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Buying a Used Car in Queensbury, NY

Emotions run wild when you’re shopping for a used car in Queensbury. Part of you feels excited to get behind the wheel of something new, but you also get those nerves about selecting the right financing options. And then, you have big questions like, “what in the world is a certified pre-owned car?” or, “Is leasing worth it?”

Don’t worry any longer, we’ll cover your biggest questions about buying a used car in Queensbury. And, when you’re trying to find the right ride for you, head to DELLA Auto Group for a test-drive.

Certified Pre-Owned vs. Used?

When looking for a used car in Queensbury, you’ll often see these two terms. Here’s a quick breakdown of what they mean.

Certified Pre-Owned (CPO)

Like the name says, CPO cars are used cars. But they also follow these criteria:

• They’re in exceptional condition
• Low mileage (usually less than 80K miles)
• No major cosmetic defects
• Everything under the hood works properly
• Still backed by manufacturer warranty

So, you still get many of the perks that you would from a new car. Factory-trained mechanics make sure a used car meets all CPO qualifications. And while CPO requirements vary by manufacturer, you can still be sure you’re receiving a vehicle in stellar condition.

By contrast, a used car is any car that was previously owned. It can include a classic with more than 300K miles with no manufacturer's warranty. Or, it could be a CPO with 14K miles. Used is an umbrella term that varies greatly.

Car Lease vs. Car Loan

Now that you’ve found the perfect used car in Queensbury, you need to find out how you’re going to finance it. Here are your two most common options.

To lease a car, you start with a down payment and a lease period. Usually, this will last 2-3 years. During the lease period, you’ll make monthly payments. Once your lease ends, you return the car. You can almost think of it as a long-term car rental. Keep in mind that you’re also limited to the number of miles you can drive your leased car during the lease period.

On the other hand, car loans start with you borrowing money from your bank (or other financial institution) and paying for your car over time. Once you make all your payments the car is yours. With a car loan, you can drive your vehicle however many miles you desire. Modifications are also fair game. Feel free to switch out the stereo, get a paint job, tune out the engine, and replace the wheels. Again, it’s your car. You’re also free to sell your car for monetary profit at any time. But you’ll still need to pay off the loan if you haven’t already.

Should You Lease, or Take out a Loan?

Now that you know the difference between the two, it’s time to decide which is right for your budget and lifestyle. Consider these factors before you finance a used car in Queensbury.

When you lease, you can switch out your car at the end of the lease period. In some cases, this can be as short as a year—that’s a good thing if you like change and short-term commitments.

By contrast, a car loan is better if you plan to drive your vehicle for the next 100K+ miles. Since you own the car, you won’t need to trade/sell it until you’re ready. When you lease a car for business, you might be eligible for a tax write-off. But in most cases, you need to prove you use your car exclusively for your work. Speak to your accountant for more info. However, remember that you can only drive a leased car for a certain number of miles. This is great if you use it to commute 20 miles to work five days a week. But, if you need a car for cross-country treks, a loan may be your better option.

Also, if you plan to modify your car in any way, consider a loan. When you lease, permanent changes are often off-limits. But again, with a loan the car is technically yours—do with it what you please. In most cases, leasing a car for three years costs less than a three-year loan, but you’ll need to balance this payoff with the number of miles you’re allowed to drive. It’s best to also account for each vehicle’s EPA-estimated fuel economy to get an idea of gas costs.

Visit Our Used Car Dealership in Queensbury

Interested in buying a used car in Queensbury, NY? Then visit DELLA auto group to test-drive any vehicles that have your attention. We have a massive selection of used cars in the Queensbury area. Get behind the wheel, and find which is right for you.

Our goal is to help you find the right vehicle for your lifestyle. Feel free to ask our team any questions you have about used cars and financing them. We’re happy to help in any way possible. We look forward to your visit.