What to Look for When Buying a Used Car

Finding the right vehicle to upgrade your commute from Warren to Boardman can feel like a daunting task. With so many options available, your head might spin when you get to your local used car lot. While other dealers are content to simply sell you any old model they’ve got, here at Apostolakis Honda, we do things differently. Our mission is to offer the car-buying tips you need to make an informed decision. From learning what to look for when buying a used car to tips for good pre-owned mileage, our expert staff has you covered. Learn more about the car-buying process and explore what to ask when buying a used car below!

How to Buy a Used Car From a Dealer

Shopping for your pre-owned Youngstown ride at a dealership like Apostolakis Honda has many advantages. Used cars offer enticing specs and features at an approachable price. What’s more, used cars don’t depreciate as quickly as new models, so you’ll get more bang for your buck by shopping pre-owned. Now that you know that buying a used car is a good idea, here are the steps to take to shop for a pre-owned vehicle:

• Set a Budget: If you’re looking for a used model, chances are sticking to your budget is a top priority. Take the time to determine what you can truly afford. Consider the cost of insurance, maintenance, gas, and more. A good rule of thumb to follow is to make sure your car payment doesn’t exceed 10% of your monthly income!

• Find the Right Used Car: Once you have a budget, you can search for vehicles that fall within your price range. You want to find something that’s both affordable and matches your expectations in terms of mileage, features, and condition. When you have a few options in mind, explore their reliability ratings on sites like Edmunds or KelleyBlueBook! 

• Test Drive and Inspect the Models: While you may fall in love with a vehicle you see online, it’s always wise to get behind the wheel before making a purchase. Not only do you want to drive the vehicle, but you’ll also want to give it a quick inspection. 

• Used Car Financing and Other Fees: When you narrow your selection down to your top choice, work with our team to explore your loan options. Keep in mind that you’ll want to factor in the price of the vehicle with other fees and credits like state sales tax, registration fees, and the trade-in value of your previous vehicle. At this point, you’ll also have the opportunity to take advantage of some generous warranty packages offered by our team!

What to Ask When Buying a Used Car

Shopping for a used car is a process that’s unique to each driver. You’re going to be looking for different things and asking different questions depending on whether you’re shopping for a nearly-new CPO model or a low-cost option priced under $12k. Regardless, here are a few questions to keep on the tip of your tongue when shopping for 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?

Learn More About What to Look for When Buying a Used Car!

Now that you know what to ask when buying a used car, you’re ready to visit us in Cortland to find the right new-to-you model. Whether you’re looking to learn more about used car financing, or you’re curious about how to sell your current vehicle to a dealership, rely on our expertise to guide you through your journey.