Why Do Automobiles Symbolize Freedom?
Automobiles are almost synonymous with the American way of life. Cars mean freedom, for anyone between the ages of sixteen to seventy-five. Not surprisingly, the automobile industry is one of the largest and most important in this country. As more and more people are discovering, buying used cars can now be a great car buying experience, as you get reliability and mobility at a lower price.
Getting around in a large country
It’s a large country. The land mass of the U.S. is estimated to be around 3.8 million square miles. That makes it the fourth largest country in the world, behind only Russia, China and Canada. That’s one of the reasons why the history of the country can almost be written as a history of forms of transportation, from pioneer wagons to horse and buggy to railways and trams to the automobile.
Automobiles mean freedom. Quite appropriately, the word carries its own significance, the importance of mobility in a country that sprawls across thousands of miles in every direction. Whether it’s to seek new opportunities, to visit new places, to meet family or just enjoy the feeling of that comes from being on the road, travel is an essential part of the American experience.
A love affair with cars
It’s no accident that the American automobile industry is one of the largest and most significant in the country. Not only does it employ more than 1.5 million people, it has a deep cultural significance. Movies, songs and books are all part of the country’s love affair with cars.
Millions of people are engaged in the designing, engineering, and manufacturing of cars, and in supplying parts and components, selling and servicing them. As of 2014, about 4.25 million cars are produced annually in the U.S., and about 7.7 million are sold.
A great car buying experience
Buying a car can be a rite of passage, a celebration, and anything in between. Many people are discovering that getting a used car can also be a great car buying experience. By 2015, the annual number of used vehicle sales had risen to 9.81 million, according to Edmunds.
Buying a new or used car is a big decision, and people like to take their time over it. Nearly half or 48% of car buyers research vehicles, models and prices for one to three months before finally making a choice. Be even then, as many as 52% of buyers don’t even know for sure which make and model they intend to buy when they walk into a car dealership.
Reasons to buy a used car
With new online technology, online services like Carfax now make getting used autos a great car buying experience, with all the knowledge you need at your fingertips. You can buy a used car with the secure knowledge that you know all of its past history and that any bugs or problems have already been identified and corrected.
Used car dealers now sell manufacturer certified preowned cars, which are almost better than buying a new car. These late models have undergone rigorous multipoint factory testing before being certified, and cost much less than a new car would. Premier dealers now put their entire inventory online, so you can comparison shop before going out for a test drive.
Buying a used car nowadays is a great car buying experience. Without breaking the bank, it gives you a reliable and trustworthy automobile to take you on your adventures around the country.