Have you heard the old adage, new is always better? Although this might be the case for phones or electronics, consumers may disagree when it comes to used cars. If you are in the market for a used car in the Garden State, you’re not the only one. More people are shopping for used cars than ever before, and there are a number of reasons for this. Let’s take a look at some of those reasons and things you can do to find the used car you want.

• Cash for Clunkers: This federal program was incredibly popular, but it took many used cars off the market. In 2009, to encourage people to buy more environmentally-friendly cars and give a boost to the economy, the federal government bought older cars from Americans in return for a credit. Americans jumped at the chance to get rid of their used cars, and the program was a huge success. Unfortunately, because of this, 700,000 potential used cars were taken off the market.

• The Great Recession: The 2007 Great Recessions hurt NJ residents as well as residents from every other state in the Union. Many of us are still feeling it today, and the last thing we can do is buy a new car. Used cars present a much friendlier option for those looking to save. In addition, many people can’t afford to buy a new car, so they’re holding on to the cars they own now.

• Used Cars Are Getting Better: Before, you would buy a new car every so many years because the car would eventually give out. This is not the case today. Cars made in the nineties and after 2000 are much durable, so it’s very easy to hold on to your car after a hundred thousand miles or even two hundred thousand miles as it’s still getting you where you need to go without much trouble.

Now before you get too sad, there are many used cars for sale in NJ. You just have to know where to look. Luckily, the internet has made it easy to view listings. You can search by the auto maker, the model, the year and a specified zip code. You can also check out your social media accounts. Oftentimes, people will post that they have a car for sale to get exposure without spending money on a listing. Finally, don’t forget to check the old newspaper. Like we said, older isn’t necessarily worse.

Samantha Wideman is part of a team of writers and specializes in writing about current news events.

Print This Page / Download PDF / Email This Page