Thursday, June 30, 2016

Used Cars and Recalls- How to Protect Yourself

 
 
 
There is really no way around the fact that vehicle recalls have been on the rise lately.  From the Takata airbag issues, which have affected millions of vehicles from several manufacturers, to the Volkswagen diesel scandal, it seems as though it is as likely as not that a used car has had some sort of recall issued.
 
As a used car shopper, it is important to know if the vehicle you are buying has had the appropriate recall work done.  At Driver's Choice, we use the AutoCheck system, so you can know what work has been done.  As a consumer, put your own mind at ease- ask the questions.  We take pride in our systems to make sure that we are selling you a car that is safe, so we welcome your inquiries.  If you  ever encounter a dealership that isn't willing to answer questions regarding recalls, it should be considered a red flag.  You want your dealer to know everything possible about the vehicle they are selling you.
 
We have a state-of-the-art service department here at Driver's Choice, and we are certified to do recall work on the vast majorities of brands. If you own a vehicle, whether you purchased it from us or from somewhere else, our service department would be happy to run a VIN check on your vehicle to see if it has any current recalls that need to be addressed.  Or, you can use our simple online recall checker. 
 
 
 


Why Plug-in Vehicles Make Great Used Cars

 
Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) vehicles have been around long enough now that we are starting to get some really useful- and encouraging- data on their value as used vehicles.
 
Hybridcars.com recently wrote an excellent article on the bargains available when looking at used plug-in vehicles.  Even with large federal rebate incentives (up to $7500), the new prices on these vehicles can still keep them out of the affordable range for many consumers.  Since many manufacturers are offering excellent lease deals, there are many more of them coming back into the used market, making them more affordable.
 
According to the article, a "near-new" Nissan Leaf averages just $12,533, compared to the new cost of roughly $30,000, which includes the $7500 federal rebate incentive. 
 
 Hybrid cars are also some of the fastest-selling vehicles on the market, though, so buyers need to active if they are looking for a specific model.  The Toyota Prius, for example, is the fastest-selling car on used dealer lots, with an average selling time of just 19.7 days, which is twice as fast as the average for a near-new car. 
 

We have a great selection of pre-owned hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles here at Driver's Coice.  Take a look at our inventory and schedule a test-drive today.