A friend of mine , who coincidentally was in the an automotive industry service trade continually decries the fact that when someone “buys a used car” that why on earth are they denying themselves the pleasure of driving a “brand new vehicle”. This is in spite of the fact that some of the targets he points to are very wealthy people indeed, in the auto sales industry themselves. It can be said that with their perspective in the automotive trades over the time that they know the score – and let someone else take the large first year depreciation hit or write-down. Its all about relative value and comparisons. It can be said that the judgment of these seasoned experts is that the cost that they would have to pay to drive a new model off a showroom lot is not worth the mental benefit to themselves and their egos.

In life no one is right or wrong so to speak. It’s all a matter of perspective, personal needs and experiences – good and bad to the greatest degree and degrees. What those of the new car only buyer group fail to take into account and appreciate is that their own vehicle is “used’ the very second they drive out of the new car dealership sales lot. The rough estimate is that once the car is registered with its VIN number on the books (in these days the state or provincial government auto registration system) that virtually 30 % of the value of the car or truck (as a rough give or take guide) disappears into “thin air”.

Each and every vehicle sold in the world is stamped with a serial number for that particular vehicle. In the English language it’s called the “Vehicle Identification Number” or VIN. In foreign areas of the world the label goes by any of a number of different descriptive automotive terms. The VIN is unique to each vehicle. It’s like a social insurance number in that it is unique. The VIN number on a vehicle is a sequence of numbers. Each specific row identifies a separate record. For example the country of manufacture, year, model type engine type etc.

In addition if you look at used vehicles from another vantage point – they are broken in and tested. The vehicle has a track record and most bugs that often occur in new products have been worked out. The key is to do your homework and narrow down the search to rule out obvious problems and lemons , while as a consumer getting good value overall for your cash outlay. First of all before you start looking figure out your real needs for transportation. Everyone wants a two door sports car or convertible it seems. Yet few find these vehicles practical. Next in line consider your finances. Sit down and figure out your budget. If you have savings to cover cash deal great. In that case don’t forget license, taxes and auto insurance. Don’t leave yourself “car poor”. If you are going the auto car payment financing route figure out again with the help of budgeting techniques and strategies what your maximum monthly payment should be. You might go on the low side and give yourself leeway just in case. If you are unfamiliar with such workups or are squeamish about it, ask a relative or close friend. With these figures in hand its best to be approved before you go shopping. This will give you the best negotiating position by far to drive down to the best deal. You can visit your banker or other financial institution before your shopping spree. If you are pre- approved great. If not you will be made aware of credit issues beforehand and what costs and remedies are, so as you are not left in the lurch. True a dealer may offer you a better deal on the spot as a sweetener to the deal or an inducement. If this is your luck – then great and is to your and your family’s obvious benefit. Then it’s a case of being ahead of the curve and well prepared ahead of the call.

At the end of the day for most auto and truck buyers it’s about getting reliable transportation either for their family or as part of the requirements of their job and family income. Hence when out car or truck shopping it never hurts to be both on the conservative side and also drive home the best deal and overall value. At the end of the day, and at the end of the road it is as simple as that.

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