With the current economic malaise it is understandable that many people are choosing not to buy brand new cars and instead choosing to buy approved used models. While the new car smell is certainly an appeal, the question remains whether it is a worthwhile investment? Add the high cost of new cars to the levels of depreciation and buying new can be considered somewhat foolish. A far more sensible idea is to look at the approved used cars from dealers such as Ford, Audi, BMW and Renault to name a few. By doing this you will gain a car that is in good working order and good value.



Whenever buying a car it is important to consider as any options as possible. Looking at the entire range of approved used cars at the dealership is advisable. A range is a group of cars that have similar characteristics and features, for instance, the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Citroen C6 could all be deemed saloon cars. When looking at different cars considering how each will benefit your life is also good advice. For example many regard the Audi as having great fuel economy while the Citroen could be described as the safest. These kinds of factors are not always important; in some cases people willchoose the BMW purely out of badge snobbery.

Because of depreciation approved used cars can be considered a better financial option. A recent report showed that levels of depreciation seem to be at an all time high. For instance, a car that is bought new is likely to lose as much as thirty five percent of its list price in the first year alone. In the following five years it is estimated that it will lose yet another thirty percent, the result being that within six years of buying a car, it loses at least half of its value, in many cases more. If the prices of premium motors such as BMWs Mercedes and Audis are considered than a car that cost sixty thousand pounds could only worth fifteen within a decade; no matter where you come from, this is poor financial sense.

As well as the cost of a car, in these times of astronomical fuel prices, fuel economy should always be a consideration. The large off road vehicles that have been popular in the past are no longer a viable transport solution unless you plan on rarely using it. Models such as the BMW X5 fall into this category and in today's climate should be avoided, instead cars such as the Audi A3 or Toyota Corolla should be selected and will have a better fuel economy. Additionally, for those who are acutely aware of fuel issues, hybrid cars can be deemed a worthy option. Cars such as the Prius combine high levels of economy with performance, whilst all the while being friendly to the environment.

Naturally before you buy an approved used car it is advisable to take it out for a test drive. This will let you get a feel for the car, the way it performs and handles. In addition it should also give an idea of any potential problems, although being approved any such issues should be minimal. Remember however not to be sucked into the feel of a car after a test drive, remaining logical in your approach is the best course of action to follow.

Hopefully this information has given those looking for cars good advice. The concurrent theme is that brand new cars are rarely worth the investment and can be seen more as a status symbol rather than a transportation solution. For a logical choice, the approved used route is the most advisable to follow.