How to know it’s time to shop Colorado Springs used cars
How do you know when to buy another car? Is now the right time to finally get something new to you in Colorado Springs? You may have thought you’d be driving ole’ Betsy until she finally died on the side of the road, but that may not be the best decision in the long-run.
The decision to buy another car has more factors to consider than simply whether or not the engine starts in the morning. Consider these four reasons to shop for your next used car in Colorado Springs.
Is it time to look for used cars in Colorado Springs?
4 Questions to Help You Know
1. Do you have safety concerns?
Updated Safety Features
Power steering, breaks, a seatbelt, and working locks aren’t the only safety features you need in your car. According to Consumer Reports, if you don’t have at least a backup camera, electronic stability control (ESC), front and rear collision warnings, and curtain airbags (not just the one that pops out of the steering wheel) it’s definitely time to start shopping Colorado Springs used cars!
Looking for even more safety measures? Consider shopping for a used car with lane assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and automatic braking which assure additional accident prevention. Reviewing the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety to see how your current car ranks in crashworthiness and crash avoidance may further validate your need to buy a safer vehicle.
Rusted Parts or Frame
Does your car have rust? While cars in Colorado Springs thankfully aren’t ranked the rustiest in America, rust can still be present on brake lines, fuel lines, and fuel tanks, causing major damage. Structural damage caused by rust can also be a safety concern. Not sure? Schedule a maintenance check today to ensure your car is still safe to drive.
2. Could you save money?
Do the price tags at dealerships have you hesitating about a new used car? Total up the amount of money you’ve spent in the last 3 years on your current vehicle repair, and you may think again.
A year’s worth of monthly payments:
What are the repair costs compared to 1 year’s worth of monthly payments on something newer? Annual repair bills should not exceed a year’s worth of car payments. For example, if you’ve already spent $2,000 and now you need to spend another $2,500, you’d be ahead to consider a new vehicle. This would be the same as having a $375 monthly car payment – $4,500 in a year.
The car’s current value:
What are the estimated repair costs compared to the vehicle’s current worth?
If your current used car is only worth $4,000 and your repairs are adding up to $3,500 it’s time to stop fixing it! More repairs are likely coming. If you’re not sure, a good full-service team of mechanics will be honest enough to tell you what repairs may be coming down the pike soon.
What’s your fuel economy:
How much could you save in gas prices each year with a newer used car? Are you still driving a gas-guzzling van that once toted everyone’s kids to Colorado Springs soccer games or puttering around in your aunt’s ancient car? The U.S. Department of Energy estimates you could save $460 a year by going from 20 mpg to 30 mpg. Use their handy tool to determine how much you could save over a period of 5 years if you bought something with better gas mileage.
3. Do you want new features?
If you geek out over new technology, then there’s always a newer car to be had, but rather than buying something brand new and having it depreciate immediately, you should check out Colorado Springs used cars for an upgrade. Many of today’s cars on inventory still have extensive bells and whistles.
Audio might be the first thing that comes to mind with upgraded technology: Bluetooth connections, a better stereo, wireless phone charging, and touch screens. These don’t just improve sound and ease of use but provide additional safety, so you aren’t fiddling with your phone while driving. And with a foot control trunk opener, you won’t have to decide between dropping your phone or all your groceries.
Do you want a carbon fiber truck bed? Maybe just a tailgate step or trailer backup assist would be nice! If you’re looking for more temperature comfort, seats aren’t the only thing you can have heated now. There are also heated steering wheels for those frigid Colorado Springs winter mornings; your hands will thank you. And, once you’ve tried out cooled seating, the hot, sweaty days of summer will be gone.
Other great technology including remote starters or remote smart parking assist would also improve your ride.
4. Has your lifestyle changed?
With all the changes in work from home, you may be commuting way less than before and now find yourself heading to the mountains to camp more often. You need space for all that gear in the back! Now you just have to decide, do you want an SUV or a truck?
Maybe your kids and their friends are now driving themselves around Colorado Springs in their own cars and you don’t need your 7-passenger vehicle anymore. It’s finally time for a smaller car.
Or conversely, your tiny compact car from your bachelor days won’t fit all the new baby gear that is headed your way now that your family is expanding.
Extensive Inventory of Colorado Springs Used Cars
Whatever your reason for wanting to shop Colorado Springs used cars, Mile High Car Company has a car for you. We provide a vehicle history report with every vehicle in inventory and offer a standard 3-month, 3,000-mile powertrain warranty for most every vehicle. With flexible and diverse financing options, there’s no reason you won’t be able to get a new-to-you vehicle!