What to Look for When Buying a Used Car

Knowing what questions to ask and what to look for when buying a used car will ensure you find the right vehicle for your lifestyle without stretching your budget thin. Whether you’re a first-time car buyer or it’s been a while since you purchased a vehicle, our team at Sheridan Honda is here to guide you through the process from start to finish. Below, we share what to look for and what to ask when buying a used car, and when you’re ready to start shopping for a new-to-you vehicle in the Casper and Cheyenne area, check out our selection!

A Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Used Car From a Dealer

Used cars have several advantages over new ones. They’re cheaper to purchase, register, and insure; they depreciate in value more slowly; and they’ve proven themselves to be reliable drivers. To find the best used car for your needs, follow these steps on how to purchase from a dealer:

Stick to a Budget

Figure out how much you can afford to spend before you head to the dealership. Factor the costs of insurance and ongoing maintenance into your calculations. Our handy payment calculator can help you design a used car budget that makes sense for your financial situation.

Start Shopping

Now, you’re ready to start shopping. Look for vehicles in your price range, and assemble a list of cars that pique your interest. From there, research each vehicle make and model in depth by checking review sites and reading the experiences of both experts and everyday drivers. You can then narrow down your list.

Test Drive

When wondering what to look for when buying a used car, the test drive will be your biggest source of information. Take a drive around the Billings area, see how the car drives and handles, and consider having a mechanic give it a quick inspection. After test-driving the vehicles you’re interested in, you’ll be in a good position to make a purchasing decision.

Explore Financing Options

Once you and the dealer settle on a price, all you need to do is find the most appropriate financing option for your budget. Discuss your needs with the finance department, and compare packages and rates from multiple lenders so you can get the best possible deal.

What to Ask When Buying a Used Car

Now that you know what to look for when buying a used car, let’s focus on what to ask. Asking the right questions will make you a more informed buyer and help you purchase with confidence. Here is what to ask when buying a used car:

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

Shop for Your Next Used Car at Sheridan Honda

As you can see, knowing what to ask and what to look for when buying a used car will empower you with all information you need to find a quality, affordable vehicle. If you have questions or would like more information on how to navigate the buying experience, don’t hesitate to contact us.