Author: Roy Bailey

Have you always thought about getting a Jeep, but haven’t made the move yet? Do you want to invest in a bold new model, such as a Gladiator, but are unsure of whether it’s the best move? If so, then you need to learn all about the benefits of buying a Jeep.

It’s one of the most trusted car brands in the world. All of their models bring value and durability and hold their value extremely well. That’s more than we can say for most car brands.

See below for an in-depth guide on the benefits of owning a Jeep for your next vehicle.

1. They Hold Their Value

For some of you, you’re hoping to purchase a Jeep and drive it into the ground. For others of you, you wish to purchase it, mod it out, have some fun, and then sell it a few years later. Whichever category you fit in, a Jeep can benefit you.

Jeep models are notorious for holding their value significantly better than most brands. Their staple models, such as the Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, and Cherokee offer an especially high ROI.

This is especially important since most new car owners lose up to 20-percent of their car’s value as soon as they drive it off the car lot. This is a vicious process known as car depreciation.

Thankfully, a Jeep model can help you curb the severity of that depreciation; especially if you get in at the right price. Many experts recommend that you purchase a used Jeep that’s 2 to 3 years old, that way you’re buying it at the end of the steepest drop in value.

Then, since the Jeep holds its value, you’ll see a less significant loss. You can enjoy the vehicle for as long as you please, then, when you go to sell it, you can get a worthwhile amount towards your next vehicle!

2. They Have Strong Community

Don’t think that community matters when it comes to cars? If so, then you’ve never driven a Jeep. The community that surrounds key Jeep models will heighten your driving experience.

For example, let’s say that you wanted to invest in off-road wheels for your Jeep Gladiator. Thanks to the strong community of avid followers, you would be able to choose from many strong brands.

You could go over to grid-offroad.com and pick the perfect set of off-road wheels for the Jeep truck that you’re trying to trick out. For some car brands, that would be a taller task.

The cult-like following for Jeep models also makes it more fun to drive. Wrangler owners often build a group to connect with other Avid Wrangler owners who have modified their rides to perfection.

There are also fun events, such as “Jeep Ducking”, where Jeep owners place rubber ducks and place them on the door handle of a fellow Jeep owner. It was initially created by a Jeep owner in Ontario who wanted to brighten the day of other Jeep fanatics during the quarantine.

It’s things like this, while minuscule, that adds to the pleasure of owning and tricking out your very own Jeep.

3. They’re Timeless

As you well know, some car models don’t hold up well after a few years. For example, after the Ford Fusion got its latest redesign in 2012, all of the previous versions’ values went down significantly.

That isn’t the case with Jeeps, partially because they always hold to their classic look. Not to mention that there’s a huge following for older models, which is part of the reason they hold their value so well.

No matter what year you purchase, you’re getting a high-quality, high-performing car. The upfront cost of the car pales in comparison to the return on your initial investment. You can use almost any Jeep model for off-roading as well, although we’d point you towards the Cherokee, Wrangler, or Gladiator for the best results.

4. Awesome Stock Features

Jeep always does it right. They don’t just slack off and turn a profit off the reputation of their brand. They don’t stand pat. They are always looking for ways to implement more features into their models.

These days, their latest models include state-of-the-art safety features such as adaptive cruise control, cross-traffic alerts, blind-spot monitoring, and so much more.

Depending on the trim level that you invest in, you can also get access to off-road upgrades, navigation systems, stereo systems with up to 9-speakers, leather upholstery, and more.

Of course, we always encourage making a few modifications of your own, but the incredible stock features allow you to start from a stronger foundation of amenities!

5. Comfy Cabins

Think back to the last time you rode in a Jeep and were annoyed by the loudness of the cabin… go ahead, we’ll wait.

You probably can’t remember one, why? Because Jeeps have the quietest cabins in the game. They have a huge wheelbase, which allows the vehicle to absorb more of the blow.

The floors are also insulated and padded to reduce the amount of noise that comes in from outside, ensuring you a quiet and peaceful drive on the open road.

Buying a Jeep: The Best Decision You’ll Ever Make

Now that you have seen an in-depth guide on the benefits of buying a jeep and why it’s one of the best decisions you’ll ever make, be sure to use this information to your advantage.

Take the time to browse our website for more articles on buying a Jeep, as well as many other topics that you will find helpful.

If it’s time to replace your old car with something new, modern, and more fuel-efficient, we understand how you must be feeling. Buying a new car is exciting. Most of us use our cars every single day and form a type of relationship with them.

However, buying a car is also a big financial commitment, which adds a layer of stress to the equation. Fortunately, we can teach you what to know before buying a car, which will help you can alleviate some of this stress and anxiety.

This includes personal financial planning, researching vehicle prices, finding the best lender, and of course, purchasing the most appropriate vehicle for your needs.

Keep reading for an in-depth guide of everything you need to consider before buying a car.

Understand the Costs of Buying and Owning a Car

When it comes to what to know before buying a car, one of the most important things to consider is your personal finances. A recent study reports that over half of the nation, 54% of Americans, are living paycheck to paycheck. This is often the result of over-extending ourselves while financing cars, homes, and other purchases.

Therefore, we highly recommend assessing your budget before shopping for a new vehicle. Determine what you can comfortably afford to spend each month. However, there are more vehicle expenses than you might think, such as:

• Monthly loan payments
• Monthly auto insurance payments
• Yearly vehicle registration fees
• Regular fuel costs
• Maintenance and repairs

Make sure you account for all of these costs in your personal financial planning before purchasing your next vehicle. Don’t put yourself under financial strain by investing in a vehicle that’s outside your means.

What to Know Before Buying a Car Through Financing

For most people, buying a car means taking out an auto loan. After all, even people who aren’t living paycheck to paycheck don’t necessarily have thousands of dollars laying around. And for those who do, it doesn’t mean they want to spend it all on an upfront vehicle purchase.

Regardless, most people choose to finance a car. This is a great option for the majority of buyers. Let’s take a quick look at some things you need to know about taking out a loan for a vehicle.

Your Loan Eligibility

First, you need to understand that what you determined you can afford based on your personal financial planning might not match up with what a bank thinks you can afford. Ultimately, it comes down to your credit score.

Your credit score is determined by:

• Your debt and bill payment history
• The types of credit in your name
• Available credit
• Your debt to income ratio
• And more

While it’s possible to get approved for an auto loan with poor or limited credit, you likely won’t be able to get approved for very much money. It also means sacrificing attractive terms and low interest rates. But why are these important?

Loan Terms and Interest Rates

Buying a car through financing means taking out a loan for several years. This is where the importance of your credit score makes itself evident. The higher your credit score is, the lower the interest rates you can obtain.

Lower interest rates can save you thousands of dollars over the length of your loan. For reference, let’s say you take out a five-year vehicle loan for $25,000.

With a 6% interest rate, this loan will cost you just under $29,000 by the time you pay it off. Now, if you get the same loan with a 3% interest rate, it will only cost you $26,953.

If possible, we also recommend opting for shorter loan terms. This will mean higher monthly payments, but less time paying interest.

Know the Difference Between New, Used, and CPO Vehicles

Now, let’s look at what to know before buying a car in terms of age. Obviously, there are new and used vehicles. However, there is also the certified pre-owned option that comes with its own benefits.

To help you understand your options, here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of new, used, and CPO vehicles.

New Car Pros and Cons

New cars are appealing to buyers because they come with the latest features, technology, and safety standards. You also gain peace of mind knowing that the vehicle hasn’t had any other owners. Furthermore, brand new vehicles come with bumper-to-pumper and drive train manufacturer warranties.

However, vehicle prices for brand new models are much higher than their used counterparts. You also need to consider the vehicle depreciation rate of new cars. Brand new vehicles can lose as much as 30% of their value in the first year.

They continue to depreciate 10% to 15% for the next several years. This is because a new, better model comes out annually, making the previous model “old news.”

Used Car Pros and Cons

Now, if one of your goals is to save money, you’ll want to look at used cars. Not only do they come with lower price tags, but you won’t be the one paying for their depreciation. If you buy a used car that’s two or three years old, the worst of its rapid depreciation is over.

Yet, when buying a used car, it likely won’t come with a warranty. If something goes fundamentally wrong, you’ll have to pay for it yourself. Additionally, you won’t have been the only owner and you can’t know for sure how well they took care of the vehicle.

And, of course, buying a used car means settling for older technology. In a vehicle that’s only a couple of years old, this isn’t a huge deal. However, there’s a profound difference between 2021 vehicle models and 2011 vehicle models.

Certified Pre-Owned Pros and Cons

If you’re looking at your personal finances and have determined that your budget lands somewhere between new and used cars, we have some good news for you. Certified pre-owned vehicles are the happy medium between the two.

A CPO is a vehicle that is only a few years old and has limited mileage. It has been refurbished by a certified dealership or manufacturer to a like-new condition. Aesthetically, mechanically, and electronically, CPOs are nearly flawless.

They also come with renewed warranties. Naturally, CPOs are more expensive than used vehicles, yet more affordable than brand new vehicles.

Vehicle History Reports

Before we move on, let’s talk about what to know before buying a car if you’re looking at used or CPO vehicles. You must get a vehicle history report to verify the car’s past. A vehicle history report documents important information, such as:

• Vehicle maintenance
• Damages and repairs
• Factory recalls
• Commercial use history (as fleet vehicles, rentals, or leases)
• Areas of registration
• Number of past owners
• And more

This information is essential for verifying the condition and history of a vehicle before you buy it. Skipping the vehicle history report could land you with a car with a salvaged title, which will make it worthless for resale in the future. It might also have a number of underlying problems.

Consider the Different Vehicle Styles and Functions

Aside from your personal financial planning, you also need to consider your lifestyle when buying a car. The vehicle you buy should complement your life and make it easier.

For example, if you’re mainly going to be using your car for commuting to work, getting groceries, and driving your kids to soccer practice, you’ll want something that gets great in-town mileage. If you have a bigger family, you’ll want something bigger, like a wagon, van, or SUV. You might also want something that makes road trips comfortable and entertaining to keep family members happy for long hours on the road.

Alternatively, if you’re into outdoor recreational activities like hunting, hiking, camping, and boating, find a vehicle that can accommodate these hobbies. For example, you’ll need a powerful truck to haul a camper, boat, ATVs, or some combination of them.

Think about your lifestyle, hobbies, and future before investing in a new vehicle. If you have a growing family, buying a two-door sports car might not be appropriate.

Know Your Options for Vehicle Features

Once you know the basic style of vehicle that you’re looking for, you can get into the finer details of what to know before buying a car. We’re talking about the extra features that come with different trim levels. Most vehicle models come in basic, advanced, and luxury options.

If you’re buying a new vehicle, you might have the option to customize it as you see fit. This way you can include the options you want without being forced into a fully-loaded trim package.

Different features you can choose from include:

• Interior materials
• Entertainment features (speakers, infotainment unit, screens, etc.)
• Safety features (lane assist, automatic braking, external cameras)
• Comfort features (remote start, heated/cooled seated, heated steering wheel, dual side temperature controls)
• Aesthetic features (rim and tires, custom paint, window tint)
• And more

These features will all affect vehicle prices. In this case, buying a used car that’s fully loaded could be a great way to get into a luxurious model while still saving money. Whereas, buying a brand-new fully-load vehicle would be rather expensive.

Research True Car Values

One of the most important things we should talk about regarding what to know before buying a car is the true value of vehicles. This includes both the car you’re interested in buying and the car you’re planning on trading in.

Like any business, car dealerships can’t sell you their products at cost. Otherwise, they wouldn’t make any money. However, this doesn’t mean you should pay exorbitant vehicle prices.

We recommend finding a vehicle you’re interested in at the local dealer or through a private buyer. Then, using the available details, go online to research the car’s value. Important details include:

• Year
• Make and model
• Mileage
• Condition
• Features

These basic details will be in any respectable listing. The fair market value will vary based on if you’re buying through a private seller or dealership.

Using the same source linked above, you can find an accurate value for your vehicle. You can see how much it’s worth to sell privately or to use as a trade-in.

Verify the Condition of the Vehicle

Once you find the right vehicle for the right price, don’t rush into the sale just yet. First, have the vehicle inspected by a third-party mechanic. If the private seller or car dealer says it’s already been inspected, insist on verifying the condition for yourself.

If the seller won’t allow you to have the vehicle looked at, walk away. They might be trying to hide a fundamental, underlying issue. If not, they simply don’t want the sale badly enough to accommodate your peace of mind.

Never Skip the Test Drive

Before we finish up, we need to discuss what to know before buying a car in terms of your personal connection with the vehicle. It’s absolutely essential to test drive a car before buying it. Looking at pictures and videos of a vehicle is substantially different than sitting in it and driving it.

Is the vehicle comfortable and easy to operate. Do you have a good field of vision? Do you like the way you feel sitting behind the wheel?

Aside from these personal preferences, a test drive is a perfect time to ensure everything in the vehicle functions the way it should. While parked, inspect:

• Heating and air conditioning
• Seat adjustments (movement, heat, cooling)
• Radio and entertainment components
• Windshield wipers and wiper fluid
• Emergency lights
• Etc.

Then, take the car out on the road. If possible, make sure you get some highway time on the drive as well. Some issues are only evident at high speeds.

Additionally, check:

• Brake sensitivity
• Cruise control
• Turning radius
• Backup cameras
• Driver-assist features

It’s okay to be thorough when buying a car. Take your time and assess the vehicle adequately. Remember, your safety, and that of your family will be affected by your choice.

Are You Ready to Buy a Car?

Now that we’ve talked your ear off about what to know before buying a car, do you think you’re ready? Clearly, there’s a lot to consider before you make this choice. Between your finances, lifestyle, and personal preferences, you have your work cut out for you.

Good luck in your venture and be sure to consider everything listed in this article. And if you’re after more car buying advice, vehicle maintenance tips, or anything in between, we have more to offer. Before you go, look through some of our other articles to find the information you need.

It doesn’t occur to many people that purchasing a car can actually be an investment that saves them more money in the long run. Many of us always assume that the more obvious answer is to keep using public transportation to save some cash. However, there are cases when having our own car might be the wiser financial option.

If you have never had your own car before, here are some clear signs you need to buy your first one.

Your finances are in order

Many of us always have a poverty mindset, always thinking that we are one purchase away from losing everything again. If you come from poverty as a child, this is a trauma response that you need to unlearn, especially if you’ve already reached a point of financial stability.

Here are some clear-cut signs that your financial life is in order:

• You no longer live paycheck to paycheck. If you no longer have difficulty paying your bills and providing for yourself, then now is the time to take out that home or car loan, especially if you find that you can finally pay for it every month without feeling like you have to downgrade your current lifestyle.
• Your debt is manageable, or better yet, you are free from it. Anyone who has an excessive amount of debt will have a hard time taking on more loans and other financial obligations. If you have finally paid your dues and your debt is at a manageable level, then you might be positioned to finally buy your first car.
• You have a decent credit score. Having a decent, if not good, credit score can not only help guarantee that you will be able to finance a car—it also entails that you might be given a lower interest rate compared to others.

You’ve done the necessary research

When it comes to investing a big amount of money, no research is too much. Here are some things you need to know before deciding on what car to buy, let alone finally deciding to get one in the first place:

• The budget you are willing to and capable of allotting for a monthly car payment.
• How much you’re willing to put down for an initial payment, and how much interest rates can cost you every month.

Doing the necessary research means doing your own feasibility study to see if your current financial situation allows for the purchase of a new car. The research will also help you pin down if you can buy brand new or if you need to settle for a secondhand for now and the make and model you can afford.

Your health is suffering from using public transportation

If you use public transportation regularly and already finding yourself getting sick due to factors such as:

• Being exposed to too much pollution
• The stress of being stuck in traffic while riding a bus or other public utility vehicle
• Not getting enough sleep because you have to wake up earlier to catch the bus

Then maybe having your own car isn’t too much of a financial burden. Getting sick will cause you to spend anyway if you don’t have health insurance, so a car might be able to keep you healthier while you commute to and from work. We can’t deny that taking public transportation can be draining to us physically, since more often than not, we also have to walk long distances. So if you feel like having your own car will help you feel more physically comfortable, don’t deprive yourself of it.

You’re ready to negotiate

If you can see yourself being able to find the best possible price for the car you want, and if you think you have a keen understanding of the financing terms that are most favorable to you as a buyer, then you might be ready to make the big purchase.

You need to be ready to arrive at the dealership with a clear estimate of the prices of the vehicle you want to purchase and any pre-approved loan terms that were provided to you. Remember: While a longer loan period may give you lower monthly payments, it might cause you to pay much more due to interest.

Buying your first car is a big decision that requires so much thought and consideration. Make sure to consult with people in your life you trust who you know have an excellent financial life, do your own research, and weigh the pros and cons. Good luck!