What to Look for When Buying a Used Car?

Looking for a quality-assured pre-owned or certified pre-owned Honda vehicle in Ardmore? Not sure what to ask when buying a used car? Although used car shopping can be a challenging process, it’s not impossible to find the right vehicle for you. Whether you’ve had a bad car buying experience in the past, haven’t bought a car in a while, or are a novice car shopper, the experts at Patriot Honda are here to help you figure out the right questions to ask when buying a used car. Learn more about the pre-owned vehicle purchasing process below, then reach out to us online when you’re ready to take one of our models out for a test drive.

How To Buy a Used Car at Patriot Honda?

Before we dive into the right questions to ask when buying a used car, it’s important to understand how the purchasing process works first. There’s a variety of options to choose from here at Patriot Honda, whether you’re looking for something more affordable from our priced under $10K inventory or a Honda certified model. Nevertheless, you can expect a thoroughly inspected vehicle from whichever inventory you opt for. Some basic guidelines for how to buy a used vehicle from a Norman-area dealership like ours include:

• Set a Budget – Take time to consider the balance between cost to buy and 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. A tip to keep in mind, a monthly payment shouldn’t exceed 10% of your monthly income. Get an idea of monthly payments with our payment calculator.
• Find the Right Used Car – There are a couple of factors you should consider when learning how to buy a used car. It should fit your budget, match your mileage expectations, and fit some of the key requirements like the vehicle history report. We’ll cover what else to check for when buying a used car in the next section. Start by compiling a list of cars you’re interested in and compare that to what’s offered at the dealership. Then, do a deep dive into the reliability reviews from sites like Edmunds or KelleyBlueBook, and compare what price the vehicle sold for in your area.
• Test Drive and Inspect the Models – It can take determination to find the right used car that matches your style. Be sure to thoroughly inspect the vehicle and have it inspected by a trusted mechanic, and take it out for a test drive to verify the performance you’re taking on Gainesville, TX-area roads.
• Used Car Financing and Other Fees – Once you’ve found a used car that works, take your time to explore your loan options, and be sure to factor in other fees and credits like state sales tax, registration fees, and the trade-in value of your previous vehicle. When completing the deal you’ll also want to make sure you’re covered with any applicable warranties and car insurance plans.

What to Ask When Buying a Used Car

As mentioned before, there’s a wide variety of models available at Patriot Honda. So, it’s important to know what to ask when buying a used car, so you can make an informed decision when it’s time to buy. Here’s some useful advice on what to ask when buying a used car:

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

Discover More About What to Ask When Buying a Used Car from Patriot Honda Today!

Ready to simplify your car buying experience today? Then you’ll want to get in touch with the folks in our Patriot Honda Finance Department! Our specialists are more than capable of helping you set up a payment plan that works best for your budget.