Used Car Myths: Fact Or Fiction? | TOC Automotive College

Ask someone who studies in an automobile college, and they’ll tell you that used cars go by many different names. Some also call them second-hand cars or pre-owned vehicles. Besides the various terms, these cars are also attached to many damaging myths.

Some common used car myths say that used cars are problematic and that only old models are available. Besides, people mistakenly believe that second-hand vehicles don’t have warranties and that you can’t get car loans to buy them. These myths are common, but they’re untrue. In reality, you can buy safe, reliable, and almost-new second-hand vehicles at reputable dealerships with financing.

Whether you’re studying at a Whether you’re studying at a top automotive college or just a regular person shopping for a new car, you’ll want to read this guide to the end. Here, you’ll learn about the many used car myths and discover their truth. or just a regular person shopping for a new car, you’ll want to read this guide to the end. Here, you’ll learn about the many used car myths and discover their truth.
What Are Common Myths Of Buying Used Cars?

Before you rule out the possibility of buying a used car, you must first understand the common myths and the truths behind them. That way, you can make a better car-buying decision and save money.

Here are the most common myths surrounding the purchase of used cars:

Myth 1: Used Cars Are Problematic

One of the most enduring myths about used cars is that they’re problematic. People tend to believe that second-hand vehicles are unreliable and break down often. Worse yet, some believe these cars are dangerous, putting their occupants and other road users at risk.

This used car myth has existed for decades, and you’ll often see it mentioned in TV shows and movies. But sadly, this myth exists worldwide and certainly in Malaysia as well.

But is that true?

The truth: Firstly, you must remember that there are high-quality, well-maintained used cars, but there are also bad ones that aren’t worth the cost. The reliability and safety of the vehicle depend primarily on the previous owner and how they maintained the car.

Some people maintain their cars exceptionally well, keeping them safe and reliable despite their old age and high mileage.

Besides that, the reliability and safety of a used car also depend on the used car dealership. That is because most dealerships have high standards for the kinds of vehicles they’ll purchase from people and sell to the public.

Reputable used car dealerships will inspect vehicles thoroughly before they buy them from sellers. That way, they can ensure that they only sell safe and reliable cars to new buyers.

As a buyer, you can protect yourself by only purchasing a vehicle from a reputable used car dealership. On top of that, you can also inspect the car and test drive it to ensure no significant problems with the vehicle.

Myth 2: Only Old Models Are Available

Some car buyers avoid looking at the used car market because of another prevalent myth: used car dealerships only sell old cars. Unfortunately, that myth causes a lot of buyers to miss out on excellent deals when buying their next vehicle.

This myth is another one that has lasted over the decades. It assumes that used car dealerships only sell discontinued or otherwise unwanted models.

On top of that, the myth also assumes that used cars are many years old and have extremely high mileage on them.

As you can imagine, all of this is related to Myth 1 as well. That’s because people assume used cars are old with high mileage, so they’re worn out and prone to failure.

The truth: This myth couldn’t be further from the truth. Naturally, the second-hand car market has many older vehicles whose owners upgraded to newer models.

But people don’t realise that they can also find late-model cars with low mileage.

Remember: people sell their cars for many different reasons, not necessarily because the car is old.

For example, some might sell their relatively-new car because they need the money or decide the vehicle no longer suits them.

Whatever their reason for selling, you can buy that vehicle in almost-new condition but at a discounted price.

Myth 3: Used Cars Don’t Have Warranties

Another reason people shy away from used cars is that they believe those cars don’t have warranties on them, unlike brand-new vehicles.

That myth adds to the fear of what might happen if the used car experiences problems after the new owner purchases it. Of course, that causes people to worry that they might have to fork out more money later to fix the car and make it usable.

The truth: The used car industry has come a long way, even in Malaysia. The second-hand car market is now highly competitive, and dealers that succeed are those offering high-quality products and warranties to support them. In addition, as you read in the previous section, used car dealerships have high standards for the vehicles they purchase and later put on sale.

Leading used car dealerships now offer their own warranties on their vehicles. That’s a way for them to show customers how much confidence they have in the cars they sell.

More importantly, the warranties they offer provide customers with added peace of mind in case the vehicle fails in any way within the warranty period.

While many dealers provide a one-year warranty on their used cars, some also let you upgrade the warranty. For instance, the dealer might have different warranty tiers, each offering extra protection for buyers to enjoy.

Myth 4: You Can Only Buy Used Cars With Cash

Lastly, there’s another prevalent myth that you can only buy used cars. Again, the assumption is that Malaysian banks won’t provide car loans if you buy a second-hand vehicle.

Supposedly, the only way to buy a used car is with cash. But, of course, that would mean most regular car buyers can’t purchase a used car, as that would be too expensive to do using only cash.

The truth: Needless to say, this is another completely untrue myth. In reality, you have just as many options for financing your used car purchase as someone buying a brand-new vehicle.

Firstly, local banks have loan products that cater to used car buyers. So, if your credit score is good and the bank is willing to loan you the money, you can finance the purchase that way.

On top of that, leading used car dealerships can also help you secure financing for your second-hand car.

The bottom line is clear: you can get financing to buy a used car and don’t necessarily have to purchase it in cash.

Final Thoughts

Nowadays, purchasing a brand-new car in Malaysia is quite challenging, even for everyday people. While there’s nothing wrong with buying a new car, you should remember that second-hand cars have plenty to offer.

The myths people tell you about used cars are typically far from the truth. When you shop for one at a reputable dealer, you can get a reliable vehicle and significant financial savings!

You can learn more about the world of cars by checking out the official website of TOC Automotive College, Malaysia’s Best Automotive College!