What to look for in a Used Car

So, you’ve decided on the all-important question of whether to buy a new or used car. Buying used can be a great way to get a vehicle with more options than the same price point if the car was new. But, how do you know if a pre-owned vehicle is a good value or not? The following tips will help you decided if a pre-owned car is a good fit for you.

Just like when you start shopping for a new car, when used car shopping, you need to figure out how much you can afford. If you are paying cash for the car, then obviously, you know what your budget is. However, if you are financing the vehicle, you will need to determine the amount of your down payment, the value of your trade-in (if you have one), and how much you can afford as a monthly payment.

Now that you know how much you can spend, you should research which vehicle will fit your needs and budget. For example, if you know you need an SUV, research all the SUVs that fall into your price point, and offer the features you require. There are a few different sites you can use to research all your options. Sites cush as Kelly Blue Book, Carfax, or Edmonds can offer all kinds of information on different makes and models. You will also find detailed reviews, fuel economy ratings, and how much those cars are being sold for right now.

If you have not considered a certified pre-owned vehicle before, you may want to rethink that. A CPO car is typically a late-model off-lease vehicle that is in showroom condition. Most of the time, they come with extended warranties, have been put through an extensive mechanical inspection, and have been repaired or refreshed as needed.

When used car shopping, most pay mileage a high priority on their “must” list. However, it is always best to remember that high-mileage cars and low-mileage cars are not necessarily opposites. Generally speaking, it is a good idea to keep in mind that a typical driver will put on about 20,000 miles a year. This can be used as a guideline to determine if a car you are considering is a good option. Typically speaking, a ten-year-old vehicle should have around 120,000 miles on it.

It is always a good idea to tested drive a car before you buy it. The test drive ensures it meets your needs and expectations and operates to your liking. Make sure to drive the car on various roads at different speeds to check the acceleration, braking, and cornering. Be sure you test out all of the features inside the car as well.

If you are in the market for a pre-owned vehicle and live in the Akron area, you need to come on over to Fred Martin Nissan! We have a vast selection of pre-owned vehicles. However, here at Fred Martin Nissan, we take our pre-owned inventory to the next level with our Platinum Advantages! The advantages include a five-day love it or leave it to return guarantee. There is a free lifetime limited powertrain warranty, free oil changes for three years, three years of roadside assistance, and much more, all at no extra cost. We look forward to helping you be a part of the Fred Martin Platinum Advantages Program!