Ultimate Car Buying Guide | The Holman Automotive Group
The Holman automotive culture is about people – we invest in our people and our culture. As a global automotive leader that serves both our commercial and consumer clients, The Holman Way means always doing the right thing for our people, our customers, and the community – and we’ve been doing that since 1924. Holman Group
The Holman family of dealerships is the largest privately-owned dealership group in the United States. Growth like that doesn’t happen accidentally. We’ve grown because our team is dedicated to you. We’re committed to finding a vehicle that you will cherish for years. We work hard to provide resources shoppers like you need to make timely informed decisions. If you are wondering about the difference between new and used cars, or whether you should lease or buy your next vehicle, our finance experts are here to assist you. Have questions? Ask us. Bring your wishes and concerns to a Holman auto dealer and leave fulfilled and at peace. We understand and acknowledge that we put our name on the line with each and every satisfied buyer. It’s our thing, since 1924.
Buying New vs. Used vs. Certified Pre-Owned
A common question we hear across all of our locations is, “Should I buy a new or used car?” To help make your decision less daunting, we have created this car buying guide that breaks down what you need to know before you make a purchase. A new car has had no previous owners, and it features all of the latest amenities to take your daily drives to new heights. A new car could also be from a previous model year, but our staff can help you find a custom vehicle, if desired.
Now, a used car has had at least one previous owner. This allows you to enjoy a newer vehicle and its features, for less. A certified pre-owned vehicle offers the best of both worlds. Certified pre-owned vehicles must meet stricter manufacturer standards and typically come with a warranty. See your Holman dealer for more information regarding your future vehicle’s warranty. Some of the benefits of buying new vs. buying used are:
Benefits of Buying New
When comparing a new vs. used car, you will be able to take advantage of these benefits when buying new:
- You know the history of the vehicle, as it has just come from the manufacturer.
- It offers the latest and greatest features.
- You can typically enjoy lower loan rates.
- New cars generally deliver better fuel economy.
Benefits of Buying Used
Buying used can be an excellent investment, especially if you choose a vehicle that has been well-maintained.
- Save money with a lower sticker price.
- Used cars cost less to insure.
- You do not have to worry about steep depreciation.
- Enjoy lower annual registration fees.
Benefits of Buying Certified Pre-Owned
Not sure whether buying used vs. certified pre-owned is right for you? CPO vehicles allow you to drive a new-to-you vehicle with complete peace of mind.
- Certified pre-owned vehicles must meet strict standards set by the manufacturer.
- Most certified pre-owned vehicles come with warranty coverage.
- Many CPO models offer additional perks like a satellite radio trial subscription.
- CPO vehicles are usually late model vehicles with low mileage on the odometer.
Car Buying vs. Leasing
When you purchase a vehicle and take out a loan, you make monthly payments for a set amount of time. A portion of those payments covers the interest on the loan, and the rest goes toward the principal balance. You build equity as you make your payments, and once the loan is paid off, the car is yours.
When you lease, you make a monthly payment on the vehicle to drive the car for a set amount of time. When the end of the lease term is up, you will return the vehicle to the dealership.
Used Car Buying Tips
Some drivers are hesitant to opt for a pre-owned vehicle because there is an overwhelming amount of options and a lot of unknowns. However, buying a used car can be an excellent investment when you know what to look for. There are so many benefits of buying a used car, which is why we have created this helpful used car buying guide. Explore our used car buying tips below so you can shop for a pre-owned vehicle with confidence.
- Do your research: One of the most important used car buying tips is to do your research. An advantage of buying used is that there are driver and expert reviews available so you can see how a vehicle has been received and how it holds up. We also recommend choosing a model that is accompanied by a vehicle history report, such as one from CARFAX. On these reports, you can see if there are problems with the title, the ownership history, service visits, and previous accidents.
- Take the vehicle for a test drive: We always recommend a test drive to make sure that the vehicle runs the way it should and that the cabin design is functional for you.
- Look at mileage: Although it was once recommended that you avoid a used car with more than 100,000 miles on the odometer, mileage is just one factor to consider. Thanks to advancements in automotive technology, vehicles are lasting longer than ever. So, a well-maintained vehicle with 100,000+ miles can still be a great choice.
- Inspect the vehicle: Look for rust, leaks, and water damage and check the tire tread and the underbody of the vehicle. An inspection should look at more than just aesthetics, though. When you are behind the wheel on your test drive, listen for any unusual noises and notice if the car is pulling to one side or the other.
Benefits of Buying:
- There are no mileage limits when you purchase a vehicle. When you lease, you have to stick to a set limit, or you will be charged a penalty.
- You are not charged for excess wear and tear on the vehicle.
- You are free to customize the car any way you like.
- You can sell the car or trade it in at any time.
Benefits of Leasing:
- Monthly payments are usually lower compared to traditional financing.
- Less money is required upfront.
- The vehicle is typically covered by warranty for the duration of the lease.
- You get to enjoy a brand-new vehicle with the latest features every couple of years.
Cars, Trucks & SUVs – Body Types Explained
What are the different types of cars available at Holman? There are many auto body styles in-stock at our locations, so it is easy to find a vehicle that meets your unique style and driving needs. Explore the types of car bodies more in-depth below if you are unsure about which of the car body types is the best option for you.
Coupe
- Typically considered a two-door car with a trunk and a solid roof
- Can be a four-door car or crossover with a low, sleek roofline (coupe-like design)
Sedan
- Designed with four doors and a traditional trunk
- Available in a wide range of sizes (sub-compact, compact, mid-size, full-size)
Hatchback
- Generally a compact or subcompact sedan featuring a squared-off roof and a rear flip-up hatch door to the vehicle’s cargo area
- Designed with smoother lines to maximize space and practicality
SUV
- Taller than a sedan with a wagon-like cargo area
- Features an elevated seating position, more ground clearance, and up to three rows of seating
Convertible
- Features a roof that retracts into the body of the vehicle
- Most come with a fully-powered fabric roof, but some have a retractable hardtop
Minivan
- Most feature sliding side doors and a rear hatch that opens to a large cargo area
- Many are designed with adjustable seats in the second and third rows that fold into the floor or that can be removed to reveal a large open cargo bay
Truck
- Feature a passenger cab and an open cargo bed
- Most offer all-wheel drive or part-time four-wheel drive
SUVs
What is an SUV? This vehicle classification combines elements of road-going passenger cars and off-road vehicles. SUVs typically feature improved ground clearance as well as AWD or 4WD. Why buy an SUV? SUVs are ideal for families and adventure-seekers alike, as they have spacious cabins, robust powertrains, and strong frames for safe driving.
Trucks
You should buy a truck for many utilitarian reasons. The purpose of a truck is to transport cargo, carry specialized payloads, and perform other utilitarian work. Trucks can be surprisingly affordable, given their robust performance capabilities. If you need the versatility of a vehicle that can tow and haul heavy loads safely and with ease, you truly cannot go wrong with a truck. Trucks are perfect for weekend adventures and business needs.
Cars
A sedan is a vehicle with a closed body that features the engine, passengers, and cargo in separate compartments. Sedans generally have two rows of seats and four doors. Sedans are ideal for driving in crowded city traffic for their compact size, ease of parking, and efficient performance.
Coupes
When most people think of a coupe, they envision a sleek, low-riding, stealth-like two-door two-seater. Think again! Coupes can and do come with four doors and as crossovers that allow for more passenger space. A coupe is sporty, and it’s French origin refers to it being “a cut out” of a regular, more roomy vehicle. Ready to trade in all the extra space for an encapsulated thrill ride?
Sports Cars
What is a sports car? This type of vehicle is designed with an emphasis on dynamic performance, such as handling, acceleration, and top speed. If you want to stand out on your daily drives and add excitement to your everyday commute, a sports car is ideal. Why buy a sports car? Sports cars hold their value surprisingly well, they look good, and they are more fun to drive. They can also be extensively customized.
Electric Vehicles
If you are in search of a vehicle that is better for the environment and your wallet, you may be thinking about taking home a new electric vehicle. What is an electric car? Electric vehicles run on electricity alone – no gasoline is required. When the vehicle’s charge is depleted, there is no internal combustion engine that kicks in. The vehicle has to recharge.
If you are not quite ready to adopt the EV lifestyle, you may be wondering about hybrid vs. electric cars. What is a hybrid? There are different variants of hybrid vehicles, but each type shares the common thread of a gasoline engine and electric motor working in tandem. For example, a parallel hybrid vehicle has an electric motor and gasoline engine that work at the same time to power the vehicle. A plug-in hybrid vehicle often allows drivers to travel on electricity alone, and once the battery is depleted, the gasoline-powered engine seamlessly takes over.
Find the Car of Your Dreams with the Holman Auto Group
We have dealerships nationwide offering a vast selection of vehicles from some of the biggest names in the automotive industry:
Visit Your Local Holman Auto Dealership Today
If there’s not a Holman auto dealership near you, then Holman simplifies online car buying. You can have the vehicle you want, we’ll make sure of it. Just:
- Use the Holman website to design your deal in under a minute. Just find your vehicle, set your preferences, customize your payment, and GO!
- Take the sale as far as you want before coming in –if you complete the entire process online, you’ll save up to 2-hours at the dealership!
- Need to get behind the wheel before you make that final decision? We’ve got you covered with test drives.
So, no matter if you are in search of a budget-friendly economy car or an ultra-luxurious sports car, the automotive experts in the Holman family have you covered. Reach out online or in-person, for personal or commercial vehicles, and have your needs exceeded by partnering with Holman. We’re hoping to earn your business by guaranteeing you an exceptional, world-class automotive buying experience.
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