Tips for Buying a Used Car

Buying a used car has become a little more complicated over the last year or two. As automotive manufacturers suffer from supply chain woes, fewer new cars are coming onto the market. Since the number of American drivers is ever-expanding this has led to increased competition for vehicles, both new and used. Ironton drivers who are searching for a used vehicle have likely come across this issue. It makes buying a vehicle more high-stakes than it used to be.

It is with this in mind that we're going to explore some helpful strategies for buying used vehicles in this post. Our goal is to help drivers from Greenup to Piketon buy the right used vehicle for them and their families.

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Reliability and Maintenance

While it may seem obvious that a reliable car is the way to go there are some things that you can do to figure out if the used vehicle you're considering will be a reliable one. You should examine the engine of any vehicle you're considering, even if car maintenance isn't your strong suit. Go with your gut: if it looks like some tubing is loose, or as if there's oil somewhere it shouldn't be, then this is perhaps not the car for you. Don't be afraid to ask about something you notice: at least here at Hometown CPO of Ironton, our friendly team will work with you to address any concerns you might have. If you have a friend who works as a mechanic, maybe bring them along too.

No matter how good a shape a used vehicle is in when you purchase it, it's liable to need service at some point. This component of the used vehicle hunt relates more to the seller than the car itself. If you buy a vehicle off Craiglist, all of the maintenance is on you. If, on the other hand, you shop with a reputable dealer, they will often include a maintenance package or guarantee along with your vehicle purchase. We, for example, offer the Hometown Advantage Warranty.

The Hometown Advantage Warranty covers your vehicle for the first ten years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first! It also entitles buyers to two years of maintenance coverage. This will help you reduce costs and prolong the life of your vehicle.

Learn About the Vehicle's Past

There are some things that won't come up during a visual inspection of a vehicle, or even a test drive. That's why it's important, once you've found a vehicle that you like, to request the vehicle's history from the seller. Again, a private seller proves to be less than ideal: they are likely to only be able to tell you about the car, and they may leave things out. Dealers, however, have access to tools like CARFAX that can provide you with a comprehensive vehicle history. You'll be able to see that maintenance was done on time (or not) and if any major repairs have been made.

If you have performed a visual inspection and reviewed the vehicle history and find it all to be to your liking then it's time for a test drive! This will allow you to make sure that you actually like driving the car. During a test drive you should put the car through its paces with quick acceleration, fast braking, and the like. You want to be sure that the car will perform well when you need it to do so.

Buying a Used Car in a Time of High Prices

Buying a vehicle has not been this high-stakes in the past. It used to be easier to trade a car in, or to purchase another one. Now, however, prices are rising. If you follow the advice we laid out above, however, you can enjoy peace of mind in your new purchase. Between our tips for buying a used vehicle and the Hometown Advantage, you'll be covered!

Hometown CPO of Ironton has a wide selection of pre-owned vehicles available. When you shop with us, you'll be treated like part of the Hometown family. We look forward to serving you at our Ironton, OH dealership soon!

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