Cars com Used Car - Are They Reliable To Use?

Nowadays, having a reliable car is important for work, family needs, and personal enjoyment. For many people, buying a used car can be a cost-effective way to own a vehicle without the high price tag of a new car. One of the popular sites to find pre-owned vehicles is Cars com. But with so many options available, you might wonder, Is a Cars com used car reliable?

Why Choose a Used Car?

New cars come with their own benefits, like the latest technology and a full warranty. However, used cars have some clear advantages:

• Lower Cost: On average, a new car loses 20% of its value in the first year. By the third year, it may have lost as much as 50% of its initial price. This means that used cars can be significantly cheaper. For instance, a three-year-old car that originally sold for $30,000 might now cost around $15,000.

• Lower Insurance Costs: Because used cars have a lower value, they often have lower insurance premiums. Insurance companies know that the payout for an older car will be less than that for a new car, which helps reduce insurance costs.

• Certified Pre-Owned Options: Many used cars sold through reputable dealers come with a certified pre-owned (CPO) option. This certification often includes a rigorous inspection and warranty, providing extra peace of mind for the buyer.

Are Cars com Used Cars Reliable?

Cars com is one of the largest online car marketplaces, with thousands of listings from both dealerships and private sellers. To determine if a Cars com used car is reliable, it’s important to consider several factors:

1. Vehicle History Reports: Many listings on Cars com come with access to vehicle history reports, such as those provided by CARFAX or AutoCheck. These reports show important details about a car’s past, like accident history, title information, previous owners, and maintenance records. Studies show that cars with clean histories are much more likely to be reliable.

2. User Reviews and Ratings: Cars com includes reviews and ratings from both experts and users. You can see how a specific make and model has performed for others. According to data from Cars com, models with higher user ratings are often more dependable, with users reporting fewer repairs and issues over time.

3. Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Options: Cars com has a variety of certified pre-owned vehicles available. CPO cars undergo extensive inspections, usually covering hundreds of points, from engine performance to exterior condition. Many CPO programs also come with warranties, which can cover repairs for a certain time or mileage.

4. Mileage and Age: Generally, cars that have been well-maintained and driven less than 12,000 miles per year are considered more reliable. A report by J.D. Power found that cars with high mileage are often at greater risk for repairs, so it’s wise to check the mileage on any used car you’re considering. Cars com makes it easy to filter cars by mileage and age to find one that fits your needs.

5. Trusted Dealerships and Private Sellers: Cars com allows users to buy directly from dealerships or private individuals. Although both options have their pros and cons, dealerships often provide a bit more reliability, especially when it comes to CPO vehicles.

Tips for Buying a Reliable Used Car on Cars com

When you’re ready to buy, here are some tips to help make sure you find a reliable car:

• Set a Budget: Decide how much you’re willing to spend. Remember to include the cost of insurance, registration, and potential maintenance.

• Do Your Research: Check reviews for the specific make, model, and year of the car you’re interested in. Cars com provides detailed user reviews and expert insights, which can be helpful.

• Inspect the Car in Person: If possible, inspect the car yourself or hire a mechanic. A professional can spot potential issues that might not be obvious.

• Use Car Delivery Services if Necessary: If you find the right car, but it’s located far away, you don’t have to limit yourself. Many buyers now use car delivery services to transport vehicles over long distances. Car delivery service providers handle the transportation for you, so you don’t have to worry about making a long trip to pick up your car.

Why Consider a Car Delivery Service?

One of the benefits of buying a car online is the ability to find a specific car, even if it’s in another city or state. Car delivery services can transport the vehicle directly to your home. Here’s why many buyers choose this option:

• Convenience: Instead of traveling to the car’s location, which may be far away, you can arrange for a car delivery service to handle the transportation. You can spend your time focusing on getting the best car, not on how to bring it home.

• Reduced Risk: Professional car transport companies are equipped to safely transport vehicles without adding mileage or wear. This keeps the car in better condition than if you were to drive it yourself over a long distance.

• Cost-Effective for Long Distances: Driving a car across states might require fuel, meals, or even a hotel if it’s far enough. When you add up these expenses, a car delivery service can be more affordable than expected.

Numbers on Used Car Reliability

Statistics show that used cars today are more reliable than ever. According to a study by iSeeCars, about 12.9% of used cars sold today reach at least 200,000 miles, compared to 11% a decade ago. This improvement reflects advancements in technology and materials, as well as better manufacturing standards. Moreover, data from J.D. Power reveals that 72% of buyers believe used cars are a better value than new cars, thanks to lower prices and strong reliability.

Additionally, cars with regular maintenance schedules are shown to be up to 30% less likely to experience major breakdowns than those without. If you’re buying from a reputable seller on Cars com and the vehicle has a clean history and strong ratings, it’s very likely you’ll end up with a reliable car.

Buying a used car from Cars com can be a great way to save money and still get a reliable vehicle. By taking time to review the car’s history, mileage, and condition, you can make a confident choice. Remember to consider car delivery services if your chosen car is far away, as they add a layer of convenience. With careful planning, buying a used car can be a smart and rewarding experience.

An article writer focused on the auto transport industry.