10 Tips for Buying a Used Car

Tip #1:  Make a Budget

When you shop for a used car, it’s helpful to have a budget. This way, you’ll know exactly which makes and models are in your price range. It’ll also help when it comes to the financing process.

               

Tip #2: Pick Your Must-Have Features

Is there a specific feature you want in your used car? By making a list of everything you need and want in a vehicle, you can use it to start your search. Whether you’re looking for a third-row seat or the latest technology, write it down.

Using our online inventory, you can then search for vehicles that have what you’re looking for. Plus, our staff is happy to help you find the right model for you.

Tip #3: Start Researching Different Makes and Models

If you’re ready to begin looking for your next car, you can start by searching through the available brands. At our dealership, we have used vehicles from Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram. That means you could find quite a few different models, such as:

• Jeep Renegade
• Ram 1500
• Chrysler Pacifica

You can find these models online or in person at our lot. Since you already wrote down your preferences and needs, we can help you find a model that fits the bill. 

Tip #4: Pick a Model Year

Have you decided which brand is right for you? Whether you’re going for a Ram truck or Jeep SUV, you now have one more decision to make. What year do you want? We have used cars that span across many model years. You could find a used Jeep that’s only a few years old or a pre-owned model that was released ten years ago or more.

Depending on what you’re looking for, you could choose the latest model year for the technological features or a similar model that’s just a few years older for the value.

Tip #5: Look at the Vehicle History Report

When buying a used car, you might want to ask a few questions. One of the first things you can ask for is a vehicle history report. This will give you information about the used car’s past history. This includes service history, accident reports, and more.

If you shop certified pre-owned, most CPO vehicles automatically come with a vehicle history report.

Tip #6: Explore CPO Inventory

Speaking of certified pre-owned vehicles, it may be a good idea to check out the CPO inventory of a dealer. This is where the cream of the crop is. CPO vehicles are usually a recent model year, have a low number of miles on the odometer, and pass a rigorous inspection.

Tip #7: Test Drive

If you like everything about your chosen vehicle so far, it’s time to take it out on a test drive. By doing this, you’ll be able to test everything out and decide whether it’s right for you. From the way the car drives and accelerates to how comfortable you find the seats, the test drive will help you choose.

Tip #8: Check for Wear & Tear

After your test drive, you can do a quick check of the car before making any decisions. This can include checking out the interior for any large scratches and even popping open the hood to check the engine. You could even check the tire tread as well. 

Tip #9: Have the Car Inspected

While our service team is dedicated to making sure all the used cars on our lot are in top condition, you can still have it looked at again. This is a good way to double-check that your chosen car is ready to go.

Tip #10: Stop by our Financing Center

Once you decide on your used model, it’s time to finance it. You can take this time to ask any questions, get to know our finance experts, and use our online tools such as the payment calculator. Once we find you a deal, all you have to do is sign the paperwork.