What to Look for When Buying From A Used Car From a Dealership

If you need a new-to-you used car, then you might be considering buying one from a dealership. If that’s the case, there are many things to look for when purchasing that will help guide your decision, including the car’s history, whether there are mechanical issues, and warranty options.

Cactus Auto is happy to provide you with some tips to follow when buying a used car from a dealer before making your final purchase.

When buying a used car, the first thing you should do is determine its role in your life. Once you know what kind of vehicle you’re looking for, it will be easier to find one that suits your needs. Then, you can decide how much you are willing to spend on that vehicle or comparable models. You can then research vehicles that interest you to learn what to expect to pay, depending on factors like age, mileage, and condition

Certified pre-owned vehicles have been inspected by the manufacturer and certified to be in good condition, reassuring the buyer that it will provide years of reliable miles. If the vehicle comes with a warranty, it can help protect your investment in case issues arise while you own it.

When looking at a used car, be sure to calculate the cost of the vehicle with all available financing options. Many dealerships offer low-interest loans so you can drive off in your new vehicle worry-free.

A vehicle history must be reviewed when considering purchasing a used car. This will tell you whether the vehicle has been in any major accidents, if it has ever been totaled, stolen, or has a salvaged title. If so, then that would be a good indicator as to why it is still for sale.
If the vehicle had minor accident damage, you can see what repairs were done and the cost. With the vehicle’s VIN, you can obtain a vehicle history report from a reputable company like CARFAX or AutoCheck.

The first step when looking at a used vehicle is a thorough inspection, or if you are not mechanically inclined, have it inspected by a trusted mechanic. You want to make sure the car runs well, has no mechanical issues, and feels comfortable to drive. Take note of the exterior, interior, and engine compartment areas for any wear and tear, damages, or newly-installed parts.

Ask to see if the vehicle you are interested in may still have some of its factory warranty remaining. Some dealerships offer an additional warranty on a vehicle with varying levels of coverage after the factory warranty expires. If you feel there is a risk of the vehicle breaking down before the standard warranty expires, then you might want to consider buying extended coverage from the dealership.

When you buy a used car from a dealership, the seller should provide you with paperwork that includes the VIN of the vehicle, its mileage, and any modifications made to it. Be sure to review the paperwork for the vehicle and verify all information and details before signing anything.
You should also ensure that your personal and credit information is correct on the contract and title.

Buying a used vehicle can be a great way to save money and get a reliable vehicle to fit your needs. But it is essential to know what to look for and what you need to consider before making a purchase.
Do your research and talk to a qualified dealer to find the best used vehicle for you at the best price. Most importantly, make sure you are prepared by researching the vehicles that interest you and having all the necessary paperwork completed correctly and information available before you commit to any purchase.

Cactus Auto in Tucson is your one-stop dealership specializing in used cars. Offering customer-friendly features that other dealerships cannot, including 30-day price match and 7-day exchange guarantees, Cactus Auto is dedicated to customer satisfaction.
If your current vehicle is not meeting your needs, bring it to Cactus Auto for cash or trade it in for your ideal vehicle.

To see Cactus Auto’s massive variety of inventory, browse our online inventory or come by our dealership to find your next car today!