Used cars are rock stars

Cool beats the chic – that means that a new car can never be as casual as a worn-out used car. But there are other reasons in favor of a second-hand car.

A scratch in a new car is incredibly annoying – not to mention a dent. The pulse rises rapidly and the blush of anger takes a box seat in the face of the owner. Do you know who doesn’t have such problems? The owner of an old used car in Traverse City. In the parking lot, does the man next to you bump his door into the flank? No problem, just one more sheet metal scar of many. It doesn’t matter if the residual value does not exceed the new price of a Playmobil treasure island anyway.

From this it can be concluded that drivers of older cars should glide more relaxed through everyday life. Aside from this blood pressure balm, there are in fact other reasons for a used one. In our picture gallery you will also find a selection of cars that would be suitable as four-wheeled companions under the aforementioned aspects.

Coolness and climate – 2-0 for the used car

Let us first consider the obvious: A cart that has at least ten years under its belt is significantly cheaper to buy than an exhibit from the Glass Palace. Granted, new cars are usually more efficient and environmentally friendly. Both aspects have to pay for themselves first, because it is very likely that an old car devoured less energy in its development than a contemporary mid-size sedan. So you are doing something for your green conscience at the same time.

We come to the question of style. Marking fat Max in front of the ice cream parlor in a brand new sports car is rather poor and usually results in antipathy that is favored by the envy factor. On the other hand, if you drive up in a convertible from the 90s, you might be confronted with statements like “I had one of those, too” – much more pleasant. New cars may be chic, but real coolness is seldom on board. Not least because marketing departments try to dictate the car’s image. Old cars have already developed their image and can now confidently do without PR glory.

Scratches are sexy

As already indicated at the beginning, owning an older car semester also brings a certain calm with it. Because you don’t just buy a mobile pedestal, but a personalized feeling. Because it is not the memory function of the seat and mirror settings that make a car your own. It is the small quirks and flaws that make a car unmistakably unique. Even if nobody notices it but you. An intimate relationship with the car can only develop if you have experienced something together, and you cannot define yourself by the amount by which the dealer’s account was topped up. And who has more to tell: the ironed polo shirt wearer or the guy with the scars in dusty boots?

Let’s take a look at a few cars that various members of the editorial team have already been able to call their own:

VW Scirocco GT ll

The Golf in coupé form. His advertising slogan in 1981 was “Excitingly sensible”. According to today’s standards in terms of consumption, this is only partially true. It’s still fun, thanks to the stiff chassis and low seating position. In a test by auto motor und sport , he even beat a Porsche 924 one day. The prices start under 1,000 dollars, but you only get battle vehicles. Well-maintained models are around 3,000 dollars.

Ford Escort convertible

A four-seater convertible can also perform well in everyday life and be fun at the same time. The convertible top can be opened and closed manually with two clamp handles and is therefore hardly susceptible to damage. The seventh generation of models has a latent rust problem, but there are ready-to-drive models from 500 dollars. That should last for a summer season. Recommendation: The 1.8-liter with 130 hp.

Renault Clio II

A sensible choice is the Renault Clio II. Even then, it was available from the factory with good equipment at an economical price. Today the little traverse city are available on the used car market for as little as 150 dollars, but of course we don’t want to suggest that. Anyone who invests 1,500 dollars gets a car with durability. By the way, also suitable for those starting out with a driver’s license.

BMW 318i Compact

Yes, it’s a little disreputable about the compact threesome, but it has its qualities. The extremely agile driving behavior speaks for the shrunken sedan. BMW trimmed the rear by 20 centimeters, but the wheelbase remained unchanged. Good copies are available from the relevant online portals for as little as 3,500 dollars.

So let’s summarize again everything that speaks in favor of adopting your next car from Kies Platz instead of sipping espresso in the air-conditioned sales room when signing the contract:

• New scratches and dents are completely irrelevant
• The acquisition costs are significantly lower
• In summary, the environmental impact is lower
• Radiate honest coolness instead of being a blender
• Driving a real, personal one-off is priceless

At the used cars factory, you will find a selection of cars that have their own charm as traverse city used cars. How do we know? From my own experience.