Las Vegas dealers are reporting a momentous shift in consumer attitude toward purchasing a used car. Woman buyers are increasingly moving from the everyday sedan into their ultimate dream machine, embracing pre-owned with enthusiasm.  As new car prices on imports sky-rockets due to a acknowledged disruption in vehicle and parts production here and abroad,  followed by across the board slashing of incentives, rebates and low interest rate financing, consumers are shifting their focus to luxury used cars on dealer lots. Gone is the presumption of “buying someone else’s problem” as luxury car brands follow the trend amongst consumers believing LUXURY GOODS equal higher quality thus such purchases retain value and last longer. Coupled with factory-branded certification warranties and special LOW  2.9% for 72 mos. -interest rates*, consumers are testing the waters and diving in on payments as low as $399.99 a month for a 2009 Porsche Boxster or $499 for a 2008 Mercedes Benz ML450.(an example, *oac) The percentage of female driven luxury used car purchases is outpacing that of men, thanks to a wealth increase which has brought income equity and respect to the dealership lot. Jaguar, Lexus, BMW and Porsche are offering attractive lease programs for their pre-owned models, including certification warranties and NO money down.  Mileage, term and comfort of trading in, up and out often lures the business and non-commercial buyer wanting something different without busting the budget. For current and previous leasing clients, a pre-owned luxury car lease sends the message, “Business is good”, without flaunting a new car or higher monthly payment in front of employees or clients sensitive to the economy. Purchasing a pre-owned vehicle, loan or lease aside, direct from a reputable dealership, even if it is NOT the actual brand, is preferred over stand-alone used car lots where knowledge of a particular vehicles’ service needs may not attended to properly.   If you are considering a luxury vehicle from a non-branded dealership, please ask to take it to a licensed “the brand” technician, BEFORE negotiating a price.  This simple act, costing a few hours and maybe $200.00 for an inspection, could save you thousands of dollars in the long run. If you are considering a car offered on an online auction or website far from home, ask to see the actual front and back of the title, service records and Carfax before flying across the country to buy the car; Especially when dealing with online power-sellers on eBaymotors.  (*your rights are governed by the state they do business in, not where you live.) So, knowing what you want and what you should expect to pay for a luxury used car has alot to do with miles, condition, body style or technology changes over model year.  Learning how to research the provenance of such a vehicle and what to look for when comparing, will be part of my next post. In the meantime, if you have a question about a car your are looking to purchase:  finance or lease, feel free to contact me for advice. sarahlee@mycarlady.com,mvides422@gmail.com,carlady@cox.netopr 702-788-3868, advice is always free with Mycarlady.com —————————————————————– Sarah Lee is an automotive writer, personal car concierge and commercial fleet manager. If you need free advice on your car problem, question, issue, contact her at sarahlee@mycarlady.com,mvides422@gmail.com,carlady@cox.net for a confidential conversation.]]>