What to Look for When Buying a Used Car

Buying a pre-owned car can be an exciting time for and drivers, but it can also be intimidating! What if you’re not sure what to ask when buying a used car? The team at Byers Auto Group is here to help every step of the way. Whether you’re buying your first vehicle or your tenth vehicle, find out what to look for when buying a used car, and start shopping at Byers Auto Group today!

How to Buy a Used Car From a Dealer

Let’s say you want to know what to look for when buying a car from a dealer specifically. Dealerships have tons of advantages over the private market, like wider selection and extra convenience. Shopping at a dealership allows you to narrow down your search much more effectively, and you can even find models under 15k or certified pre-owned models with a full warranty package. So, here are the steps you need to take when shopping for your next used car:

• Set a Budget: Before you go shopping, it’s important to set a reasonable budget. Not only should you factor in the cost of the vehicle, but also costs like maintenance and insurance. Most experts recommend spending no more than 10% of your monthly income on car payments to avoid financial strain. Check out our payment calculator to start running the numbers!
• Find the Right Used Car: Beyond your budget, what else do you want and need out of your next vehicle? Make a list of “must have” and “nice to have” features to help you shop strategically, and start narrowing down cars that fit your requirements. Look up reviews on sites like Edmunds or Kelley Blue Book and make note of how much each model is typically sold for around the area. Pick your top candidates, and head to the dealership.
• Test Drive and Inspect the Models: Once you’re in the showroom, the real fun begins. Take some test drives and compare how each model feels on the road. Think about your day-to-day driving routine and try to simulate those conditions during your test.
• Used Car Financing and Other Fees: Found the perfect ride for you? Congratulations! Next, you’ll want to talk with our finance team. Explore your loan options and don’t forget to factor in other fees and credits like state sales tax, registration fees, and the trade-in value of your previous vehicle. This is also a good time to discuss your warranty options and insurance as well.

What to Ask When Buying a Used Car

Knowing what to ask when buying a used car can be just as important as knowing what to look for in the first place. Why? You can discover quite a bit about a vehicle by asking the right questions, which can save you time and money down the road! Here are some tips on what to ask about when buying a used car:

• 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?

Find Your Next Used Model at Byers Auto Group

Now you know what to look for when buying a used car, it’s time to put your skills to work! Feel free to contact us at Byers Auto Group with your questions, or just stop by our showroom in Columbus. We’d love to get you behind the wheel of your future car, and you can even shop our used inventory online!