Has it been a while since you last bought a new car? Well, hang on to your hat! You’re about to be very surprised by the sheer volume of choices for all different driving needs and styles. All you need to do is visit a Chevy dealership. From economical subcompacts to iconic sports cars to giant full-size SUVs, Chevrolet offers a full lineup of vehicles in nearly every category. Speaking of full-size SUVs, did you know that the highly anticipated 2021 Chevy Tahoe is now available at your local Chevy dealer? Tahoe lovers rejoice! You can now visit a showroom and take this exciting, newly designed Chevrolet icon for a test drive.
Everyone loves the newest, best car model, but understanding more about the benefits of a completely redesigned vehicle vs its predecessor might be the difference between finding exactly what you’re looking for or settling for something close, but not ideal. Let’s say you’re shopping for a Tahoe. You arrive at your dealer and find some 2020 models and, of course, the new 2021 Tahoe. How do you choose? What if you really want the newest model, but the previous model is priced to sell?
To say this process is confusing is an understatement! Walking into the dealership with a plan to get the best deal might cause you to end up with a less-than-ideal choice. It may help, then, to understand the benefits of buying the newest model of the vehicle you want. There are some specific characteristics of newer models that may sway you, and how those characteristics affect your ownership experience is at the heart of the debate. Why, then, does it make good sense to buy the latest redesign? Let’s review here.
The Value Factor
First and foremost, a newer model vehicle is going to render the previous model year less valuable. This is due to many factors, but most of all, consumers want the most current vehicle they can get their hands on. What usually happens is dealers work on clearing out the previous year’s inventory, even using those newer models to direct price-conscious shoppers in that direction. There are exceptions, such as ultra-popular vehicles that are in high demand, but in general, if a dealer has excess previous year inventory, they’ll be looking to move it. That means the newer model is going to leave the lot with a higher value.
Another aspect of value is what the vehicle is worth at the end of your ownership period (or the end of your lease). This value is the residual value, and it’s the calculated value of your vehicle after a certain number of years of ownership. Residual value is affected by mileage, age, and other factors. If you’re leasing your vehicle, the residual value is what determines your cap cost, or the cost of the lease. This is how your monthly payments are calculated. Newly redesigned vehicles will generally offer higher residual values, thus protecting your investment and keeping the resale value higher, as well as helping to keep lease payments on the lower side.
The last aspect of value is your personal perceived value. What does this mean? In short, is the vehicle more valuable to you because it’s the newest model? If so, that’s reason enough! It’s important to feel great about your investment, and chances are you’ll hang on to the car for at least a few years. Make sure you love what you drive and leave any buyer’s remorse out of the equation.
The Safety Factor
Most redesigns incorporate the latest in safety technology, which is great news for buyers. Nothing promotes peace of mind more than knowing your new vehicle is equipped with state-of-the-art safety features that will keep you and your passengers safe. It is widely known that one area of constant focus for automakers is improving the onboard systems that keep drivers safe.
Today’s newest models offer blind spot monitoring and anti-collision systems that are so technologically advanced; drivers sometimes feel like they have a helpful passenger on board. These intuitive features supplement normal safe driving practices with extra checks and balances that protect by anticipating hazardous conditions and potential crashes.
In addition to onboard features, many automakers now incorporate satellite-based live 24/7 monitored assistance services in all newer vehicles. Take Chevrolet: their 20+ year-old OnStar service virtually started it all. OnStar continuously improves and enhances its services to reflect the available safety technology on Chevy vehicles. It can sense when an accident happens and contact the vehicle’s occupants to render immediate aid.
In general, the newer the vehicle, the more advanced its safety features, and the more peace of mind you’ll have every time you get behind the wheel. If safety is paramount, your decision to purchase the latest redesigned car model is going to be a very good one. Our advice? Research the new safety features and how they differ from the previous model year.
Technology
Tech is the biggest buzzword in the current new car buying landscape. Buyers want to be connected while in their vehicles, which means things like Apple CarPlay, WiFi hotspots, and cordless charging pads. The days of Bluetooth only are long gone. Car manufacturers know that technology and infotainment are at the top of most buyers’ lists, and they’re answering with advances built into each new model that reflect the best of current technological advancements.
A single model year redesign can make a huge difference in this area. Technology advances significantly in such short periods of time, rendering vehicles in the last stages of their model lifecycle almost antiquated in a short period of time. You’ll always win on the technology front with the absolute newest model design.
Some of the most recent technological additions include fun things like giant touchscreen displays with multiple functions like smartphone integration and navigation. Technology also wraps in-vehicle systems monitoring and notification when something is amiss––like a low tire. In addition, hands-free operation allows drivers to interact with their entertainment while staying safe and focused on the road.
Chevy’s MyLink incorporates mind-blowing features like the ability to pay for gas from your dashboard and the addition of Amazon Alexa for a multi-dimensional entertainment and connective experience, not to mention the ability to use hands-free commands which keeps you safe and entertained! These infotainment options are ever-changing and improving, which is why, if technology is a hot button for you, comparing what’s available on the newest model vs the previous version will probably sway you toward the newer vehicle every time.
As you can see, the advantages of choosing the newest model, like the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe, are many. When visiting your local Chevy dealer to compare, looking at the major categories of change––like safety, technology, and value––are super important. Also important is style. After all, we love to love our cars and looks matter! Redesigns usually include a refresh of the vehicle’s exterior, giving it a more current look and evolving the basic elements of its style and curb appearance. Look for these visual differences too.
It's Time to Buy
We started off this article with the question, has it been a while since you last bought a new car? This question may set up the best reason of all for choosing a newer version of the vehicle you want. After all, if you’ve driven the same car for many years and it’s been a while since you treated yourself to something new, it just makes sense to lean toward the coolest, most current choice. You’re probably a person that keeps their cars for a while. This option allows the car and its features to stay current longer, leaving no room for regrets and plenty of space for years of enjoyment and confidence in your vehicle purchase.
