How to Find Quality Used Cars
Posted Monday, Sep 18, 2023
Buying a quality used car can be a difficult decision. After all, you may not be an expert in all things ‘car.’ You also don’t know what the car has been through in its previous life or how it was treated by its owners. This is why it is important to trust the judgment of experienced mechanics, whom you can bring with you to inspect a car.
Another good idea is to simply buy a used car from a reliable and trusted used car dealership that has vetted the vehicle, so you don't have to.
One advantage of buying a used car from a used car dealership is that they have a reputation to live up to and wouldn’t sell a false bill of goods to you lest you share your bad experiences online.
With that said, there are a few things you can do to start your car-buying journey.
1. Set a Budget
First things first, you need to set up a budget before you go out shopping. Without a proper budget in mind, it would be extremely easy to end up with a massive range of options, some of which may be too expensive.
Moreover, walking into a dealership without a budget increases your likelihood of being talked into buying something that may not be affordable to you right now. This is why it is important to set your budget and stick to it without being swayed by anyone else’s opinions.
After all, only you know what you can afford to buy, and other people, even with the best intentions, can only make educated guesses on what may be ideal for you. So try not to deviate too much from your budget once you have decided on a range.
2. Keep Looking
It isn’t uncommon to spend lots of time finding a used car. This is why you should allocate a certain period of time during the day to look for a used car. It is important to look for a replacement before your current used car stops working or requires major repairs. In some cases, you may have to inspect several potential cars before you can find a great deal. Depending on your needs and how urgent your needs are, you may end up spending anywhere from a few weeks to several months looking for a used car.
However, the best way to cut short the time spent looking for a used car is to simply find a quality dealership like Pro Care Auto Sales. In any case, it is important to take things one step at a time and compare all your options. Don’t give in to the demands of pushy salespeople who want to close the deal as soon as possible. Excuse yourself from the dealership and consult with your loved ones and friends to find a car that works best for you.
3. Find Financing
If you’ve got a ton of cash lying around, then you can skip this option. However, if you’re looking for a used car on a budget, then you may be in need of a loan to finance the used car. The good news is that used car dealerships like Pro Care Auto Sales are more than happy to finance your deal so you can get behind the wheel without wasting a minute.
This option usually does not exist if you are buying a used car from a private seller. You will be required to pay for the used car in full.
Used car dealerships like Pro Care Auto Sales maintain an extensive network of lenders who are more than happy to finance your purchase at affordable interest rates based on your current financial situation.
4. Check the Car’s Mileage
Consider the number of miles that the car has driven on the road. For obvious reasons, a car with a higher mileage will have more wear and tear on its engine, suspension, and transmission. But how many miles are too many? Some people believe that a car loses its value once it has over 200,000 miles. But these days, cars can go over 200,000 miles without running into any major problems. This only holds true if the car has been well-maintained.
5. Make a List of What You Need
When you look for a used car, you will quickly find out that there are thousands of options - even if your budget isn't very high. This is why it makes sense to create a list of what you need from the car right now.
It helps to think of it in terms of the kind of lifestyle you lead. You might move to a new location and have a longer commute - which obviously requires a better gas mileage. You might grow your family and need more room for your car seats.
It is important to make a list of features you need before you go looking for a car. Then, you can go about consulting with a salesperson to find you an option that aligns with all your requirements. This way, you are less likely to buy a car that you love but doesn't meet your requirements.
6. Extended Warranties
Ask the leadership if the car still has the manufacturer’s original warranty. If not, you may want to look into extended warranties (which will be expensive, of course), to ensure you won’t have to pay for costly repairs if the car breaks down. If the car does come with a warranty, ask them how much of it remains.
7. Get the Car Inspected by a Mechanic
In determining whether a car has been well maintained or not, it is a good idea to have an experienced mechanic inspect the car. Since you’re probably not an expert in inspecting the car, you should hire a mechanic to inspect the car for you. This professional will inspect the engine, transmission, suspension, and other important qualities of the used car.
Wrapping Up
So there you have it, a quick look at how you should go about buying a used car that lasts for a long time (with regular maintenance, of course). For best results, we recommend shopping with Pro Care Auto Sales who have experienced sales staff to help you make the best decision possible.
