Whether you’re buying a used vehicle for the first time or you’re jumping from driving a manual, automatic cars are becoming popular on the roads. But is it worth it to get an old automatic car? Read this post further to find out.
Is Buying An Old, Used Automatic Car A Good Thing?
In general, old automatic cars are still good, but it depends on your definition of old. If the used automatic vehicle you’re eyeing is a younger model, then there is little to no problem with it. However, when you say old, and really mean an “old” automatic car, you may experience some issues along the way especially on its maintenance. The rule of thumb here is, the older the automatic car, the less reliable it may get. This also applies to used manual vehicles.
One thing that you should also consider when you really want to buy an old automatic car is the price. Older automatic cars like the 1992 Mazda 626 and the 1999 Mazda Xedos are considered collector’s items. Since these vehicles are scarce, you may not want to drive them around (if your purpose of buying is to use them, not collect). If you do drive it around, use it with caution, even if the seller says it’s okay for commuting. Why? Because looking for car parts when you need a replacement can be a nuisance.
One more thing to consider when looking for good old automatic cars is their tech features. Understandably, really old automatic cars have more outdated tech features, as opposed to the latest ones. When you opt for the more vintage vehicle, you may find it hard to look for tech parts. Making it a “use with caution” all the more.
Buying Old Automatic Cars: Good Tips To Consider
Buying a used automatic car is a good idea. However, choosing the right old automatic vehicle can be a daunting task. To be fair, the level of stress you have to put through when choosing cars whether brand new or used, is more or less the same.
Even though most Americans are driving more automatics right now than manual transmissions, you still need to be very cautious when purchasing an AT, especially a used one. To help you out, here are some excellent tips to consider when buying used automatic cars.
Know Your Budget
Knowing how much you need to shell out for your initial purchase is the simplest one to consider. All you need to do is to look at your bank account and your wallet. When you have a figure in mind, this is the best time to research good automatic vehicles to purchase.
Where to start? You can check used vehicle condition reports and take a look at the valuation meter. Valuation meters determine the average price of a used vehicle by collecting real-time information from the Internet. The car valuation tool will then assess the average cost of a particular vehicle. This way, you would be able to determine whether the price of a used automatic car fits your budget. Make sure to check out the Carketa Marketplace for a shopping platform that includes all this information.
Is It Safe?
The trouble with old automatic cars is that you can never guarantee their safety. It’s not ideal to buy a used car that may look good on the outside but has lackluster safety features. Most of the latest automatic transmission cars have advanced safety features. However, we can’t say the same with older models.
So when you’re looking for a used automatic car, make sure to check on the safety. Be wary when there’s a safety feature in an older automatic car. It may sound good, but considering its age, it might not work anymore.
Can You Even Drive Automatic?
If you’re jumping from driving manual transmission to automatic, you may need to learn the AT by heart. One of the myths going on around is that it would be easier for you to drive an automatic when you know how to drive a manual. Although it is virtually true, you still need to learn how you operate before driving one to prevent mishaps.
For example, manual cars have three pedals, and operate the brake and clutch using their left foot. Which is the total opposite of those driving automatics. This alone can cause accidents. Also, brake pedals in automatic cars are softer than manual ones. If the manual-to-automatic driver doesn’t know this, they may end up pedaling harder, causing the car to hard brake.
Different Types Of Automatic Transmission
If you think that all AT cars are the same, stop right there. There are not just two, not even three, but four types of automatic cars you should choose from. Below are the following types.
The Classic Automatic
The classic automatic transmission started out as the choice of transmission for premium cars. After a while, car manufacturers then started to use this transmission in lower-class vehicles. If you’re always concerned about your old automatic car’s performance, choose this type of automatic transmission. There are many auto repair shops out there that can repair a vehicle with said transmission. One disadvantage, however, is that the classic automatic transmission is known to consume a lot of fuel.
Semi-Automatic
This transmission runs even without the clutch pedal through gears being changed by the usual gear lever or buttons on the steering wheel. Also known as Selespeed, the semi-automatic is known for its durability, although the gear is tough to adjust. Several used automatic cars have a semi-automatic transmission. FIAT, however, uses this transmission in most of their automatic vehicles.
Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT)
The CVT design is based on Leonardo Da Vinci’s concept, which is baffling because the original Renaissance man was born when there were no cars at all. Car manufacturers such as Audi, Nissan, and even Toyota use this automatic transmission type. The caveat with the CVT is that it is not as practical as other transmission types because its repair fees can be expensive.
If you’re eyeing at a good old automatic car with a CVT, make sure you have a budget allocated for repair and maintenance. This is why we also stress as much as we can to check condition reports before buying a used automatic car.
Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG)
If you own an automatic Volkswagen right now – or planning on having one – then chances are it’s using a DSG. The Direct Shift Gearbox is famous for providing excellent performance and, perhaps, the most advanced design. You don’t need to worry about fuel consumption with a DSG, as it can help you save up to 15% of fuel economy. The DSG has two types of gearboxes; one is for odd, and the other is for even gears. The downside? You may need to allot a budget for using, and the repair can come quite expensive. Aside from the trusty Volks, the DSG is also used in some of the Audi cars such as T1, A4, and Transporter, to name a few.
In Conclusion
Whether a newer used automatic car or a good old one, it’s imperative to buy a used car that can still perform its best. Due to the pandemic, more and more people are buying online, including vehicles. The listing features may seem reasonable, but you will never know what to expect when you see the car in person. That’s why you should look for a condition report that’s complete with all the necessary information. This way, you can avoid online car market scams, and you’d be happier with your purchase instead of getting disappointed.
To remove any doubt, most car dealerships provide a vehicle condition report for potential buyers to see. If you’re looking for a used automatic car – or any vehicle in general – you can check out this inventory, condition report included.
