Used Car Buying Guide

When you're shopping for a new-to-you car, finding a great used car can be a smart decision. However, it's a decision you need to make carefully. The process can be tricky so we're here to help you get the most out of your used car buying experience.

In our guide to buying used cars, we'll cover:

• Analyzing your budget
• Valuing your trade - getting a realistic number (valuing it online isn't enough)
• Finding used cars
• The different used car certification levels and what they mean
• Inspecting the prospective vehicle
• Purchasing

Analyzing Your Budget 

One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a pre-owned vehicle is your budget. You want a quality used car, but you don't want to pay brand-new prices. When getting an idea of what your budget will be you should calculate what a reasonable monthly payment is. If you've got a vehicle you'd like to trade in, make sure you get a REAL value on it (we'll explain in more detail below). Once you've figured out your budget, the next step will be easier to take.

• Browse a few used cars to get a sense of what you're looking for that will suit your needs and what you're willing to spend.
• Factor in your incidentals like rent/mortgage, utilities, and essentials, then see what's leftover that you wouldn't mind putting toward a car. 
• If you are looking to trade in your existing vehicle you can utilize tools like Kelly Blue Book to get a rough estimate of what your car is worth. However, if you want to a concrete number on how much you'll get for your vehicle it is best to bring it in to the dealership. At Richmond Ford Lincoln, we'll examine your car with you and utilize our online pricing tools to let you know what it's worth.

Browse Used Cars in Your Area and Narrow Down

Luckily, the internet is a valuable tool you can use to help find a great pre-owned car in your area. We advocate buying from a reputable used car dealership, not a private seller. Starting your search is as easy as typing "used car dealers near me" into Google.

• Browse the used car inventory of your local reputable dealerships.
• Utilize the search filters available to cut down on your browsing time.
• After you've created a list of models that seem like good options research those models by utilizing vehicle review pages. This will allow you to see differences in trim levels and model years.

  

When You Find "The One" or a Prospective Used Car

When you think you have found a vehicle online (or group of vehicles) you'd like to try you have two options:

• Drop by the dealership - this is always an option at any dealership and you'll be welcomed, however it is not always as speedy.
• Schedule an appointment - you can do this by giving the dealership a call or by submitting a lead online. A friendly business development representative will reach out to help you schedule your appointment. Be sure to mention:

1. What you are looking for, sometimes vehicles that are "in transit" (on the way to the dealership) may be unlisted online but available for you to try.
2. Which vehicles you saw online that you are interested in. This will allow your product specialist to have those vehicles gassed up and gather any necessary info about them.
3. How much time you'll have, that way they can let the product specialist know if they need to hurry things along on your test drive.
4. If you'll be bringing a trade-in. This is a great time to get your trade-in appraised and find out what that particular dealership is willing to pay for it.

Inspect the Vehicle Thoroughly

When you arrive at the dealership and are looking at prospective vehicles it's always a smart idea to inspect the vehicle to make sure it's up to your standards. By giving the car a closer look, you'll be able to spot any warning signs. Here are some areas our experts say you should look:

• Exterior - inspect for any signs of wear like rust, dents, or scratches.
• Interior - look for any tears or stains. 
• Smells - be aware of any weird odors coming from the vehicle. You want to do this before and during your drive. If it's an interior smell like smoke dealerships can often help eliminate this. If it's another smell like anything burning make sure to raise a concern. It could be a simple fix like an oil change or something larger.
• History - ask how much of the vehicle's history is available (this may vary based on certification level). Sometimes very little if anything is known about a used car. However, many used vehicles come with history reports.
• Mileage - make sure the vehicle is at the right mileage for you and that it matches or is close to what was stated online (test drives can sometime add minimal mileage but beware of large discrepancies).
• Windows, Doors, and Trunk - check all to make sure they are functioning.
• Dashboard Lights - are any warning lights illuminated?
• Tires - how much wear is on the current tires?

Take the Test Drive

The deciding factor for your next car is the test drive. This is your chance to get behind the wheel. By taking the test drive, you'll be able to tell if it's the right vehicle for you.

• Get a feel for how the vehicle handles on turns. Is the steering wheel responsive?
• Test out the accelerator and brake pedals. Are they too touchy, barely there, or do they perform as expected?
• Listen for any unusual engine sounds. A peculiar engine sound could indicate a mechanical issue. 
• Play with any technology features and see if they are useful to you. 
• Inquire about safety features, safety first!

Negotiating Price

Would you like more information on our used car inventory? Stop in and see us at Richmond Ford Lincoln, the used car dealership that proudly serves drivers in the Richmond, Ashland, and Mechanicsville areas.