South Carolina Used Cars

South Carolina History

South Carolina is a state in the southern region (Deep South) of the United States. It borders Georgia to the south and North Carolina to the north. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence from the British Crown during the American Revolution. The colony was originally named in honor of King Charles I of England, Scotland, and Ireland, as Carolus is Latin for Charles.

South Carolina was the first state to vote to secede from the Union and was a founding state of the Confederate States of America. According to an estimate by the United States Census Bureau, the state's population in 2008 was 4,479,800 and ranked 24th among the U.S. states.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, South Carolina's gross state product in current dollars was $97 billion in 1997, and $153 billion in 2007. Its per-capita real gross domestic product (GDP) in chained 2000 dollars was $26,772 in 1997, and $28,894 in 2007; that represents 85% of the $31,619 per-capita real GDP for the United States overall in 1997, and 76% of the $38,020 for the U.S. in 2007.

Major agricultural outputs of the state are: tobacco, poultry, cattle, dairy products, soybeans, and hogs. Industrial outputs include: textile goods, chemical products, paper products, machinery, automobiles and automotive products and tourism.

Even though the state does not allow casino gambling, it did allow the operation of video poker machines throughout the state with approximately $2 billion dollars per year deposited into the state's coffers. However, at midnight on July 1, 2000 a law took effect which outlawed the operation, ownership and possession of video poker machines in the state with machines required to be shut off at that time and removed from within the state's borders by July 8 or owners of such machines would face criminal prosecution.

South Carolina Sports

South Carolina has no major professional franchise of the NFL, NHL, NBA, or MLB located in the state; however the NFL's Carolina Panthers (based in Charlotte, North Carolina), and the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes (based in Raleigh, North Carolina) represent both North and South Carolina. In addition, the Panthers played their first season in Clemson, and maintain training facilities near Wofford College in Spartanburg.

There are numerous minor league teams that are either based in the state, or play much of their schedule within its borders. The Charlotte Knights, an AAA minor league baseball team, play at a stadium in Fort Mill, South Carolina, just across the border from Charlotte. Another minor league franchise is the USL Division 1 Soccer team, the Charleston Battery. The team plays in the soccer-specific Blackbaud Stadium, located on Daniel Island in Charleston. Currently, only Greenville, Myrtle Beach, and Charleston still boast any other level (in each case single-A) of professional baseball.

Curiously enough, for a state where natural ice is a rarity, professional ice hockey has been popular in a number of areas of the state since the 1990s. Though 4 teams competed at one time in South Carolina, the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) currently oversees operations of only two franchises, one, the Columbia Inferno, the other, the South Carolina Stingrays (who play in Charleston). According to the league, however, Myrtle Beach is slated to receive a franchise when their new arena is completed in 2008/9.

Why Buy a Used Car in South Carolina?

Most consumers want to know how to buy the car of their choice at the best possible price. With the average price of a new car increasing every year, it is no surprise that the fastest growing sector of the auto industry is the used car market. More and more, used cars are becoming better values. A new car depreciates quickly in the first few years. Buying a car that is just a few years old can save thousands of dollars over the price of a new model.

There are many advantages to choosing used over new. A well-maintained car should remain dependable for at least 10 years and 100,000 miles. Surveys have shown that, on the average, a person trades in or sells a car when it is only 4 1/2 years old with just 41,000 miles on it. This results in a lot of good cars out there with ample life left in them. If you are looking for a new model, buying a used car of the same style, only a couple of years old can really be a good deal.

Where to Buy a Used Car

A used vehicle is a major purchase and calls for comparison shopping for price and value to find the best deal. There are many sources available in the Columbia area. A franchised dealer, one who sells both new and used cars, is a promising source. The dealer saves the late-model trade-ins for resale, and usually gives them a detailed inspection. The less desirable vehicles are often auctioned or sent to wholesalers. Franchised dealers also have repair facilities, and they are likely to provide a warranty with the vehicle. Another consideration is to buy from a dealer who handles the specific brand of vehicle that you are interested in, such as a Dodge Chrysler dealership. Expect a full service department and a well stocked supply of parts.

Private individuals are another source to be look at when purchasing a used vehicle. However, a private sale may not always offer a better deal. Buyers may end up overpaying for a car because they somehow believe they are getting a better deal from a private party. When obtaining a vehicle from a private sale, there are no warranties of any kind. In addition, the buyers will have to provide their own financing or pay cash.One benefit is that the prospective buyer can meet the seller face to face and query about the vehicle. Insist on obtaining the car's maintenance records and records of purchase. Make sure to always have a mechanic inspect the car before a final deal is made.