What to Look for When Buying a Used Car

Shopping the pre-owned market is a great way to save money, but finding just the right model can take some research. Not sure what to look for when buying a used car in Ooltewah or Dalton? The team at Mtn. View Chevrolet is here to guide you through the process. From setting your budget to taking you for a test drive, we’ll let you know exactly what to ask when buying a used car. Read all about buying a used car below, and get more car shopping tips at Mtn. View Chevrolet.

How to Buy a Used Car From a Dealer

When buying a used car, there’s no shortage of options around Athens. The hard part is limiting your options to a few prime candidates, which is why knowing what to ask when buying a used car is so vital. Here are the steps we recommend:

• Set a Budget: Whether you’ve got your eye on cars priced under 20k or top-of-the-line trims, setting a budget is your first step. Your monthly payments shouldn’t exceed 10% of your monthly income, and think beyond the sticker price of your car. Anticipate ownership costs like future repairs, new tires, and routine maintenance. Use our monthly payment calculator to start crunching numbers!
• Find the Right Used Car: What matters the most in your new purchase? Think about your expectations for budget, mileage, features, and more. Make a checklist and compare your wants and needs with what’s currently in the used inventory—and don’t be afraid to ask for suggestions from our team! You can also use sites like Edmunds or KelleyBlueBook for in-depth reviews.
• Test Drive and Inspect the Models: Once you’ve narrowed down your list to a few models, head to Chattanooga for your test drive. The test drive will reveal a lot about how well the car suits you, so be sure to put the vehicles through their paces. You can also bring along a trusted mechanic for an inspection.
• Used Car Financing and Other Fees: At this point, you’ve probably found the right vehicle for you. Now it’s time to move onto the financing portion. You’ll learn about the different loan options, along with added fees like sales tax and registration costs. And if you have a car to trade in, you can negotiate the price at this point as well. Then you’ll discuss warranty options, and you’ll be ready to hit the road!

What to Ask When Buying a Used Car

Knowing what to ask when buying a used car can save you a lot of time and effort, but it can also help you compare models. Here are a few questions that you can ask when shopping around, so you can see how each of your vehicle candidates stacks up against each other.

• Is there a history of maintenance?
• Is the vehicle history report available?
• Do the amenities and features work like they’re supposed to?
• What is the ownership history?
• What is the vehicle’s mileage?
• Are there any current recalls on the vehicle?
• How was the vehicle priced?
• Can I take the car to a mechanic for an inspection?
• Do you have the title in hand?
• Is the car as is, or is it under warranty?
• Does this vehicle affect your insurance premiums?

Start Shopping with Mtn. View Chevrolet

Now you know what to look for when buying a used car, so why not put your new skills in action? Visit Mtn. View Chevrolet in Chattanooga to start shopping our used car inventory, and feel free to contact us with your questions. Our team can help you find the perfect option for your wants and needs, so get in touch with us at any time.