Does Mileage or Age Matter More When Buying a Car?
When buying a used car, mileage is an important factor, but age can be a big factor, too. In some cases, it may matter more.
The norm for the “average” number of miles per year is 15,000 miles. So a car that is five years old with a mileage of 75,000 miles would be considered average. Cars with a mileage that is significantly less would be considered to be low mileage, and cars with more would be considered high mileage.
With that said, purchasing a low mileage car is good, but you need to consider the age of the car, as well. A 10-year old car with just 30,000 miles may seem like a good deal, especially if it had just one owner, perhaps a person who rarely drove it. However, if the car was rarely driven, it could also mean it was rarely serviced or maintained. With age, some parts of a car that are not regularly used don’t age well and may need to be replaced.
When considering the age of a car, it is also important to keep safety features in mind. Modern safety features won’t be available in many older models. If safety is your priority, you may want to consider 2012 models or newer because that was the year the government mandated electronic stability control for all cars. This necessary safety feature maintains the stability of a car on slippery roads or curves. Other cutting-edge car safety equipment followed after that.
So whether low or high mileage, it is important to consider the age of the car and its history – how well the car was maintained and how often it was serviced. As an added measure, you should have the car inspected by a trusted, independent mechanic before purchasing the vehicle.
When in the market for a used car, stop by Carousel Preowned. Carousel Preownedserving Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, North Liberty, Marion, and Coralville, IA is proud to be an automotive leader in our community. We do our best to ensure your complete satisfaction every time you step into our car dealership. This is why we offer the widest selection of used and pre-owned Cars, Trucks, and SUVs and provide true ease of purchase in Iowa.
6 Things to do When You're In a Car Accident
Date: September 13, 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
Over six million accidents occur each year in the U.S. With so many cars on the roads, it could happen to you, so it’s important to know what to do if you are in a car accident. Here are six things you should do if you’re in a car accident.
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When Your Car Doesn't Sound Right
Date: September 6, 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
Some people think your eyes are important for safe driving. It’s true, but you also need your ears to alert you to unusual sounds coming from your car.
After driving your car for a while, you will be able to familiarize yourself with how your car sounds. Be alert to any sounds that are out of the ordinary. The louder and more frequent that sound gets, the more urgent attention it needs. If you continue to ignore these car noises, it could cost you. Read more about some car sounds that can alert you to trouble.
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Basic Do’s After Purchasing a Used Car
Date: August 30, 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
Congratulations! You are now the owner of a new car. The car may be used, but it’s yours! You have performed the needed inspection, you did the research and you were able to negotiate the best price. It’s yours and you are ready for new adventures in your new car.
Most people think once they purchase a car, the work is done and all they need to do is drive it on the roads. Not so. Don’t get carried away by the relief and euphoria you feel after purchasing a car. Read more for some important tips that can help keep you and your new vehicle safe.
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Check Your Car Before Going to College
Date: August 16, 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
Summer is coming to a close and many students are headed to college. That may mean a road trip a few miles away or several states away. So, before you go, read more for a simple road trip checklist you can do a few days before you head to school.
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How Do I Negotiate a Used Car a Dealership?
Date: July 19, 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
You’re buying a used car because you know it has more value than purchasing a new vehicle. Cars that are around two years old are especially a good deal since their new car value has dropped nearly 50 percent from their original sticker price.
In any negotiation, knowledge is power. Once you have an idea of the kind of car you’d like to purchase, do your research on what the car is worth used. Check the Kelley Blue Book or the National Automobile Dealer Guide Official Used Car Guide to get both retail value and wholesale value of the car. Read more to learn how to negotiate on a used car at a dealership.
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When is the Best Time to Buy a Used Car?
Date: July 5, 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
There can be great deals on cars throughout the year, depending on the occasion, the season, the month, the day or even the time of day.
Watch for sales, especially during holidays like Black Friday, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and Columbus Day. Some, but not all three-day weekends can be good times to buy a used car. You may not get the best deal in the months of April, May, June or July. During these times, the weather gets warmer and more car shoppers come out and are ready to spend money, so dealerships may have less incentive to offer discounts. Read more to know when the best time to buy a used car is.
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How to Maintain Your Vehicle
Date: June 21, 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
Whether pre-owned or new, the key to keeping a vehicle healthy and you happy and safe is regular maintenance. Neglecting regular maintenance on your car can lead to a breakdown or, worse yet, a bad accident. It could cost you a lot of money, if not your life.
Here are priorities you need to check regularly to keep your vehicle well-maintained, increase its life span and keep your safe on the road.
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Should I Buy a Used Car from a Private Seller or a Car Dealership
Date: June 9, 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
When you’ve decided you are better off buying a used car instead of a brand-new car, the next question that will come to mind is whether you should buy the vehicle from a private seller or a dealership. Let’s examine the pros and cons.
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Know the Difference: Vehicle History Report vs. Vehicle History
Date: May 25 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
Acquiring a vehicle history report before purchasing a used car can save you a lot of money and headache afterwards. A vehicle history report can be purchased for a fee from companies like Carfax and AutoCheck.com. Other websites, like the National Insurance Crime Bureau, can provide you with the history of a vehicle for free, but they will not provide you with as detailed information.
Whether pre-owned or new, the key to keeping a vehicle healthy and you happy and safe is regular maintenance. Neglecting regular maintenance on your car can lead to a breakdown or, worse yet, a bad accident. It could cost you a lot of money, if not your life.
Here are priorities you need to check regularly to keep your vehicle well-maintained, increase its life span and keep your safe on the road.
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5 Steps to Buying Your First Car
Date: May 17 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
You got your first job and you’re renting an apartment of your own. The next testament to your full independence is to buy your first car. Buying your first car can be overwhelming, but doing research ahead of time will make it less daunting and help you arrive at an informed decision on the best car for you. Read more for a few tips.
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When to Know It's Time to Replace Your Car
Date: May 10 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
Every car, no matter how well-maintained, will reach its limit and sooner or later, you’ll have to decide whether the car is worth keeping, or whether it’s time to look for another vehicle. Read more to know when it's time to replace your care.
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Should You Pay Cash for a Used Car
Date: April 28 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
You’ve done your research on the type of car you want and you are ready to approach the dealer. The question is, will you get a better deal if you pay all cash for a pre-owned car?
A buyer paying all cash may appeal to a seller, but cash may not always be king when it comes to buying a used car. Paying all cash for a car would save you money on interest charges and could save you time in a dealership, but it may not always guarantee that you’ll get a better deal.
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Preparing Your Car to Sell to the Dealership
Date: April 20 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
So, you’re ready to say good-bye to your car. Maybe you want to replace it because it’s giving you more trouble than you want to deal with; or, maybe just want a change - something new or newer.
Of course, you’d like to get the most money out of your car. At Carousel Pre-Owned, we want to help our customers be informed, so here are a few things you can do to prepare your car so you get the most for trade-in.
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What to Include in a Car Survival Kit
Date: April 13 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
At Carousel Preowned, we are proud to be a used car and automotive leader in our community. Our customers are very important to us and our customer care goes beyond purchasing a vehicle; we want you to be safe. We encourage everyone to carry a Survival Kit in their car. In an emergency, it could save your life and the lives of your passengers. Read more to learn what you need in your Survival Kit.
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It’s a rare person who enjoys the car buying process. More often than not, we find ourselves wondering what questions we should ask when we’re at the dealership. And when we do purchase a new car, we wonder “Did I get a good deal?”
Getting a good deal is more than just price. At Carousel Preowned, we want to help our customers be informed; help them know what questions to ask. So, we’ve compiled a list of 15 car buying questions you should ask. Some of these questions may not be applicable to your situation and there may even be more that we forgot, but it’s a start and we hope it’s helpful.
You’re considering purchasing a new or used car, but when it comes to the cost and your budget – what should you know about? For starters, used cars are the most affordable. The average new car can range anywhere from $20,000 to $55,000 according to Kelly Blue Book. While the average used car can range anywhere from a few thousand to the average $13,000.
Beyond the sticker price, it’s smart to get ahead of expenses like maintenance, repairs, parking, gas and more. To get a handle on your budget, determine ceilings for down payment costs, monthly payments, insurance in addition to miscellaneous expenses like parking and gas.Here’s what you need to remember when budgeting for your used car.
If you’re shopping for a used car, you’ll want to understand what types of used cars there are and what to look for before setting out on your search. Here’s a look at the types of used cars and what to consider.
You’re ready to sell your car. You have a few options, some easier than others. You can sell it on your own, privately. This will often get you the most money, however it requires a great deal of time and effort. You can use sites like Cars.com or AutoTrader, which also require time and effort. Or, you can sell your car to a dealership. Here’s what you need to know if you’re selling your car to a dealership.
There are many reasons why buying a used car rather than a new car is a wise choice. But there are also factors that should be taken into consideration before purchasing a used car. Good mileage is one them. But how much mileage is good for a used car? Here’s what to know before purchasing a used car.
If you're buying a used car for your teenager, here are a few things to keep in mind before you go to the dealership.
Buying a car can be a big decision. Making the most of a test drive is a simple matter of common sense, careful observation, and knowing what to look for. Read on for how to prepare yourself for this all-important experience and what to keep track of when taking a car out for the first time.
