Car Buyer Labs

Car Buying Advice, Tips, and Reviews

A popular current model used truck is shown, a black 2021 Toyota Tundra Platinum CrewMax, is driving down a city street.

Is There Such a Thing as a Current Model Year Used Truck Dealer?

You’re familiar with new truck dealers, and you’re familiar with used truck dealers. Dealerships like these are a dime a dozen, and just about every city in America has a handful of quality dealerships to choose from. However, what if you want the savings of a used dealership combined with the modern advancements of the latest and greatest model year? You might be wondering if there is such a thing as a 2021 used car (or truck) dealership and if you can truly bring together the best of a new car and a used car shopping experience.

Can I Buy a 2021 Model Used?

There are many reasons to want to buy a used 2021 model. When you buy a used vehicle, you are taking advantage of huge cost savings, not to mention the fact that you won’t be experiencing the immediate depreciation that occurs when you drive a brand new vehicle off of the lot for the first time. On the other hand, people love to buy the latest models because they have all of the latest in safety features and modern technologies. It only makes sense to want to combine savings with modern advancements into one convenient package.

So now the question stands – can I buy a vehicle from the current model year used? The answer is yes. A good used truck dealership is likely to have a couple of used yet current model year vehicles for you to choose from. However, because these vehicles are so new, there are going to be fewer choices of used options for you to choose from.

If you want to enjoy a truly customized used car shopping experience, it would be wise to expand your search to include more than just the most recent model year. For example, if you are willing to look at model years that are only a year or two old, you are still going to be able to enjoy all of the savings that come with buying used, but you will not be sacrificing much in the way of modern advancements. This is especially true if the vehicle in question has not entered a new generation within the last few years.

A red 2021 Chevy Colorado ZR2 is shown from a high angle parked on the beach after leaving a used truck dealer.

How Do I Buy a Current Model Year Used?

There are a few places you can look for a used yet current model year vehicle. First, you can look for previous leases. In the case of a previous lease, somebody purchased a current model year vehicle and then ended up changing their mind. This could be due to financial issues or other lifestyle circumstances that conflict with the new vehicle. Sometimes people drive around their new car for a short time and then end up deciding it isn’t a good fit for them, so they cancel their lease and bring it back to the dealership. If this happens at your local dealership, you might be able to snag a great deal on a current model vehicle.

Another reason you might find a current model year vehicle available to buy used is due to the previous owner wanting to upgrade to next year’s model. Next year’s models tend to begin hitting dealerships sometime between late summer and early fall of each calendar year. If a particular release has an option or feature that somebody is really excited about, they might run out and trade in their current vehicle for the upgraded version. This can sometimes happen even if the vehicle being traded in is from the current model year. When this happens, discerning car shoppers can take advantage of the trade-in by grabbing the traded-in vehicle at an amazing price!

Keep in mind that just about every current model year vehicle that is being sold used will likely be offered as a certified pre-owned vehicle. Certified pre-owned vehicles tend to be vehicles that are easy to guarantee for several thousand miles and current model years are still new enough that they easily meet dealership warranty requirements. So if you want to buy a current model year at a used price, be sure to ask your local dealership about their certified pre-owned inventory.

How to Spot a Good Used Truck Dealer

There are many things to consider when looking for a used dealership. Whether you are looking for a commuter car, a family vehicle, or a reliable truck, it’s important to find a dealership that can meet your needs. This involves a variety of things.

To begin with, you want a dealership that has an inventory that includes brand new vehicles, certified pre-owned vehicles, and traditional used vehicles. When a dealership’s inventory includes all of these types of vehicles, you know you are going to have all of the options and choices that you need, regardless of your financial needs. You’ll be able to easily find a vehicle that fits into your budget while still meeting all of the requirements you have in regards to the number of seats, safety features, and modern technologies.

Another thing to consider when searching for a good quality dealership is the parts and service center. A good parts and service center will have plenty of options for appointment availability and will have hours that work well with your schedule. A good service center will also be staffed with several certified mechanics, so you know your vehicle’s maintenance time will be as short as possible.

Finally, you want a vehicle dealership that comes highly recommended by those who live local to your community. You want a dealership that has a long history of quality customer service and whose reputation is one you can depend on. A vehicle purchase is a huge investment that must be taken seriously, and you want to know you can trust those you are allowing to guide you on this journey. This is one of the biggest reasons people still opt to buy their used cars and trucks from a trusted dealership rather than a random person in an internet classifieds ad.

Only when you feel comfortable with the dealership you have chosen will you truly be able to feel comfortable with any potential vehicle purchase options. You might be able to ask your friends and neighbors which dealerships they recommend, but you can also look online for dealership reviews if you have any questions as to the customer service level of your local dealership.

A white 2021 Ford Ranger Lariat SuperCrew is shown parked on a sunny day next to a hang glider.

The Next Steps

Are you ready to take the next step in your car buying journey? Whether you have for sure decided that you want to buy a current model year vehicle at a used price or you’re willing to expand your search to model years that are a bit older, it’s time to contact your local used car (or truck) dealership. Find a dealership near you that meets all your specific requirements. Be sure you find a dealership that offers all the services that are important to you and that comes highly recommended.

When you’re ready to take the next step, head on down to your dealership of choice. Talk to the team and find out what kinds of used vehicles they have on hand. You never know – you might just drive home with a steal of a price! Contact your used dealership today!