Top Myths About Buying Used Cars in Gillette, Wyoming

Nov 22, 2019

Gillette is the county seat of Campbell in Wyoming. The city is the country’s primary producer of coal, contributing 35% of the total energy output of the United States each year. However, the name has no relations to the Gillette razors. From here, you’re just an hour’s drive away from Devils Tower National Monument, one of the state’s most visited attractions.

Recently, used vehicles have been contributing more to the bottom line of the car dealerships in Gillette. This is not a monopoly of the town, as the pattern is true for most states in the US, as well. More and more residents in this 32,000-population county see the value of used vehicles, as long as they meet two conditions:

1. They only had one or two previous owners

2. They are not as battered and abused (mileage)

While the old stigmas surrounding used cars Gillette Wyoming have diminished, there are still some misconceptions about buying a second-hand vehicle.

Here are some of the myths involving second-hand vehicles:

1. They are not reliable — Modern cars are designed to last for a long time. According to Consumer Reports, the average lifespan of vehicles in 1995 was 8.4 years, and now it’s up to 11 years. So you will not have a problem buying a five-year-old car that is well-maintained. It can still serve you for five years or more. Innovations and stricter government regulations also make modern vehicles more efficient.

2. They are very expensive to maintain — This is one of the more popular misconceptions about older cars. While there are indeed some cases where the term “buyer beware” was applicable when the repairs and maintenance quickly racked up, but these cases are rare. More often than not, people take good care of their vehicles.

Here are the most common components that need replacement in older vehicles:

- Oil and oil filters

- Windshield wipers

- Battery

- Lights

- Brake pads and calipers

- Belts

- Spark plugs

- Mufflers

- Sensors

The most expensive components to maintain are alternators, transmission, catalytic converters, camshafts, and fuel pumps. More likely than not, you will be able to resell used cars Gillette Wyoming without spending a dime on these parts.

3. You only need to pay cash — Another common myth surrounding second-hand cars is that you only pay cash. However, you can take out a mortgage on the used car in Gillette, Wyoming. The monthly payment will also be lower. The average price of a brand-new car in the United States in 2019 is $37,000. In comparison, the average cost of a used unit is around $20,000. There are also plenty of discounts and other incentives if you finance your cars. Dealers generally encourage buyers to take out a loan rather than pay cash.

4. The process is complicated — If your papers are in order and you pre-approved your financing, you can drive home the car in a couple of hours or less. The process of buying a pre-owned vehicle is less complicated because most of the requirements, such as insurance and warranty, are still in place.

However, make sure to check with the dealer if there is still a warranty. Nevertheless, it is significantly cheaper if you find a third-party insurance company than be at the mercy of the insurer chosen by the dealer of brand-new vehicles.

Ultimately, the insurance cost is cheaper for older vehicles because you are no longer worried about the depreciation. The depreciation amounts to as much as 25% of the total value of the car after the first year. Meanwhile, insurance companies do not include the depreciation when computing your premium.