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Purchasing a car can be a thrilling experience! While you may get caught up in the excitement of the purchase, it’s important to consider these tips when buying a used car. more Budget Creating a budget can be one of the most important parts of buying a used car. Getting preapproved for a used car loan is a great place to start. If you have a preferred bank to use, Dorian Ford can work with them or get you started on the process of applying for a loan. Walking into a dealership with a planned budget will help to narrow down your choices: it also lets the dealer know you’re serious about buying a car. Certified Pre-Owned Choosing a certified pre-owned or loaner vehicle is an easy way to know that you’re bringing home a quality ride with no hidden service issues. Here at Dorian Ford, we thoroughly inspect each certified vehicle and submit them to either a 139-point or 172-point inspection – allowing you to feel confident that your new car will last for miles. With that comes limited warranties, 24/7 roadside assistance, and reward points for your first maintenance visits. Vehicle Title Ask to see the vehicle title. Most vehicles are required to have a vehicle title. You cannot register a vehicle without a title and in many places selling a vehicle without a title is illegal. No title, no sale. You should also consider checking for a Carfax, Autocheck, or similar on-line vehicle register using the vehicles VIN number. These reports provide a detailed history of a vehicle and can alert buyers to potential problems, such as branded titles, odometer issues, and prior crashes. Mechanic Ask if you can have your personal or dealership mechanic take a look at the vehicle. Some car issues can go unnoticed to the untrained eye, so we recommend having a properly trained auto technician look over the vehicle prior to making your purchase. This will ensure the vehicle is safe and working properly, which can save you time and money down the road. Test Drive Before you make the final decision on a used car, take your top choices out for a test drive. This way you can decide which vehicle meets your performance and comfortability expectations, so you won't be stuck in an uncomfortable ride. The most important thing to keep in mind is to go with what feels right for you. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a test drive of one of our used cars, don't hesitate to contact us! It would be our pleasure to help you find a new ride that brings a smile to your face every time you climb inside!

Have you finished your search for the best new vehicle for you and your family? Before you move forward with your new vehicle purchase, be sure to take the vehicle for a test drive. To ensure you get a vehicle that fits your needs and lifestyle, you'll want to consider a few essential points during your test drive before you make your purchase. more Exterior Appearance and Size While driving a fast sports car may seem fun, it isn't always the most practical choice. On the same note, if you're the only one who travels in your vehicle, you likely don't need to purchase a three-row SUV. When you select your ideal vehicle, make sure its size is suitable for your needs. A larger vehicle will be more challenging to park and maneuver through city traffic, but you'll get more space for people and gear on the inside. Think about how easy getting into and out of the vehicle will be. A tall person may struggle to enter a sedan, whereas someone else may have trouble climbing into a large truck or an SUV. Interior Comfort and Space You'll also want to consider how many people will realistically fit in the back seat or the third row. Bring some of the people who frequently travel with you to sit in the seats. If you test drive the vehicle on your own, climb into the back and determine whether passengers will be able to get into the seats easily before you depart for your travels. You'll also want to think about cargo space. If you're looking at a sedan, open the trunk and estimate how many grocery bags or suitcases you can fit inside. With SUVs, rear cargo space can vary considerably. Be sure you have an idea of the space you need for gear. Think about how the driver's seat feels, whether you can adjust the steering wheel to a comfortable position, how easy it is to glance in the mirrors, and whether you have good visibility. Engine Performance and Handling One of the most important reasons to test drive a vehicle is to find out how it performs and handles when you're behind the wheel. The only way to do this is by driving it. Take the vehicle on the highway and get it up to cruising speed. Highway driving lets you test out the cruise control and enables you to feel the steering and braking responsiveness at a higher speed. Listen to the engine and the transmission to ensure you don't hear any rattling, banging, or grinding. Remember that even if the vehicle sounds good and seems to operate as it should, you may not find it to your liking. Never purchase a car that you aren't 100% comfortable driving. When you're ready to take your dream vehicle out for a test drive, visit Mike Dorian Ford. We have a great selection of vehicles, and we're always happy to show off our exceptional cars, trucks, and SUVs.