Pre-owned cars are great for many reasons, but buyers—with reason—worry about reliability. You want a car that last you as long as you need it and keep you safe while you own it. While you have to consider each individual car’s merits and drawbacks, there are certain companies that have a better reputation for their long-lasting, low-maintenance, and safe models. Our list of some of the most reliable used car brands should help you get your search started.     

Most Reliable Used Car Brands

Honda

Usually upwards of 200,000 miles before they die, Hondas are known for their long-lasting reliability (no wonder they’re so popular!). Bonus: Honda’s reliable cars come with serious variety. Whether you want a compact car, sedan, or an SUV with plenty of room, Honda will have a car for you. Popular models: Civic, Accord, Pilot, CR-V.

Toyota

All those older Toyotas you see cruising around? They’re out there for a reason. Toyota models usually last well past higher mileages, and many consider them unmatched in regards to value and efficiency—a really safe bet! Plus, many of their models have a hybrid option. Popular models: Corolla, Camry, Prius, Highlander. 

Lexus

When you want luxury for less and don’t wish to skimp on reliability, a pre-owned Lexus may be for you. Lexuses feature quiet interiors, plush seats, and enough room for each passenger to sit comfortably. Popular models: LX, ES, RX. 

GMC

Loyal to American brands? Look into pre-owned GMC cars—especially if you want a truck or large SUV. These tough cars are unbeatable when it comes to reliability combined with force. Customers often remark on the cars’ low repair rate and maintenance costs (one perk is that many parts are interchangeable with Chevrolet parts, making repairs simpler). Popular models: Suburban, Sierra.

Acura

Honda’s luxury division stacks up when it comes to reliability. Think about the advantages to the Honda cars mentioned above, and add a bit of extravagance. These cars are great for buyers who want a stylish appearance without sacrificing safety. Popular models: TL, TSX, MDX.

If you’re really a numbers person and have a specific model in mind, look into this Long-Term Quality Index chart to see how certain models compare to the rest.

Remember, the brand itself doesn’t make the car. There are perfectly reliable cars outside of these makes, and—depending on how the previous owner treated it—a certain car from one of these reputed brands may not be the best choice. When buying used, make sure you thoroughly research the cars you’re considering. Stop by our dealership if you want more guidance!

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Looking for your next car, and wanting to buy used? If you live in southwest Missouri, check out Premier Auto Outlet in Rogersville. We have a vast inventory—these reliable brands and more!—and a wide variety of warranties for your new vehicle. We also offer service for all of your automotive repair needs. Give us a call at (417) 753-7575, stop buy and see us at 284 Redbud Street, or browse our inventory online. We look forward to hearing from you!

There’s a lot to consider when buying a used car—age, mileage, condition, and more. To top it off, with all that comes all of the paperwork, too. Among all this paperwork is the very important vehicle service contract. If you’re asking yourself just what is a vehicle service contract, don’t worry—we’ll explain it all. Find out what it is, how it works, why you need it, and more.

What Is a Vehicle Service Contract?

A vehicle service contract is different from a warranty—it's a service plan, an agreement between the consumer (that’s you!) and the auto dealer (that’s us!) that protects you against any expensive or unforeseen repairs your car might need. This may cover some or all of the cost for a repair’s parts, labor, or sales tax once the vehicle’s original warranty expires.

Not every vehicle service contract is the same—you and your dealer will sit down and discuss your individual details when you purchase your vehicle. Most of the time, you won’t even have to pay for your contract in-full at the time of your purchase. You can set up a payment plan over a few or several months to work with your budget.

How it works . . .

Your vehicle service contract will detail exactly what your car is covered for after the warranty expires. If you experience a breakdown listed on your contract, you’ll visit the repair facility of your choice prior to the repairs and they’ll work with us to cover costs according to the agreement—it’s that easy!

Again, there’s no one-size-fits-all vehicle service contract, so you may or may not have to pay a deductible for your repair. Your contract will outline exactly what is and is not covered, so you shouldn’t be surprised with any payments. 

Why you need it . . .

Your warranty will only last you so long! Your vehicle service contract will take the place of your warranty once it expires.

If, in the future, you sell your car . . . 

You can usually transfer your contract to the next owner—including the contract could help sell your car, too! Just let the dealer that administered your contract know you may want to sell the car in the future, and they can ensure it will be transferrable. 

What you’ll need to do . . .

Your vehicle service contract takes care of repairs that are unexpected—i.e., if you’re having engine problems and haven’t gone in for an oil change in far too long, it won’t cover that repair. Your agreement will explain exactly what maintenance procedures you’ll need to take in order for your contract to be valid (they’re usually procedures you should be doing for your car’s health anyways!).

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Looking for your next car? If you live in southwest Missouri, check out Premier Auto Outlet in Rogersville. We have a vast inventory and a wide variety of warranties for your new vehicle. We also offer service for all of your automotive repair needs. Give us a call at (417) 753-7575, stop buy and see us at 284 Redbud Street, or browse our inventory online. We look forward to hearing from you!

Buying a used car is a great option for saving money and avoiding steep depreciation. But with used cars, there’s more to research—you have to look at an individual car’s history as well as what you want out of your next vehicle. One important factor buyers need to consider is mileage. You want your car to serve you as long as possible, after all! Depending on their age and how much the previous owner drove, used cars could have any number of miles racked up. But how much mileage is too much for a used car?

How Much Mileage Is Too Much for a Used Car?

The rule of thumb is that if a car is well over 110,000 miles, it’s probably too much mileage. If it’s under 110,000, keep in mind that the average car drives between 12,000 and 15,000 every year. So, for example, a four-year-old vehicle with 54,000 (13,500 miles per year) is right in the middle of that bracket. Anything above that is considered a high-mileage used car, and anything below is considered low-mileage.

While “low-mileage” may sound appealing, remember that mileage is only one factor out of many when it comes to buying used—it alone doesn’t determine whether you should buy a particular vehicle. A car with high mileage still may be in better condition than a similar car with low mileage. It’s all about the individual car’s history and how well it was taken care of. Some things to consider . . .

•    If the car is older and its mileage is low (say, a six-year-old car with 50,000 miles), that’s not necessarily a good thing. Cars are meant to be driven, and if this car was sitting in a garage more than it was out on the road, its parts could be brittle from lack of use. This could cost extra for youin repairs.

•    Are you planning on reselling in the future? Buying a used car with lower mileage increases both the price you can sell it for in the future, as well as the likelihood that it will sell at all.

•    Cars with higher mileage have lower prices. If your budget is smaller, you might want to look for a high-mileage car in good condition.

•    It is often the case that a newer car will serve you longer, even if its mileage is higher than average.

So, how much mileage is too much for a used car? There’s no tell-all magic number. Low mileage on a car is nice, but don’t assume that a low- or average-mile car is automatically in good condition, and don’t write off the high-mileage cars just because of their miles! Mileage is an important factor, but not the only thing to consider when buying used. Shop smart, and be sure to look into the car’s history.

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Looking for your next car? If you live in southwest Missouri, check out Premier Auto Outlet in Rogersville. We have a vast inventory and a wide variety of warranties for your new vehicle. We also offer service for all of your automotive repair needs. Give us a call at (417) 753-7575, stop buy and see us at 284 Redbud Street, or browse our inventory online. We look forward to hearing from you!

 

Price does not always equal performance—this is especially true in the world of car-buying. Buying a used car is a risky business, but our job at Premier Auto Outlet is to take away as much of the risk as we can. We do this by only offering you the best, most reliable used cars at the most attractive price. Today we've compiled a list of the best used cars under $20,000. Each car is a gem waiting to be polished, so the only question is: what do you want to drive?

Best Used Cars, Trucks, and SUV's under $20,000

How about a truck?

We've got a 2007 Ford F-150 XLT Supercab: built for power and muscle. With a V8 engine and 4-wheel drive, you know this thing can haul whatever you need it to. A truck like this doesn't make it to our lot unless it's proven its durability over the years—it's worked hard in the past, so you know it'll get the job done for you too.

Or maybe something a little more luxurious...

...like a 2010 Lexus IS 250, with all-leather interior, sleek black finish, and a classic design that will never go out of style. A Lexus for $17,995? That's outrageous, you say. Which is exactly why you should scoop this one up while it's still on our lot. On a sunny day, it shines like you wouldn't believe.

Why not a reliable best friend?

Some cars are like golden retrievers: you love them to death and they love you right back, always sticking by your side through the years. We have a 2002 Honda Civic LX sedan, an old reliable hound that needs a forever home. You'll never win the award for Best in Show, but with a friend like this, who needs fame and fortune?

And for the outdoorsy types...

...we have a 2011 Ford Escape XLT. This is a car that is not afraid to get its gears dirty, just like its driver. It's been itching to get off the lot and strike out on an adventure: maybe a trek down to the Gulf, or a trip through the Badlands of South Dakota. Wherever you want to go, this car is with you every mile of the way.

If you need to fit the whole family...

...there's always the roomy 2007 Chevy Suburban LT2 1500. With enough space for your kids and their friends too, there's no limit to where you can take them. A big car with a big presence, it's also got a leather interior and burgundy finish so you can have the most impressive car in any soccer field parking lot.

Or take a walk on the wild side...

...with the fun and sporty 2010 MINI Cooper S. Tired of your boring old 4-door? Need a car with enough personality to match your own? The MINI Cooper is not for those who want to blend in (although you'll be able to fit in without a problem, in any parking space).

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And the list goes on and on. We have cars on the lot to fit your lifestyle, no matter what load you need to haul, or how far your road trip is, or how many kids you need to drop off. All of the best used cars under $20,000 can be found on our main site, www.premierautooutlet.com. Or feel free to give us a call at 417-753-7575. Better yet, come out to our lot at 284 Redbud Street in Rogersville and discover your brand new ride before someone else rides it into the sunset.

Buying a car is a major decision, whether you’re purchasing a new vehicle or a car with a few years on it. It’s also expensive, though a new car will naturally cost more than a used car. As you consider your options, you’ll need to decide whether or not it’s worth it to splurge on a brand new car. Is a new car worth that hefty expense? Will buying a used car save you money in the long run? Is a used car bound to come with maintenance and repair issues? To help you make up your mind, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of buying a used car.

The Pros and Cons of Buying a Used Car

THE PROS

• Less depreciation. A driver buying a new car will see a steep depreciation as soon as he or she drives it off the dealer’s lot. A used car, on the other hand, has a much more manageable depreciation curve.
• Great condition. Buying a used car from a dealership may mean that the auto technicians have already fixed any maintenance and repair issues. If you shop around a bit, you can find low-mileage cars in great condition.
• Researchable history. Companies like CarFax, Kelly Blue Book and Auto Check can give you information about the car you are thinking about buying. And if you have concerns about the title of the car, you can check it with the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System.
• Warranties. You may be able to transfer the original warranty if the car is new enough. In addition, some dealerships offer great warranty coverage for an extra cost.
• Lower costs. Insurance, registration, and taxes are lower on used cars. New cars are subject to a higher state sales tax than used cars, and in some states, buying a used car from an individual requires no sales tax at all.

THE CONS

• Hidden troubles. You have no idea how the previous owner cared for the car. If they didn’t perform regular maintenance or use quality parts, there could be hidden problems you and the dealer don’t know about. Luckily, you can pay a mechanic to inspect the car for you before you buy it.
• Shopping around. If you’re buying from an individual or a local lot, they may not have the make or model you were hoping to find. You might spend a lot of time hunting for the car you want, or you could wind up settling for a car that isn’t perfect.
• Age. Used cars are older, which means they’re more susceptible to breakdowns and frequent repairs. However, this all depends on the vehicle’s age, mileage, and condition. If you’re afraid that you’ll purchase a clunker, simply do your due diligence through research and inspections.

In the end, the choice is yours! Will you take a chance on a used car or shell out the big bucks for a brand new vehicle? Read over these pros and cons of buying a used car, take your time, and explore your options.

Good luck!

Planning to buy a used car? If you live in southwest Missouri, be sure to check out Premier Auto Outlet. Within our vast inventory, you’re sure to find a high-quality vehicle within your price range. Plus, we also offer financing solutions, extensive warranties, and auto repair services at our Premier Auto Service Center. To get started, please stop by our outlet in Rogersville, check out our inventory online, or give us a call at 417-753-7575. We look forward to hearing from you!

What is a vehicle service contract? It is a written agreement between the buyer and seller of a car that protects the buyer, ensuring that they will not have to pay for most unexpected or costly automotive repairs. Different contracts offer varying levels of coverage, so it pays to read the fine print of your contract to make sure that you fully understand the terms and conditions before you sign on the dotted line.

What Is a Vehicle Service Contract?

As we mentioned above, a vehicle service contract is a legal document between the owner of a car and their service provider, and it covers or helps defray the cost of expensive or unexpected repairs. The service provider can be the vehicle manufacturer, the auto dealer, or an independent provider, and the price will vary based on a number of different factors (the car’s make and model, condition, coverage options, the length of the contract, etc).

When your car breaks down, if the incident is covered by your contract, you can bring the car to any repair facility that will honor your contract. The repair shop will contact your service contract provider for payment. If you aren’t sure which repair shops will accept your contract, ask your service contract provider for guidance. Some repairs are fully covered, while others require a deductible.

Do You Need a Vehicle Service Contract?

No, you don’t need a vehicle service contract, but a contract will offer you wonderful peace of mind and minimize the financial impact of unexpected repairs. After all, your vehicle is a sizable investment and the longer it works for you, the better off you’ll be.

Although most new cars come with a manufacturer’s warranty, it won’t last forever. Repairs are covered through a certain age or mileage limit, and then you will have to pay for all repairs and routine service on your own. Unless you have a vehicle service contract, that is. The term of a vehicle service contract usually begins after the manufacturer’s warranty expires, so that you aren’t covered by two contracts at once.

We would also like to note that in many cases, your service contract would be transferrable. This is an added bonus if you’re considering selling your car in the near future and purchasing a new (or used) vehicle.

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A vehicle service contract is, in many cases, a sound investment in the health and life of your car. However, be sure to read the fine print and shop around before you make your final purchase.

Are you interested in purchasing a used car? If you live in southwest Missouri, be sure to check out Premier Auto Outlet. Within our vast inventory, you’re sure to find a high-quality vehicle within your price range. Plus, you can protect your investment with a Premier Auto Outlet vehicle service contract and receive auto repair services at our Premier Auto Service Center. To get started, please stop by our outlet in Rogersville, check out our inventory online, or give us a call at 417-753-7575. We look forward to hearing from you!

The stigma of purchasing a used car has been fading for years. In fact, due to the quality and value offered by used cars these days, some experts say that new cars are only purchased by the very foolish and the very wealthy. After all, if a car loses 20% of its value as soon as you drive it off the lot, why should you waste your valuable money on the limited thrill of purchasing a brand-new vehicle? If you’ve always dreamed of purchasing a new car, you probably aren’t convinced yet, but luckily we have solid evidence to back up our claim. So why buy a used car? Let us explain . . .

Why Buy a Used Car?

As you may have suspected, value is the top reason to purchase a used car. To put it simply, used cars can be a fantastic bargain. Are they all great deals? Of course not. But with a bit of research, you can find an excellent car for a surprisingly low price. New cars, on the other hand, depreciate dramatically as soon as they’re purchased, making them very poor investments. If a used car’s age and past life are a great concern for you, simply find a used car in like-new condition. 

INSURANCE

One of the key factors in determining the cost of car insurance is the value of the car. And since your used car will be worth less than a new car, you will inevitably pay less for insurance.

QUALITY

Don’t assume that every used car is falling apart. Cars these days last far longer than the cars of years past. If you do your research and check your preferred car’s vehicle history report, you can verify its mileage and find out if it was ever in a major accident. You can even have the vehicle inspected to ensure that it is in great condition and excellent mechanical shape. Believe us, you don’t have to sacrifice quality and reliability to find an affordable used car.

WARRANTIES

In the past, buying a used car was a great risk because you were buying a vehicle that had been used (and potentially abused) by another driver. Luckily, these days you can find extended long-term warranties to provide you with peace of mind. 

FEWER TAXES AND FEES

Although your savings will vary from state to state and dealer to dealer, you can certainly expect to pay fewer taxes and fees when buying a used car as opposed to a new car. This includes sales tax, registration fees, shipping charges, destination fees, and more.

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Of course, buying a used car is only a smart decision if you purchase the right car from the right dealership. If you live in southwest Missouri, be sure to check out Premier Auto Outlet. Within our vast inventory, you’re sure to find a high-quality vehicle within your price range. Plus, we also offer financing solutions, extensive warranties, and auto repair services at our Premier Auto Service Center. To get started, please stop by our outlet in Rogersville, check out our inventory online, or give us a call at 417-753-7575. We look forward to hearing from you!