What enables people to be on time for a scheduled appointment,
attend a favorite social event or recreational activity, or just drive
on a pleasant summer day? What machine do many people get
to know as if it were almost a member of the family? What
enables drivers to experience greater freedom? Of course, what
else but the automobile. Or in today's terms: the automobile,
sport-utility vehicle, or minivan.
Some seniors, depending on their situation, must make a
dollar really go a long way.
More and more people are realizing that the cost of new
transportation can really throw a budget into reverse. In many
instances, today's new vehicle prices compare to the cost
of a new home just a generation ago.
Since dependable transportation is a necessity--do not despair;
a two to four-year old used vehicle can be purchased at a savings
of 25 to 50 percent as compared to its cost when new. Additionally,
the number of well-built, dependable vehicles has increased during
the past decade.
When well maintained these vehicles can be driven for many miles,
and they are now available at substantial savings.
The purchase of a dependable, reasonably priced used vehicle
is not a matter of chance or luck, but rather, it is a matter of
knowledge and understanding. Becoming informed is one of the
most important factors in successfully purchasing a dependable
used vehicle at the best price.
Gathering Information
Variety is the spice of life. Certainly, the number of vehicles that
are available today can add spice to one's daily travels. Literally
hundreds of different vehicles are available, but which one is the
best for you? To better determine the vehicle that satisfies your
transportation needs, first take the time to carefully identify your
current and future driving needs, then become aware of the many
available vehicles, and finally, zero in on the vehicles that best
meet your needs.
A vary dangerous frame of mind to be in is to "fall head over
heals" for a particular make or model of vehicle based purely
on emotion. Although some emotion is always part of life, it
is wise to put excessive emotions aside and focus on day-in
and day-out transportation needs.
Some questions to consider about transportation needs include:
Will driving be conducted in poor whether conditions
or off-road (rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, all-
wheel drive)?
How many people will be transported in the vehicle?
What type of objects and cargo will be transported
in the vehicle (space considerations)?
Will driving be conducted in poor whether conditions
or off-road (rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, all-
wheel drive)?
Will stop-and-go or interstate driving be performed?
Thus, is an automatic, a semi-automatic, or a standard
transmission preferred?
Is there a preference for a domestic or a foreign vehicle?
In a sport-utility vehicle, is a more rugged full box type
frame needed for off-road driving, or will a unit-body
type frame be suitable for intended general highway
driving? Additionally, what towing capacity should the
sport-utility vehicle have?
In a minivan, are sliding doors needed on both sides,
the left-side or the right-side of the vehicle for easier
entry and exit?
How much will insurance cost to protect the driver and
the vehicle (consider obtaining an insurance quote before
buying a vehicle)?
What is the approximate amount of money to be spent on
a vehicle?
If you are not familiar with which vehicles meet your transportation
needs, consider visiting a local public library to consult the yearly
publication or the April magazine issue of Consumer Reports. This
objective information source provides technical specifications for
vehicles including the size, weight, engine horsepower, optional
equipment, and miles per gallon of fuel. If technical information is
desired for a specific used vehicle, review the Consumer Reports
issue that matches the vehicle's year (1998 Toyota Avalon--consult
the 1998 April issue of Consumer Reports).
After determining the type of automobile, sport-utility vehicle,
or minivan that satisfies your needs, it is worthwhile to consult
Consumer Reports' frequency-of-repair information to identify
specific vehicles that will likely have fewer future repairs.
Regarding the frequency-of-repair information, if a vehicle of
interest is six years old or less, consult the most recent April
edition of Consumer Reports. If the vehicle is more than six
years old, add five years to the vehicle's year and then consult
that year's April issue of Consumer Reports.
Web discussion groups are also a good source of "from the street"
information for identifying the strengths and weaknesses of specific
vehicles.
It is a good idea to identify at least two or three used vehicles
that meet your transportation needs. Then, instead of being in
a position to only consider vehicle A, you will have the flexibility
to consider vehicle A, B, or C. This increases your ability to
purchase a used vehicle that is in excellent condition at the
best price.
In addition to becoming informed about particular vehicles, it
is worthwhile to learn the approximate prices for vehicles of
interest.
"To obtain a general idea of vehicle prices, consult the current
monthly edition of the N.A.D.A. Official Used Car Guide at a
public library, bank, or automobile dealership.
Vehicle price information can also be obtained by consulting
the vehicle classified sections of major newspapers at a public
library. This is a convenient way to get a read on future prices,
because vehicle price trends usually begin in major cities and
then progress to other areas of the country. The bottom line on
becoming informed about vehicles and prices is to obtain a used
vehicle that is in excellent condition, with a low repair history,
and at a substantial savings.
Identifying Used Vehicle Sources
There are a number of possible used vehicle sources from which
to choose. Rather than becoming overwhelmed with all the
possible sources, keep in mind that each source is actually
competing with the others. Therefore, when shopping for a vehicle,
be certain to let each source know that you are also considering
the other sources.
Continued Next Page
If that automobile of your's is beyond redemption, and you're looking for a new car, don't do anything until you've picked up all the new car buying tips at NewCarBuyingTips,Com.
Go60.Com accepts well written guest articles and editorials. Preferably, we are looking for materials which inspire, or offer wise guidance and tools for living as an older adult. If you would like to suggest a contribution, please write us at contact@go60.com.
