Benefits Of Buying Used Luxury Cars
If you're in the budget for a new car and can afford to buy something new from a dealership, you might also consider the possibility of choosing a used luxury vehicle, like a used Lexus GS 350, for the same price as a new standard vehicle. While you might think luxury cars are no different, there are actually some pronounced benefits from spending what you would have paid for a brand-new ordinary car on something that has a little more quality, but is a few years older.
Here are some benefits that come from buying used luxury cars.
1. Known History
There are some makes and models of cars that turn out to be "lemons"—even in luxury lines. Car-savvy people start to avoid certain car models made in a certain year. When buying new, you don't know yet if your car is one of those lemon years. When buying a luxury car that's just a few years older, you get plenty of features (even low mileage), but you can do your research to know how trustworthy the actual model is.
2. Certified Warranties
One of the appeals of buying new is the warranty you get on many of the car's systems. However, luxury car dealers like to promote their used products, so they inspect and repair their cars to sell them as certified pre-owned. Not only do you still get a warranty, but you might also get service deals from people who have experience working on luxury engines and detailing.
3. High-Quality Features
One of the most appealing benefits of buying a luxury used car is the improved features. In a new standard car, you might get some great modern technology, like rear parking assist, bluetooth connectivity, and back-up cameras. However, luxury vehicles offer a little bit more, including:
- More sophisticated sound systems. You'll enjoy better speakers and more intuitive controls. Luxury car brands were the first to pioneer features that are now standard in all cars, like climate control. Sound systems, even if the car several years older than new, will be better than those in a new mid-range vehicle.
- Finishes. Most new cars from traditional brands look just fine, but the interior is built of vinyl, plastic, and fabric components that help keep it affordable and accessible. These clean fine, but they can start to show wear faster. Luxury brands have leather, wood, and stitched finishes, adding that touch of luxury that lasts much longer.
- Power and handling. Finer engine components can sometimes mean more efficiency and better performance. They will run and feel smoother on the road.
4. Less Depreciation
Finally, if you hope to sell the car someday, a well-cared for luxury model does not age the same as the average Corolla or Fiesta. Instead, the design remains timeless, and the miles don't age the car as quickly. Because these engines, while costing more to maintain, are built with performance and quality in mind, the car may have several years of life beyond your typical car.
5. Specialized mechanics.
Some people might see this initially as a con, but finding a good luxury car mechanic is like finding a diamond in the rough. You always know who will fix your car, and because parts are specialized, you know they are made by the manufacturer specifically for your vehicle, which can be useful for quality control. Certified mechanics in your car brand will have more working experience with your specific car than an average mechanic who works on popular car brands. Maintenance costs can be more as a result, but you always know the work will be high quality, just like your car.
