What to Look for When Buying a Used Car

Shopping for a used vehicle won’t be as straightforward as buying a brand new model, but with a little effort and some guidance on what to look for when buying a used car, the extra steps will make the purchase all worth it! What’s more is that you have access to the used experts themselves at Short Redmond SuperStore at your fingertips, so there’s no excuse why you can’t enjoy an amazing deal near the Richmond area. We will reveal all of the tips and secrets we know as an established used car dealer below. We will even boil it all down to what to ask when buying a used car, so you can master the art of shopping for the right pre-owned model at an ideal price!

How to Buy a Used Car from a Dealer

While there’s no one right way to shop for a pre-owned vehicle in Winchester, there are some crucial steps you should take to make the most out of the process, which includes:

Setting a Budget:

The price is definitely one of the main things for shoppers, especially when it comes to what to look for when buying a used car. However, you should look beyond just the price tag of the model itself– also consider the balance between cost to buy and cost to own. This will include future repairs, new tires, routine maintenance, and if a car loan is needed to finance the used car. We advise that your monthly payment shouldn’t exceed 10% of your monthly income. See an estimate of your monthly payment with our online tool.

Finding the Right Used Car:

The right model will need to fit various criteria, such as your budget, mileage expectations, and fit some key requirements like having a vehicle history report. Begin with a list of cars you’re interested in and then compare that to what’s offered at the dealership you want to purchase from. Then, do further research into the reliability reviews from sites like Edmunds or KelleyBlueBook, and compare the price that model is sold for in your area.

Going on a Test Drive and Inspecting the Models:

Once you have a solid idea of which model you want to consider buying, you should go to the dealership and take those models for a spin to get a personal feel. For any models you like after the test drive, be sure to inspect them yourself and have them inspected by a trusted mechanic as well.

Accounting for Used Car Financing and Other Fees:

With an exact used car in mind, explore your loan options in the Danville area. Keep in mind to factor in other fees and credits like state sales tax, registration fees, and the trade-in value of your previous vehicle. You should also check if you will be covered with any applicable warranties and car insurance plans with the model you’re purchasing. Our finance team can assist you further if you have any questions about securing loans with bad credit or ones with lower rates!

What to Ask When Buying a Used Car

Since you know what to look for when buying a used car, you might not be sure how to be clear when speaking to a dealer about a model you’re interested in. We put together some questions below, so you can know what to ask when buying a used car to ensure you’re getting a good purchase:

• Is there a history of maintenance?
• Is the vehicle history report available?
• Do the amenities and features work like they’re supposed to?
• What is the ownership history?
• What is the vehicle’s mileage?
• Are there any current recalls on the vehicle?
• How was the vehicle priced?
• Can I take the car to a mechanic for an inspection?
• Do you have the title in hand?
• Is the car as is, or is it under warranty?
• Does this vehicle affect your insurance premiums?

Learn More About the Used Car Shopping Process

If you ever have any questions about purchasing a pre-owned vehicle, Short Redmond SuperStore is your friendly, knowledgable used car dealer that you can turn to! We can break down what is considered good mileage for a used car, how to negotiate a used car price, and more when you reach out to us today.