Used Cars in Iowa City: Where to Buy?

  A Franchised Dealership

A franchised dealer, who sells new vehicles, will often have a used car department, and is a promising venue. In most cases, the dealer will only spend time and space on the newer, better condition trade-ins. The older, less desirable vehicles are often auctioned off. They will also offer previously leased vehicles, which can be a great deal because they are newer and often in good shape. Dealers also are likely to provide a warranty with the vehicle, insuring the buyer that any problem oversight will be covered. Franchised dealers also have on sight repair facilities. Another consideration is to buy from a dealer who handles the specific brand of vehicle that you are interested in.

Private Sales

This is another option when purchasing a used vehicle. However, a private sale has many downsides to it. Buyers sometimes end up overpaying because they somehow believe they are getting a better deal from a private party. When obtaining a vehicle this way, there are no warranties of any kind and there will be no financing provided by the seller. Expect to get an older vehicle, which may run, but may have other issues such as rust or engine troubles.

About Iowa City, IA

Great Iowa Flood of 2008

Photo: The University of Iowa Museum of Modern Art on North Riverside Drive during the height of the flood. A local newspaper reported on June 11, 2008, that water exceeded the emergency spillway at the Coralville Reservoir outside of Iowa City.[8] As a result, the City of Iowa City and the University of Iowa were seriously affected by unprecedented flooding of the Iowa River, which caused widespread property damage and forced evacuations in large sections of the city. By Friday, June 13, 2008, the Iowa River had risen to a record level of 30.46 ft. with a crest of approximately 33 ft. predicted for Wednesday, June 18, 2008. Much of the city's 500-year flood plain saw mild to catastrophic effects of the rapidly flowing, polluted water. Officials at the University of Iowa reported that up to 19 buildings were affected by rising waters. Extensive efforts to move materials from the University's main library were undertaken as large groups of sandbagging volunteers began to construct a massive levee near the building. Approximately $300 million worth of art, including work by Picasso, owned by the University was secretly moved to a holding place in the Chicago area before the fine arts area was heavily hit with flood water.

On Friday, June 13, University employees were encouraged to stay home, and travel was strongly discouraged in Iowa City; one city statement advised, "If you live in east Iowa City, stay in east Iowa City; if you live in west Iowa City, stay in west Iowa City." The Burlington St. bridge was the only bridge that remained open, other than the I-80 bridge on the edge of town, to connect the east and west sides of the Iowa River. On Saturday, June 14, officials at the University of Iowa began to power down the University's primary power generating plant along the Iowa River to prevent structural damage. Backup units continued to provide necessary power and steam services for essential University services, including the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Water began touching the bottom of the Park St. bridge forcing the Army Corp. of Engineers to drill several holes in the bridge to allow air trapped underneath to escape. Also on Saturday, Mayor Regenia Bailey issued a curfew restricting anyone except those authorized by law enforcement from being within 100 yards of any area affected by the flood between 8:30 PM and 6 AM.