Used cars: Why even millionaires buy them
Used cars can be such a good value, even people who can afford almost anything buy used cars. About one-third of millionaires drive used cars. Why? One reason is because wealthy people understand a car is a depreciating asset, and most of the depreciation happens in the first few years. A car that's only three years old is still new enough to last while the price at a our Bakersfield CA used cars dealership will be low enough to be a good deal.
More for your money
When you buy a recent model pre-owned car, truck or SUV around Arvin or Oildale, you're probably still getting a nicer design that's similar to a brand-new model. You're also probably getting many of the same kind of performance, safety and tech features that new models have, since those things don't usually change that much from year to year. A used car lets you buy a more upgraded model for less than a very basic new model might cost.
Used cars last longer so it's a better invesment
Obviously a lower price on a used car isn't a good deal if the car won't last much longer. But competition has helped drive carmakers to build better, longer-lasting vehicles with better quality components. The average vehicle in the United States now lasts almost 12 years. A car with 100,000 miles is no longer something to avoid, especially if it's a longer-lasting brand. Mazda vehicles are ranked in the top 15% of all brands for long life expectancy.
Used cars are more reliable, especially if the nameplate says Mazda
For the most recent full model year of 2020, Mazda was named the #1 "Most Reliable Car Brand" by Consumer Reports among all cars sold in America. That means Mazda beat perennial winners Toyota and Lexus, which is pretty impressive. Of course we sell just about every used car brand at Bakersfield Mazda, and nearly all brands are getting more reliable, so it isn't absolutely essential that your next used car is a Mazda. But it sure doesn't hurt.
A used car lets you save on insurance costs
The #1 factor that guides insurance companies in figuring their rates is how much your car is worth. Since a used car, truck or SUV at Bakersfield Mazda costs less than a new model, insurance rates will be lower. That's money you can save every month. A lower selling price also means that you'll pay less in sales tax. The sales tax rate in Bakersfield, CA is 8.25%, which is a pretty hefty number. That means sales tax savings are also pretty hefty.
One more helpful place to save is in registration fees. That fee is .65% of the car's selling price in California, so the lower selling price of a used car at Bakersfield Mazda means registration fees will be less than the same fees for a new car. So you can drive all over Shafter or Wasco, CA with a little more money in your pocket.
Why Mazda is a good brand to look for when you're buying used
U.S. News & World Report has named Mazda as the "#1 Overall Car Brand" for five years in a row. That means used Mazda models from the last five years give you more value for your dollar. Of course, we carry used vehicles from all major brands so shop our complete used car inventory, arrange for a test drive and come see us soon at Bakersfield Mazda, your Bakersfield, CA used car dealer.Â
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Bakersfield Mazda
3201 Bashirtash Drive
Bakersfield, CA 93313
- Sales: 661-328-8000
