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Buying a pre-owned car in Hawaii is more than just a simple transaction but more of a journey full of unique challenges that reflect the state's distinctive environment and market conditions. From the regions tropical climate to the isolated location and high cost of living, there are several hurdles that can make the process more complex.
Hawaii's tropical climate is a double-edged sword. While it offers beautiful weather and scenic drives, it also poses significant challenges for used cars. The high humidity and salt air can accelerate corrosion, particularly on the undercarriage and body panels. According to Hawaii's Department of Transportation, the state's average humidity is around 75%, and the salt air from the ocean can cause rust and corrosion at a much faster rate than in mainland states. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that vehicles in coastal regions are 30% more likely to experience corrosion-related issues compared to those in inland areas.
Another major issue plaguing cars in Hawaii is related to its limited access to resources and underwhelming vehicle infostructure. The state has a limited number of dealerships, especially on the smaller islands, the demands is often higher than the available supply driving-up prices. According to the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, there are fewer than 200 car dealerships across all the islands. This scarcity can lead to higher prices and less competition, making it difficult to find a good deal.
Hawaii's isolation from mainland USA also effects the cost of vehicle maintenance and repair. According to a report by the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the average cost of vehicle maintenance in Hawaii is 25% higher than the national average. This is due to the higher cost of living and the limited availability of parts and skilled labor. For instance, a simple oil change averages around $35 on the mainland while in Hawaii you would be hard pressed to find a shop to do it for under $50. The need for specialized parts and services can further drive up the cost of keeping your vehicle in good condition, this means that the used car market is full of vehicles with neglected maintenance issues and needed repairs.
Due to the lack of access to resources and socioeconomic issues Hawaii has the oldest vehicle fleets in the nation, with many cars and trucks having high mileage. According to the Hawaii Department of Transportation, the average age of vehicles in the state is over 12 years, and the average mileage is around 150,000 miles. This high mileage can be a significant challenge when buying a used car, as it often indicates more wear and tear and a higher risk of mechanical issues. For example, a used car with 150,000 miles might require more frequent maintenance and repairs compared to a similar vehicle with 50,000 miles.
Additionally, it is important to be aware that Hawaii has fewer consumer protection laws for used car buyers compared to some other states. The Hawaii Consumer Protection Act provides some basic protections, but it is not as comprehensive as similar laws in states like California or New York. For example, Hawaii does not have a "lemon law" for used cars, which means that buyers have limited recourse if they purchase a defective vehicle. According to a study by the Hawaii Attorney General's Office, over 15% of used car complaints in the state involve issues such as fraud, misrepresentation and hidden defects.
While understanding the local risk factors is a vital part of the used car buying process it will require more effort to ensure you are able to find a good vehicle for a fair price in the state of Hawaii.
Using a resource like a Vehicle History Report in Hawaii may help you uncover information not disclosed by the seller. A full vehicle history report may contain vital details about the vehicle's past and any possible legal ownership, value and safety related issues. No report is ever the same and they may include accident history, title records, ownership records, history of theft, odometer check, market pricing, junk/salvage/total loss data, recall data, lien information, sale records and more... Getting a full vehicle history report is an absolute must when shopping for a pre-owned vehicle in Hawaii.
VinCheckUp.com makes accessing almost any vehicle history post 1984 fast and easy. You can start with a simple Hawaii VIN check. All that is required to begin your search and generate your vehicle history report is a Vehicle Identification Number or VIN for short. The VIN must be made of 17-characters and can be found on vehicle's body as well as interior dash panel and inside the driver's side door jamb. It can also be found on the car's title document, registration and insurance. Once you have located your VIN simply enter it into any one of the search boxes located on the VinCheckUp.com website to get started.
As an invaluable tool a vehicle history report in Hawaii will help give you a general idea of the vehicle's past and value however, to get a clear understanding of the vehicle's current condition and identify signs of any potential issues there is no substitute for an in-person vehicle inspection by a professional automotive technician. A professional pre purchase inspection may uncover issues not easily visible to the untrained eye that have never been reported to any insurance or government entity and will never be available in any report. A good automotive technician should also be able to gauge the quality of past repairs and help determine if there are any issues in need of attention. Ordering a pre-purchase vehicle inspection is one of the best investments you can make when buying a pre-owned car in Hawaii.
While the used car market in Hawaii may be a bit difficult to navigate, with the right amount of research, patience and due diligence there is no reason why you should not be able to find a good reliable pre-owned vehicle that will serve you and your family for years to come. The main thing to remember to always to have the vehicle thoroughly inspected and be prepared to walk away when the deal does not feel right for any reason.
Growing Population
with over 1 million people currently living in HI
1 million+
registered vehicle in HI
1 in 5 cars for sale in HI
has had a previous accident
1 million+
vehicles sold in HI annually
Conducting a simple VIN check before purchasing a vehicle is a crucial move that may help you avoid potential problems and future expenses. Taking this step may give you the opportunity to:
In today's market, transparency is everything. By checking the VIN, you equip yourself with the knowledge to make an informed choice, safeguarding your investment and ensuring you drive away with confidence.
