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.
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!
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