Used Car Buying Guide

If you are looking to upgrade your vehicle and get something larger to fit your growing family, or you are looking to downgrade your vehicle and get something smaller and more fuel efficient, you may be looking to buy a used car. There are many benefits to purchasing used vehicles, including cost savings. However, if you do not know what to look for, pay attention to and consider, your used car may wind up being a nightmare, instead of the car of your dreams. Here are a few tips to help ensure you get a great car and a great deal when you are looking to purchase a used vehicle. 

Take the Time to Find the Best Used Cars For Your Needs

One of the most important things to do when you are looking to purchase a used vehicle is to take the time to find the best car for your needs. People have things that they want and need in a car. Taking the time to learn what vehicles best meet those wants and needs can help you to narrow down the list of cars you should consider purchasing, and ultimately, helping you to find the vehicle that is right for you. 

Always Research Fair Market Price For the Vehicle

Once you have figured out what vehicle may be ideal for you, take the time to research what fair market value is for that vehicle. There are many factors that you need to consider, including the year of the vehicle, the amount of mileage on the car, the condition of the vehicle, if any major parts have been replaced, and whether there are any add-on or aftermarket parts that may increase the value of the automobile. Taking the time to consider each of these factors will help you to hone in on the amount you should be paying for a used vehicle, helping to prevent you from overpaying. 

Get a Used Car Inspected 

Once you have found a used car that has a fair price tag, you will want to get the vehicle inspected. This is especially true if you are buying the used vehicle from a private party, as private parties do not have to offer any warranty on their cars and can sell used cars as-is. Getting a car inspected helps you to verify the condition that the car is in and find out if the car may need pricey repairs now or in the future. 

Look For Warranties When Buying Used Cars

As you search for a used vehicle, always consider who you are buying the vehicle from, whether a warranty is being offered with the vehicle and the length of the warranty that is offered for the vehicle. If a vehicle has a warranty, find out what parts are covered under this warranty. You can have some peace of mind that you will not need to make expensive repairs to a used car if it comes with a warranty. 

Learn How Much a Used Car Will Cost to Insure

One of the elements that is often overlooked as people shop for a used car is how much that car will cost to insure. Ask your insurance company how much a specific used car will be to insure. Just because the car is used does not necessarily mean it will be cheaper to insure. Used cars can be costly to insure if they lack the same anti-theft and safety devices as newer automobiles. 

Find Out How Much Your Trade-In Is Really Worth

The last thing that you need to consider when you are looking to purchase a used car is how much your trade-in is worth. It is very common for people to use their existing vehicle as a down payment for their new vehicle. Take the time to get quotes from various dealerships to see how much you can truly get for your old car, and whether it is worth trading it in or selling it yourself to maximize the amount of money you can get for that old vehicle. 

Here at Glockner of Ashland Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we want to help our customers find the perfect vehicle for their needs, and we want to ensure that they walk away feeling like they got a great deal and had a great buying experience. If you are looking for a new or used vehicle, we can help you find the right vehicle, get financed, and drive off the lot in the car that best meets your needs. Visit our website today to see our current selection of vehicles or stop by our dealership to take cars out for a test drive.Â