What are the pros and cons of car shopping? Ithaca NY | Maguire Volkswagen (2024)

What are the pros and cons of car shopping? Ithaca NY | Maguire Volkswagen (1)

Whether you've already found your next ride or are just starting your search, you don't want to be stuck with a used car that you no longer want to drive. This is probably why you learned about the trade-in process.

Before you start trading in at a local dealership in Ithaca, Corning, and Binghamton, NY, you'll want to know everything there is to know about trading in a car.

To help you with that, our team at Maguire Volkswagen have put together this guide to all the pros and cons of car shopping. Read on and call us when you're ready to start trading!

Benefits of shopping in the car

What are the pros and cons of car shopping? Ithaca NY | Maguire Volkswagen (2)There is no shortage of professionals who will trade in your car. But first and foremost it's about the safety of doing business with a local dealer. They provide a fast and transparent trade-in process that offers much more certainty than an agreement with someone you met online.

In addition, some of the other benefits of trading in your car include:

  • There is no need to create or advertise an online or public sale
  • Fair and competitive offers on your vehicle
  • No waiting between cars
  • The fastest way to get rid of your car
  • Possible savings on repairs and detailing

There is a certain amount of confidence that comes with trading in your car. It is a much more secure process that allows you to deal directly with a dealer in an easy and timely manner. Plus, you can head straight to your next trip because you can choose directly from the dealer's inventory.

Disadvantages of shopping in the car

What are the pros and cons of car shopping? Ithaca NY | Maguire Volkswagen (3)Now, a car dealership may not be the right choice for you. For your specific financial situation, a sale may be the best option. Trade-ins certainly have some drawbacks.

Other disadvantages of trading include:

  • The fixed exchange rate may be lower than you expect
  • You may feel like you have less control over the deal
  • It doesn't take into account any money you've recently spent on repairs
  • Your local dealer may not want or need your car
  • You are limited to your local dealer's inventory

In short, if you want to get rid of your car yourself, you may want to avoid a trade-in. And if you want to choose from a wider range of vehicles, it may make more sense to sell your car yourself.

Tool for trading in a car

What are the pros and cons of car shopping? Ithaca NY | Maguire Volkswagen (4)If a car trade makes the most sense for you, our dealer may be able to help make it a lot easier. We can help you determine the market value of your vehicle before you trade it in.

There are also plenty of online resources that can help you find out how much your car is worth. All you have to do is enter the basic information about your vehicle and you should easily be able to find its estimated value.

You should always have a number in mind before starting the trade-in process, and these tools can be a huge help. Then you can get started finding your next car by using our online application to get pre-approved for financing.

Trade in your car today

When you're ready to say goodbye to your current ride and get behind the wheel of a new, used or certified pre-owned Volkswagen, our team at Maguire Volkswagen is ready to help.

To trade in your car around Ithaca, Corning or Binghamton, New York,call or visit us today!

What are the pros and cons of car shopping? Ithaca NY | Maguire Volkswagen (2024)

FAQs

What are the pros and cons of cars? ›

Cons: Cars do come with inconveniences, such as maintaining registration and finding a place to park. If you own a car and your friends don't, they might want you to give them rides frequently. Pros: Cars are associated with personal freedom for a reason.

What is good about Volkswagens? ›

VWs are mostly solid, responsive, and fun-to-drive cars, with a more premium feel than their competitors. They typically have agile handling, a firm and comfortable ride, supportive seats, and good fit and finish.

What are the pros and cons of trading in your car? ›

Trading in your car can come with several benefits — but you likely won't get as much money for the sale.
  • Pro: Less hassle. A key benefit of trading in your vehicle is that it could end up requiring less work on your part. ...
  • Pro: Reduced taxable sales price. ...
  • Con: Lower offer. ...
  • Pro: Higher sale value. ...
  • Con: More work and time.
May 20, 2022

Why you should buy a VW? ›

Quality and reliability: Volkswagen is known for producing high-quality and reliable vehicles. With a reputation for durability, you can count on your Volkswagen to last for many years to come. Diverse model lineup: Volkswagen offers a diverse lineup of vehicles to fit your lifestyle and needs.

What are 5 disadvantages of buying a car? ›

The main disadvantages of buying a new car include:
  • Higher upfront cost.
  • Rapid depreciation.
  • Higher insurance costs.
  • Unknown reliability (for completely new models).
  • Potential for recalls.
Jan 3, 2023

Are Volkswagens expensive to repair? ›

Volkswagen maintenance costs are slightly above the industry average at about $676 annually. Still, they offer good value due to their reliability and the quality of service provided, especially with options for free maintenance periods and extended warranties.

What are the weaknesses of Volkswagen? ›

Volkswagen Weaknesses

The first and foremost weakness in the SWOT analysis of Volkswagen is its polluted reputation due to the 2015 incident, when in September, Volkswagen got indulged in a scandal of installing software in cars that cheated emission tests.

Is VW a cheap brand? ›

Volkswagen is known for its value-oriented pricing strategy. While the brand delivers high-quality vehicles with advanced features, it often prices its models competitively within their respective segments. This means you get more for your money when you choose a Volkswagen.

What to avoid when trading in a car? ›

Don't put too much money into cleaning and repair efforts. People sometimes try to fix dents on their cars or throw on a new set of tires, thinking it will substantially add to the value of their trade-in. This seldom works. The dealer can usually fix flaws and put on new tires for substantially less than you can.

Should I trade in my car after 2 years? ›

The best mileage range to trade in a car is often between 30-40,000 miles or between two and three years old, before your new car warranties expire. You're more likely to receive a higher trade-in appraisal when it has fewer miles on it and more of its warranty left .

When should you not trade in your car? ›

When Not to Trade In a Car. Although there are exceptions to this rule — as there are for most rules — don't trade in a car that is worth less than what you owe. In other words, if you get less when trading it in than the loan payoff, don't do it.

Is Volkswagen good or not? ›

Volkswagen remains an affordable, reliable brand, albeit with a few hiccups that most automotive manufacturers experience in their lifetimes. The VW brand hails from a lineage of vehicles priced for the average consumer, with average repair costs comparable to Honda and Toyota.

Do Volkswagens have a good reputation? ›

In fact, a recent study by 2021 Consumer Reports awarded each auto brand an average reliability ranking – and Volkswagen scored in the top 25! German car brands, in general, are known for high-quality craftsmanship. Volkswagen is no exception, boasting a lineup that truly goes the distance – and looks great doing it!

Why do people choose Volkswagen? ›

One of the things that most people look for is build quality when purchasing a vehicle. While most brands would claim their vehicles are made with the highest quality materials, Volkswagen has proven that their cars last longer. You will rarely see a Volkswagen that has deteriorated or has a weak and rusted body.

What is negative about cars? ›

It's also heavy on air pollution. cars are a major contributor to air pollution producing significant amounts of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. 80-90% of cars' environmental impact comes from fuel consumption and emissions of air pollution and greenhouse gases.

What is an advantage of owning a car? ›

One of the key advantages of owning a car is that it gives you freedom and flexibility in your travel. You're no longer reliant on public transport or the schedules of others when you want to get around. If you want to go somewhere, you can just get in your car and go.

What are the pros and cons of sports cars? ›

Pros and Cons of Sports Cars

Sports cars have thrilling performance, attractive designs, and a sense of prestige. Still, it's important to consider the higher costs, lower fuel efficiency, and limited practicality associated with these vehicles.

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