What to Look for When Buying a Used Car

The process of shopping for a pre-owned vehicle may seem quite daunting. At Bud Clary Subaru, we understand that, especially if you are a first-time car buyer, purchasing a vehicle can be a bit overwhelming. You may be wondering what to look for when buying a used car. You may also be wondering what to ask when buying a used car at the dealership. Our team is here to assist you every step of the way so that you can find a new-to-you vehicle you feel confident about. 

How to Buy a Used Car From a Dealer

Buying used certainly has its perks for savvy Kelso shoppers like you. Used cars are priced more affordably, you do not have to worry about the steep depreciation associated with new cars, and insurance costs are often lower. By following the simple steps below, you’ll be able to find a vehicle you will love for many years to come. 

• Set a Budget: Take time to consider the balance between the cost to buy and the cost to own. Be sure to factor in future repairs, new tires, routine maintenance, and if a car loan is needed to finance the used car. We recommend keeping monthly payments under 10% of your monthly income. If you want to see what you can afford, be sure to check out our easy-to-use payment calculator. 
• Find the Right Used Car: Not sure what to look for when buying a used car? It is important to look at the condition, model year, mileage, and maintenance history. While this is not all to consider, it is a good starting point. Keep in mind that a vehicle that is in need of a little TLC can still be an excellent value. Just don’t forget about factoring maintenance costs into your budget. 
• Test Drive and Inspect the Models: We also highly recommend taking the vehicle for a spin on the roads around St Helens. Not only is it important to see how the vehicle runs, but you also want to make sure that it is comfortable for you. Are the controls placed intuitively? Are the seats comfortable? How is the visibility? These are important questions to consider before signing on the dotted line. 
• Used Car Financing and Other Fees: Once you’ve found a used car that ticks all the boxes on your wishlist, thoroughly explore your loan options while factoring in other fees and credits like state sales tax, registration fees, and the trade-in value of your previous vehicle. You will also want to make sure that the vehicle is properly insured before you hit the roads of Woodland and beyond. 

What to Ask When Buying a Used Car

If you have been wondering about what to ask when buying a used car at Bud Clary Subaru, this list of questions below is a great place to start. 

• What is the vehicle’s maintenance history?
• Does it come with a vehicle history report?
• Do the amenities and features work as intended?
• What is the vehicle’s ownership history?
• How many miles are on the odometer?
• Are there any current recalls on the vehicle?
• How was the vehicle priced?
• Can I have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic?
• Do you have the title in hand?
• Is the car as is, or is it under warranty?
• Does this vehicle affect insurance premiums?

Find Out More About What to Look for When Buying a Used Car Today

If you still have questions about what to look for when buying a used car, do not hesitate to reach out to the team here at Bud Clary Subaru. We would be glad to guide you through the process every step of the way.