Pocono News Section

Used Car Sales Increase

Used Car Sales Increase - Friday, March 20, 2009 at 3:47PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Friday, Mar 20, 2009 @ 03:47pm EST
STROUD TOWNSHIP - You've probably heard car sales are down in this economy but that's not true for all kinds of cars.

Kenneth Clark drove off the dealer's lot in a shiny - used - car. "We've just found it more prudent to get a used vehicle," he said. Clark isn't alone. New statistics show used car sales have gone up three percent nationwide in the past year.

"New car sales are down a little bit and people are looking to save some money so used car sales are definitely higher," noted Glen Kempinski. He's the General Sales Manager at the Abeloff car dealership in Stroud Township. He told Eyewitness News used car sales there are up 20% in the past year. Sales people at Abeloff are encouraging more buyers with a used car sale this weekend.

"There's some really good deals out there right now," said Clark. He spent about $18,000 for a nearly new Suzuki. "It's only a year old. It only has 6,000 miles on it and we get a drastic reduction in price," he said.

The sales manager says deals like that keep customers interested in used cars but he is confident the economy will shift into high gear and people will eventually want to drive new again.

Kempinski said, "We've had ups and downs throughout the years and people seem to forget sometimes that we've had bad times before and before you know it they're gone and things are good again."

Experts caution, you must do your homework before you buy a used car. Make sure you buy from a reputable dealer, get a car fax report and have your mechanic check out the vehicle before you buy.