Tips for Buying a Used Car

As the old saying goes, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” This philosophy cannot be more true when it comes to buying used cars. Used cars are reliable and economical in today’s society, and with increasingly high standards and expectations from both dealers and buyers, pre-owned vehicles can be just as high-quality as brand new ones. Before you purchase a used vehicle, though, it’s important to do your research, consider all options, and check your sources.

Benefits of buying used

In order to sell used cars, dealers have to ensure that those cars as juts as attractive as the newer models. This benefits you as a customer because it means you have excellent options available to you at affordable prices. Used cars typically cost 20 or 30 percent less than new cars, and they typically also cost less to insure.

Most pre-owned vehicles are still under factory warranty and are truly reliable, and the history of the car can be traced using a vehicle identification number so you know where your new car has been. Although it may have been owned by someone else in the past, used cars can give you the satisfaction of a brand new car with the low price tag that only a pre-owned vehicle can carry.

Consider all options

Many people know what car they want before they buy, but it is important to test the decision to be completely sure. Be sure to keep your options open because there may be a vehicle that fits your needs and budget better than the vehicle you had in mind. Consider how you plan on paying for the vehicle because you usually have numerous options. There are ways to finance through the dealer, a bank, an online lender, or a credit union, and if possible, you can even pay cash.

Always be sure the vehicle you buy fits all your needs, and do not allow yourself to be swindled into buying a car that isn’t what you were looking for. Look into cars that are built for the same market (even if they aren’t necessarily the exact car you came to purchase), as these cars may have different features and sometimes lower prices. A used car bases its value on mileage, condition, reliability, performance, and popularity, so do your homework and find a vehicle with the best of these qualities to benefit your lifestyle.

Check your sources

Before buying a used car, make sure it is the best option available to you. Run a vehicle history report on the car to gain a comprehensive review of the vehicle. These reports can reveal hidden drawbacks like a salvage title or an odometer that has been turned backwards to conceal the vehicle’s true mileage.

Always inspect the vehicle to determine its condition and to ensure that it does not have any major flaws, and be sure the vehicle is up-to-date on inspection and is backed by a manufacturer’s warranty. Always know that you are buying your used vehicle from a trustworthy and dependable site, and set up an appointment with the seller to test drive the vehicle before you agree to buy.

On the test drive, evaluate the following things: acceleration from a stop, engine noise, visibility, hill-climbing power, breaking, cargo space, squeak, and suspension. These characteristics can show you if you will need to make improvements on the car after you purchase. It is important to be aware of your vehicle’s past history and current conditions before you purchase.

Thornton Chevrolet

If you want to be sure that you’re getting the best deal possible on a used vehicle, the most important thing you can do is to choose the right dealer. Thornton Chevrolet is Central Pennsylvania’s premier Chevy dealer, and in addition to offering new and used Chevrolets at unbeatable prices, Thornton is also home to the best service center in the area.

From routine oil changes to complete engine rebuilds, Thornton provides a wide range of services on all makes and models of vehicles. Whether you drive a brand new Lamborghini or your grandmother’s rusty clunker, Thornton can provide you with the repair and maintenance your car needs.  For more information, visit Thornton online today at tchevy.com.