Benefits of Buying a Used Car with Only 1 Owner

There are so many things to consider when purchasing a used car, and one of those details is how many owners a car has had. The more owners a vehicle has, the more difficult it is to fully understand the history of the car. Many used cars have multiple owners, but there are also many out there that have only had one owner. There are certain advantages to choosing a used car that has had just one owner. 

At Preferred Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Grand Haven, we closely inspect every used vehicle on our lot. We also categorize our used vehicles that have only had one owner, helping you more easily narrow down your search. Learn more about why this is a benefit below, and feel free to check out our inventory as well. 

More Transparent Maintenance History

One of the best things about a vehicle with only one owner is being able to have a better picture of care and maintenance history. It’s easy for maintenance to get lost in translation, and different owners may have had different practices for car care. 

When you get a vehicle with just one owner and that owner tracked details through Carfax, it’s easy to see exactly what they did (or didn’t do) and when they did it. You can tell if it was regularly cared for or whether there may be some lacking maintenance.

It’s so much more transparent and you’re far more likely to have clear documentation of maintenance history this way, rather than a convoluted mess of history. It’s easy to track and verify as well. 

This should help give you some peace of mind and a clear picture of maintenance performed. It could help you anticipate future needs and potentially avoid unexpected repairs as well. 

Lower Risk of Hidden Issues

Buying used cars is often difficult because you simply don’t know if there are hidden issues or something unexpected that could be wrong with the vehicle. When there are multiple owners, it’s even harder to discern potential issues because there could be neglect by previous owners, even when the most recent owner took great care of the vehicle. 

You may purchase what appears to be a fantastic choice, only to quickly find out it wasn’t as good as you thought. Vehicles that are passed from owner to owner to owner and beyond could have varying levels of care throughout their ownership. It could mask wear and tear or mechanical problems simply because they aren’t immediately noticeable. 

With just one owner, you reduce those risks and reduce the likelihood of having much bigger issues that could lead to expensive repairs. 

Better Resale Value

When it comes time for you to sell a used car, there is a lot more room for negotiation when there is only one owner. These cars often have a much higher resale value because they are so much cleaner when it comes to tracing the history. Someone on the purchasing end is likely willing to pay more because the vehicle has a more predictable history than a multi-owner vehicle might. 

A single owner is a great sign of stability and reliability for the prior owner as well as the vehicle itself. When it comes to resale, these vehicles are often more attractive because a lot of the unknown is removed. Plus, with just one owner, the car is probably in better condition, which also boosts the resale value. 

Aids in Extra Costs

All vehicles have extra costs associated with them. This could include costs such as maintenance, car insurance, and car registration. It may also include the cost of financing. In each of these areas, a car with one owner is going to be a benefit. 

Insurance companies look at a variety of factors to determine your premium rates. They often pull reports of care, and a vehicle that shows only one previous owner could help keep your premiums down. 

In addition, your financing may also be more affordable. Getting approved for a vehicle loan is often tied to risk. While there are elements of your personal credit history that are part of this, the vehicle also is a significant factor. A single-owner vehicle is often considered lower risk, which may help reduce financing costs and open up more options as well. 

Invest in a Single-Owner Used Car Today! 

When you’re buying a used vehicle, one that has had a single owner could be a smart and safe investment. It brings some peace of mind to the car buying experience, providing many benefits to your costs, as well as added reassurances of vehicle quality. 

Come check out our single-owner used car inventory at Preferred Chrysler Dodge Jeep of Grand Haven to find the right choice to meet your needs.