How To Buy A Used Car From A Dealership

If you're wondering how to buy a used car, you've come to the right place. Pre-owned vehicles have many benefits – the most desirable of which is often their very competitive prices. Used cars can also be quoted for lower premiums by insurance companies since their replacement costs are lower, and they experience less sharp depreciation upon purchase. In addition, some people might enjoy vintage styling or features.

However, the process can be a little different than buying a new car. Here's a look at important factors to consider.

Private Seller vs. Dealer

If you're interested in a pre-owned vehicle, we don't recommend hitting up Craigslist or Facebook. While there might be some superficially good prices to be found through private sellers, there is also more risk involved, as it is harder to trust the car's credentials and history. By contrast, at DARCARS Automotive Group, we provide a CARFAX® Vehicle History Report™ for each used vehicle to give the buyer important insight into where a car has been and the care it has received. As a result, you can be more confident that it will last you long into the future.

This is not the only hassle we can help alleviate. As a reputable used car dealer in the Eastern United States, we also provide a wider selection than an individual can offer. This empowers you to find a model that satisfies all your wants and needs, whether you are looking for a heavy-towing truck with Bluetooth® connectivity or a fuel-efficient sedan – maybe even an electrified vehicle – with perks like heated mirrors.

Last but certainly not least, we carry a selection of certified pre-owned models. These cars stand above typical used models in that they have been more thoroughly inspected to ensure they are of the highest quality. In most cases, these cars also have to meet other requirements, such as being under eight or five years old or having fewer than 80,000 miles on the odometer. Our team can let you know the specifics based on which automaker you are considering.

CPO vehicles are also rewarded with warranties that can give you some of the same reassurance you would expect when buying a new car. Again, our team would be happy to outline this coverage when you stop by our locations for a test drive.

How to Buy a Used Car From a Dealer

The process of how to buy a used car from a dealership is fairly simple. We recommend you start by reviewing our available selection online, using the filters to narrow our collection to the models that will best serve your family.

For many, looking for a car with low mileage is important because these vehicles are more likely to have a long life span ahead of them. However, you can get really good deals on more experienced cars, which may serve your immediate needs. We have a curated list of used vehicles under $20K, for instance.

Once you have made some preliminary determinations, contact our team. You can just show up in person for a test drive, although calling ahead can help guarantee the vehicle will be ready and waiting for you. You should bring some documents with you in case you decide to purchase the model:

• Your driver's license
• A form of payment
• Employee pay stubs if you are going to need an auto loan
• Proof of address

While you are there, the dealer will also pull up your credit score unless you are paying in full, so looking over this beforehand can be useful. You will also need to tell your insurance company about the new purchase or procure insurance if you do not currently have it.

In some cases, people looking to buy a pre-owned vehicle are also interested in trading in the car they are currently driving. In that case, you will also need all sets of keys to that car, proof of auto insurance, and the vehicle's title and registration. Being able to have your car evaluated easily and immediately getting credit for the vehicle is another perk of going to a dealer rather than a third party.

If you are confident, even without a test drive, that a certain car is right for you, you can also click a button beside the listing to begin the online purchase process.

How to Check a Used Car Before Buying

While we are proud of the quality of all the used cars we sell, we don't just want you to take our word for it. In addition to thoroughly reviewing its CARFAX® Vehicle History Report™, we want you to check out the car for yourself. The question is how to buy a good used car.

Rather than immediately climbing behind the wheel, circle the vehicle to examine it from the outside. Signs of poor maintenance – such as cracked or bulging tire sidewalls – are not just problems in and of themselves but might suggest other neglected parts of the car. You should also keep a careful eye out for rust. A little bit might not seem like that big of a problem, but more rust might be lingering where it isn't easy to see, and a car is made up of a lot of metal, which rust weakens. If you spot oxidation, it can be better to walk away.

During the test drive, put the car through as many real-world scenarios as possible. Go fast, go slow, go left, go right. Use as many features as possible, regardless of whether or not the situation calls for it. For example, flick on the wipers even if it isn't raining and use the heating even if it's summertime to ensure they are functional.

Many modern vehicles are designed with advanced driver-assistance features, but these only benefit you if they make sense for how you drive. Experiment with the rearview camera and lane-keeping assistance. If the vehicle has a Graphical Head-Up Display, utilize it and try adjusting the brightness as needed. If you have a family, you might consider bringing them along to see what they think of the seats.

A key aspect of how to buy a used car is the testing process, which may be even more important if you are considering an electrified vehicle. While these models have come a long way since they were first introduced and can save you a lot of money at the pump, they can take some getting used to. For example, some all-electric models utilize a one-pedal driving system, and you should test how comfortable you are using this. Feel free to ask our teams questions about charging and maintenance, as well.

A Journey of a Thousand Miles Starts Today

If you are interested in one of our vehicles or have more questions about how to buy a used car online, we're only a message or a call away. Our team is passionate about cars and would love to discuss the wide range of options we have available with you.

We can also explain how various models compare to each other or recommend those we think would suit you well. Whether you're hoping to find a reliable car your teenager can go off to college in or one of our used SUVs for sale with excellent towing capacity, let us assist you today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to look for when buying a used car?

When buying a used car, first consider the size of your family and your driving routine. Families with young kids may work well in a sedan, while families with teens or greater numbers might need an SUV. Price is also important, but so is fuel efficiency, as it will determine how much you pay long-term for gas. Safety ratings and features also can make a big difference.

Is it better to buy a new or used car?

Buying a new car guarantees you get the latest powertrain and safety features and can give you the reassurance of new car warranties. However, used vehicles are often very competitively priced and can come with warranties as well if they are certified pre-owned while still offering solid performance and comfort. Therefore, the answer to this question depends on the customer.

What to ask when buying a used car?

Inquire about a car's mileage and history when looking to buy it. People often ask, "How many miles should a used car have to buy it?" Generally, people drive 15,000 miles annually, and most cars last for 200,000 miles with proper care, so something under 100,000 miles should have a lot of life left. However, it's even more important that the car has been well-maintained to that point.