What Features Are Changing in Used Cars?

If you’re used to buying a used car, truck or SUV, you may not be aware of how some of the “new” used autos have changed in the last couple of years. Since more people buy used cars that are roughly three years old, some of these changes will impact your next purchase.

A different auto manufacturer doesn’t always mean different parts.
Since there has been significant downsizing and consolidation in the auto industry, many auto makers are buying certain products from the same supplier. Some of these common parts include the transmission, night vision cameras, and voice activation.

Where’s the spare?
With raising prices at the pump, stiffening government regulations to improve the environment and greater demand from consumers for better mpgs, auto makers are finding other ways in addition to improvements to the engine to improve their fuel economies. In some smaller vehicles, like the Chevrolet Cruze Eco and the Mazda MX-5 Miata, car companies have replaced spare tires and jacks with tire inflator kits or simply removed the spare all together.

Where did the spare tire go?
Smaller size chassis and the demand for better fuel economy is making the spare tire a thing of the past in some autos. Cars like the Chevy Cruze Eco replaced the emergency wheel and jack for a tire inflator kit while compacts like the Mazda MX-5 Miata had to throw it out all together. They simply don’t have the room. One nice trade off for removing the spare is a better mpg due to the less weight … roughly 26 pounds.

If you like foreign made compact pickup trucks, good luck.
Why are foreign compact pickup trucks disappearing from US roads and highways? It isn’t economical for the manufacturers. When Detroit can roll new full-sized units off of the assembly line with an MSRP starting at $21,000, and that’s before rebates (sometimes as high as $4,000), it doesn’t make sense for overseas manufacturers to try and compete at the same price or higher with compacts.

You’ll have less foreign compact trucks to choose from.
If you haven’t noticed, there are fewer foreign-made compact pickup trucks on US roads. Why? They aren’t profitable. When Detroit auto makers can sell a full sized truck starting around $21,000 (and that’s before rebates upwards of $4,000), it doesn’t make sense for overseas auto makers to ship in their compact pickups.

You will have less maintenance and repairs you can do on your own.
According to engineers at GM, the average new car, truck or SUV is designed with 23 CPUs (central processing units), aka the brains of a computer. Things can be even more complex when it comes to hybrids. Some designs have more lines of computer code than what was used in the first rocket to the moon. Don’t be surprised if your DIY maintenance options at most will be changing the oil and inflating tires. This means more visits to the mechanic.

Want to find out more about used cars, then visit American Auto Assurance’s site on how to choose the best vehicle protection plans for your needs.