Quality Pre Owned Vehicles: Find Your Reliable Affordable Used Cars
Finding a reliable ride can be challenging. Most people have trouble picking between used and new cars since new cars offer the latest features, but used ones are more affordable.
In addition, buyers worry about the reliability of pre-owned cars, considering factors such as maintenance costs and overall longevity.
Not to mention, the abundance of information online can be overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers. It helps to have a detailed guide that puts your doubts at ease about purchasing a pre-owned car.
We at Titan Auto Group have a history of dealing with quality pre-owned vehicles. If you are looking for reassurance about owning a pre-owned car, keep reading as we offer some insight on finding a reliable used car at a great price.
Is a Pre-Owned Car Worth It?
Whether a pre-owned car is worth it depends on various factors. That is why you should make the decision based on specific preferences.
In addition, you should consider your needs and financial situation. In some cases, a pre-owned car is the best choice and will serve you for years. If you are wondering if going to the used car market is for you, consider the following:
Depreciation
Used car customers often consider the vehicle’s depreciation when making the purchase. New cars depreciate fast once they leave the lot. Some can depreciate as much as 50% within the first year of ownership. It is usually the steepest part of the depreciation curve. Therefore, you skip this phase by purchasing a used car, potentially preserving more of your investment.
Cost Savings
One of the primary factors to consider in car purchase is the budget. No matter how much money you have to spare, sticking to a reasonable limit is essential, ensuring you still have savings.
If you are staying on budget, chances are you can find the car of your dreams affordably from the used car market. Used vehicles have a lower initial purchase price and experience less depreciation. So, if the new vehicle you want is a little out of your budget, check out the used car market.
Variety of Options
If you fell in love with a car that is no longer in production, you can still accomplish your dreams by checking out the used car market.
Buying a used car means accessing various makes, models, and features. The variety allows buyers to find a car that suits their demand without the constraints of a limited selection of new models.
New Car Fees
New cars are higher priced in general, but they also have more additional fees, such as new car preparation charges. Pre-owned cars may not have the additional costs since sellers are willing to reduce fees as much as possible.
Certified Pre-Owned Programs
It is also worth noting that manufacturers and dealerships offer certified pre-owned programs or CPOs. These vehicles undergo rigorous inspections and come with extended warranties, providing additional peace of mind.
How to Identify a Quality Pre-Owned Vehicle
Finding quality pre-owned vehicles requires research, inspection, and careful consideration. Given you have found a trusted car dealer to buy from, here are some steps to identifying a good quality used car to ensure you make the right purchase:
Brand
Brands become popular through marketing strategies. But they stay popular by providing high-quality products and services. There are certain car brands that every owner swears by.
Similarities mean that the brand provides high-quality, reliable vehicles even when they enter the used car market. With a quick Google search, you can find information about the best car brands to purchase used.
The likes of Toyota, Ford, Nissan, and Chevrolet are worth looking into. If you find a pre-owned vehicle under these brands, there is a high chance it could be worth purchasing. But you need to consider additional factors below.
Ask for the Vehicle History Report
The simplest step, yet one that many miss when purchasing a used car, is asking for the vehicle’s history report. A comprehensive vehicle history report can provide important information about the car’s past, helping you weed out liabilities.
A clear vehicle history report means the car has no significant accidents that would now affect its usability or long-lasting qualities. Many incidents in the history report could indicate problems with the car since it has had a lot of work done.
The vehicle history report can also show the VIN, which you can use to identify title issues and verify odometer readings to ensure everything the dealer claims is truthful.
It is worth noting that just because a car passes the vehicle history report, it does not guarantee its condition. Breakdowns and mechanical issues do not usually appear in the history report. So, a car with no accidents in the report could still be of poor quality. That is why you should consider additional factors such as reviews and recalls.
Request Maintenance Records
Another good way to identify a good used car is through maintenance records. Car maintenance records show the car’s repair and maintenance activities.
The comprehensive overview of the care and servicing a car has received throughout its lifetime can help determine if it will become a maintenance liability.
Typical maintenance reports show information such as inspections, repairs the car has gone through, service dates, and service provider information. Good used vehicles have an extensive record of regular maintenance.
On-time maintenance likely means the car is in good condition. In addition, few repairs mean the car has required less attention over the years.
Check for Recalls
Some cars got to the parking lots new with so much potential. However, after some time, the manufacturer recalled the vehicle and stopped manufacturing similar models because they discovered some issues with the car.
Car buyers should always check if the vehicle they are interested in has any history of recalls. Often, these issues are worth investigating because they affect the vehicle’s performance and safety.
Research Consumer Reviews
The opinions of previous consumers can tell you a lot about what owning a vehicle will be like. You can never know everything about the car until you own it for a while. So, while you have all the specs and other information, it is important to receive information from previous owners.
Research the make and model of the vehicle you are interested in on car ownership forums. Find out what red and green flags the vehicle owners have mentioned. Pay attention to common issues that previous owners reported.
If you meet more praises than complaints about the model, chances are a used one will serve you well. In addition, it may highlight problems that are easy to manage, giving you confidence in the purchase.
Inspect the Body and the Interior
You can never judge a book by its cover. However, it is a great place to start. When you finally visit the car lot to see the vehicle you are interested in, check the car’s body thoroughly.
Look out for scratches, dings, and obvious wear and tear. Body damage is not a good sign since it can indicate neglect and poor repairs. Damaged paint can compromise the structure of the car body since it protects the car from corrosion.
If there is chipped paint, you will likely find corrosion and rust on the car’s body. Check the car for oil leaks, as it could mean close transmission replacement. These qualities indicate neglect and poor maintenance, meaning the car could pose problems in the long run.
The interior of the car is just as vital as the body. You should inspect the inside of the car to get an overall feeling of its condition.
The first thing to check for is unpleasant smells such as cigarette smoke, food, and mold. These smells are an indicator of neglect. Quality pre-owned vehicles usually smell clean even if they don’t have the new car smell.
As you inspect the interior, check for stains and any damage to the upholstery. The presence of these issues indicates neglect or problems with the car. It may not affect performance, but getting repairs could affect your budget.
Finally, ensure that you check the interior to ensure everything works. For example, check the infotainment systems, windshield wipers, heating and air conditioning. Properly working features indicate that the car is in good condition.
If you have trouble determining if the car is in good condition, consider bringing a professional inspector to help you determine if it is a good car.
Test Drive
Finally, always test drive the car. You are probably not a mechanic, but if you are a driver, you know how a car should handle and feel in different driving situations. If you find a car you like, sign up for a test drive and get behind the wheel.
If possible, take the car through different road conditions to assess its performance. Most dealers are willing to let you take a long test drive, so take your time. Test features such as parking assistance systems, safety features, and blinkers as you drive.
Brake quickly to see how the brakes and tires respond. As you go down rough roads, listen for squeaking and rattling noises. In addition, pay attention to any foul odors as they indicate engine or transmission damage.
Drive straight and pay attention to how the steering wheel feels and how the car moves. If the car pulls to the side, it could indicate body or suspension damage. Alternatively, it could be issues with the tires. Quality pre-owned vehicles behave well and show minimal issues during the test drive.
Things to Avoid When Buying a Quality Pre Owned Car
Buying a used car can be a good financial decision if you get the right dealer and the right car. But not every buyer walks away with a happy story.
Some customers make common mistakes that hinder the buying process and affect the quality of the car they purchase. Here are some of the mistakes you should avoid making when shopping in the pre-owned vehicle market:
Failing to get financing before shopping
Whether you are buying from a dealer or a private owner, it is important to consider how you will pay for it. Unless you can pay cash in full for the vehicle, you need to find a suitable financing option.
Some people fail to set up financing before shopping for used vehicles. This is a mistake because you will not have a lot of negotiating leverage. In addition, you will be working blind with no set budget.
Consider that you may not receive loan approval immediately, hindering your purchase plans. Therefore, ensure that you set up financing before shopping for a car.
Skipping the test drive
Some used car buyers do not test-drive the car before purchasing, which is a major mistake. Failing to test drive the car means you may face unexpected problems which may cost a lot of money to repair, taking away from your savings.
Buyers should always ask for a test drive before making the purchase decision. It helps you feel the car and give clarity on how it performs before you buy it.
Buying based on looks
Who doesn’t want a car that looks good and makes people’s heads turn as you drive? There is an undeniable appeal to a great-looking car. But it should not be your only motivation to purchase a car. There are many factors to consider, including the price, condition, performance, mileage, etc. The goal is to find a vehicle that will meet your daily demands and can serve you for years.
Focusing strictly on monthly payments
If you shop based on the monthly payments alone, you could pay more in the long run. Most people check for the lowest monthly installment, not realizing that it means paying more in the long run since the loan will extend for a long time.
The goal is to spend as little as possible, depending on your budget. Lower or Zero down payment car works for some people, but in the long run, they can be costly. If you can afford higher ones, go for these, as they have a shorter loan term.
Buyers should always ask for a test drive before making the purchase decision. It helps you feel the car and give clarity on how it performs before you buy it.
Titan Auto Group: The Home of Quality Pre-Owned Cars
Are you looking for a modern, high-quality used car? You know, one of those vehicles with safety assistant systems and additional features such as linking to your mobile phone? Well, you are in the right place!
Titan Auto Group is an Arizona dealership offering a range of pre-owned cars. Whether you are looking for a commuting car or a truck to fulfill all your cargo and towing needs, we can make your auto dreams come true.
Check out Our Inventory
If you browse our inventory, you will discover some of the best used car brands in the market. In addition, you are sure to find a car that suits your needs. Are you looking for an everyday ride that takes you to and from work? Consider the 2019 Chrysler 300/S V6 AWD.
The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500/LT CREW CAB 2WD is a great choice for truck lovers who want a luxurious car with cargo and passenger space. There are many more options that suit various needs. You can even share the cars as text messages to a mechanic or friend to help you make the right decision.
Shop Online
We strive to make our cars available online. Yes, you can find the car of your dreams and complete the transaction in the comfort of your home. Best of all, we will deliver the car to your current location. We strive to make the online purchase process easy and convenient.
You will enjoy secure and quick transactions and steady monthly payments if you opt for our dealership financing. And speaking of our dealership financing, you can enjoy affordable loans with good, no, or bad credit. Our employees are looking forward to your phone calls, so reach out if you have any questions.
Schedule a Test Drive
How do you identify quality pre-owned vehicles? Well, a test drive can offer a lot of help. We understand the importance of taking the car out for a spin so you can schedule a test drive online for the car of your dreams.
As you browse our inventory, you will notice a ‘schedule test drive’ button. This button will let us know you are interested, and we will set up the drive at your convenience.
Besides these awesome factors, our cars have a warranty, and we even have a return policy. Once you complete the transaction, you will have your vehicle in 5 to 10 business days. So, when you need a quality used car in a hurry with affordable dealership financing, turn to Titan Auto Group for the best deals.
