)
- Mileage validation
- Number of previous owners
- Accident, repair history
Though a vehicle history report can't tell you every possible issue and concern associated with that particular used car, it can give you peace of mind to know that it's considered a good option. Toyota is the top contender, and most reports show only good things. This information is essential so that you get a great deal and don't have to worry about bad cars that are going to let you down later.
5. Favourable Financing Terms and Rates
The market is ideal right now for those who crave Toyota cars. People usually pay higher interest rates for loans on used cars than newer ones. However, if you've got a CPO vehicle, there could be more attractive financing options.
Typically, you're going to get a 3- or 5-year loan, which is good. It depends on the model you select, so it's best to look around to find the right used Toyota for your needs.
You're going to find that much of the cost can be negotiated, which gives you lower prices on the used cars you want. However, there are plenty of fees associated with financing. You've got to get a great deal so that you feel like you've made the right selection.
Looking for a different car isn't easy, and you need to purchase the best. Therefore, watch out for the fees and know what you're getting into. You may prefer to consider a hybrid, as they may be less expensive all around.
6. Drive a "Great" Car
As you look for the best used cars out there, you already know that a Toyota model is right for you. They've got a lower cost associated with them, and they can provide you with all the features you crave.
Ultimately, when you purchase used cars, you're looking for a great deal. Toyota is the best you can find because it offers safe, reliable, and great-looking vehicles that are meant to last. There's no reason why you can't drive a better car than you imagine; it just means you've got to go searching and focus on the things that really matter to you.
Conclusion
It's possible to buy used cars from Toyota and still get the best safety features and the latest technology. While they may be a year or so older than the newer models, they've still got plenty going for them. There are so many reasons for buying used vehicles instead of new ones. Now is the time to choose the right models for your needs.
Toyota models are some of the best on the market for resale value and many other reasons. You're doing to save money and still have one of the top options for safety. If that weren't enough, you get a great value on any of these used cars from Toyota. Take the time to research the model you want from Toyota and then buy one that's a year or so older than new. Save money, get great financing, and more. Happy hunting for your next Toyota vehicle! You now have the right information to make your search effortless.