Valuable Tips to Help you Find the Perfect Used Car

Are you currently searching for a previously owned vehicle? Would you like to find a used car dealer that could put you in the right car for your needs? You can stop searching right now. The used car division at Orange Coast Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat has helpful tips so you can find the best car, at the best price, without any hassle.

Know What You Need

Finding the perfect vehicle, whether new or used, depends on the type of automobile that suits your needs. As the buyer, you should take the time to consider what your needs and desires are, and tell the sales personnel the specifics of the vehicle you are looking for. Do you need comfortable seating for your whole family? Are you looking for efficiency for a long commute? Or are you on the hunt for a fast and fun second car?

Consider the following:

• The size of your family or the maximum number of passengers you need to transport will determine the style of vehicle you need. This information will lead you to the right body style.
• Do you prefer two-door vehicles or four-door vehicles? Two-door cars make it more difficult to access the rear seat, but they usually offer sharper looks and superior performance.
• The cargo space you need should be considered an extremely important feature of the automobile you choose. If you need to transport a lot of groceries, camping equipment, or other items, you need a vehicle with a larger trunk or cargo space.
• Ground clearance is essential if you drive the automobile over rough roads that could potentially damage it. If you live in a rural area and have to navigate down a less-than-perfect driveway, you need a car with greater ground clearance.

Consider Your Budget

We are aware that everyone has a budget. You need to carefully look at your finances and determine precisely how much you can afford to spend on the vehicle. Also, figure out how you want to pay for your vehicle. Financing is the most common method, but it will still require a downpayment. Another popular option is leasing, which usually means a lower total monthly payment and lets you upgrade to a new car when the lease ends. Of course, you also always have the option to pay cash for your car and skip financing entirely.

Some vehicle types are more expensive than others. For instance:

• Hybrid vehicles cost more to purchase. However, these vehicles offer you the fuel economy you will love, they are safer for the environment, and they retain a better resale value than traditional gas or diesel vehicles do.
• Pickup trucks also usually retain their value well, but you can expect them to be higher priced than cars, vans, or sedans.
• Cars with manual transmissions are generally lower priced than cars with automatic transmissions, but sports cars with manuals can sometimes be more desirable than the same car with an automatic.
• Engines powered by gasoline are usually cheaper to buy than ones that are powered by diesel but will cost more in fuel.

Vehicle Age and Mileage

One of the things you need to consider about a previously owned vehicle is the age of the car and the number of miles that it has been driven. In some areas of the United States, people drive more than others. Here in California, the average driver travels 12,524 miles per year, which is slightly lower than the national average of 14,300 miles per year.

This means that if the car you are shopping for is three years old, it should have about 37,500 miles on it. If it has a lot more miles, that indicates that the car has been driven harder. However, the number of miles does not reflect the maintenance on the vehicle and will not tell you if a vehicle is on its last legs. In fact, very high mileage for its age may be a sign that the vehicle was used exclusively for highway driving, which is actually easier on a car than city driving.

Use a Licensed Dealer

Using a licensed dealer instead of an individual is one of the essential tips you can get on shopping for a used car. Plus, a major car dealer is often a certified pre-owned dealer. A certified pre-owned vehicle will come with such luxuries as an extended manufacturer-backed warranty.

A large dealer generally has in-house technicians that are well trained and licensed to work on vehicles. When they get a used vehicle, they send it back to their service center, and the car is inspected for any potential problems.

If you purchase a used vehicle from an individual, you will need to take it to a mechanic and have it inspected. Most people who trade in vehicles at a dealership do so because they use the car they own to get the price they are buying reduced. Most individuals who sell vehicles through newspaper ads and the Facebook marketplace have a vehicle for which a dealer will not give them much money.

Within two months of owning a previously owned vehicle, the car’s problem that caused the seller to offer less for it will usually rear its ugly head. If you avoid private sales, you get autos inspected by trained technicians; you get the assurance that the automobile is in good driving condition.

Check the Market Value Before You Start

You can access Kelley Blue Book and a variety of other online tools to help you discover the potential market value the vehicle has. To get an accurate estimate of market value, you have to know the car’s make, model, and year. You also need to know the mileage, the extras it has, and the general condition of the vehicle. The figures you get from your search give you a starting point for your offer-making. They are also very useful in gauging the value of a car you are looking to trade-in.

The potential market value also lets you judge whether the person selling the car might be trying to hide something. If the price they are asking for the vehicle is way below the market value, then be cautious. You will want to ask why the price is so far below the suggested market value. It is always best to ask for a full vehicle history report from CARFAX or another reputable third party.

Use Your Nose

When looking at used vehicles, open the doors, climb into the seats, both back and front, and use your nose. You may smell lingering odors of cigarettes or even the pungent odor of mold and mildew. These odors can be removed, but any odd scents may be an indication of the vehicle’s condition.

Look Things Over

You want to inspect the vehicle for dents, scratches, signs of rust or corrosion, and signs of auto-body repairs. If there are signs that the car has been repaired, there is a possibility the vehicle has been in an accident.

Take a Test Drive

When you go for the test drive, you want to listen carefully to the engine and see if you hear any other squeaks and rattles. It is okay to turn on the radio and see if it works, but then turn it off so you can hear any little pings or noises.

Final Thoughts

Buying a previously owned vehicle can save you a ton of money. Here at Orange Coast, you will find previously owned cars that have plenty of life left in them and friendly sales personnel that can help you find the perfect “new to you” auto. You can explore our online inventory to find deals and even purchase from the comforts of your home. No matter how you choose to find your next car, we are here to help.