78 used vehicles for sale near Elkhart, IN

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Grote Automotive used vehicles buying guide

Get the best online car shopping experience with expert used car reviews. Read more to learn about the most important features and important factors to consider when researching Used Cars.

Used Cars Overview

A major consideration as a car buyer is deciding whether to look for a used car or a new car. It's no secret that many new cars lose nearly half their value in the first three years after they're sold. On the other hand, there's the notion that used cars are somehow less reliable than their new counterparts. The truth is that modern vehicles, in general, are more reliable than ever, and many brands have deservedly earned more consumer trust than ever before.

Less depreceation when buying used cars
New cars depreciate by as much as 20% as soon as you drive them off the lot. In the following year, most cars lose up to an additional 10% of their value. By year three, many cars have lost nearly half their original value. Buying a used car that's a few years old means that major loss in value is already over. The most cost-effective way to buy and own a car is to buy a lightly used car after the largest depreciation, and then drive it for as long as you can.
Stretch your dollar further when buying used cars
Buying used cars online, or from a used car dealership, that are a few years older than the current model year can stretch your car-buying dollar, allowing you to move up in trims and options for less money. For example, if you spend $30,000 on a new car, you may discover that the money spent only gets you the base trim in some models. However, if that same vehicle is three years old, you may be able to purchase at or near the top of the trim level for the same amount.
Reliability of used cars vs. new cars
New cars, especially redesigned models, don't have a documented history of reliability. There's a reason why recalls often happen within the first year a vehicle is released. If you buy a used car, more often than not, you'll be able to easily pinpoint the issues to avoid, as well as gain an understanding of models that have dealt with the most issues.
Flexibility when buying used cars vs. new cars
When you buy a used car instead of a new one, it's important to be flexible about what you want and what's most important. With a new car, you can customize nearly everything about it. With a used car, you may have to choose a different color or trim level in order to get better mileage numbers or a cleaner history. You might also have to consider a different model entirely if the model you're looking for is hard to find with the options you want.
Safety features in used cars vs. new cars
Safety technology evolves and develops quickly, which means that new features become available with nearly every model year. Buying used can sometimes make it more difficult to get the latest safety technology.
Fuel economy in used cars vs. new cars
Similar to safety features, newer cars tend to get more fuel-efficient as technology improves. It's important to consider things such as the age of the vehicle, its fuel economy, and the actual savings you can pocket when buying used before committing yourself to a decision.

Disclaimer: As of March 4th, 2020, Grote Automotive Inc applies a Doc Fee of $169.00, plus Indiana Sales Tax and Title Fees, to the final purchase price of every vehicle sale. While we make every effort to ensure the data listed here is correct, there may be instances where some of the options or vehicle features may be listed incorrectly as we get data from multiple data sources. PLEASE MAKE SURE to confirm the details of this vehicle with the dealer to ensure its accuracy. Dealer cannot be held liable for data that is listed incorrectly.