Tips For Buying Your First Used Car

Buying a used car is an incredibly rewarding experience when you know how to look at the right details. Careful research will help guide your decision and ensure that you drive off the lot with a car you'll love.

Buying for your first time is exciting, and those in Mount Pocono, Tobyhanna, Scranton, Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg can find a great used car when they use the following tips. You can also come to Ray Price Chevrolet to test drive some of the outstanding models in our used car inventory and put these tips to good use.

Decide On The Used Car Features & Specifications 

The first question to ask yourself is, "Why do I want a vehicle?" The way you intend to use your car will shape your search.

For instance, if you intend to use the vehicle to commute long distances by yourself, you may want to look into a reliable, fuel-efficient sedan that's comfortable cruising at highway speeds. If you have a large family and want to use the vehicle to ferry them around, you'll need a certain number of seats, likely in a three-row SUV or minivan. If you intend to use the vehicle to haul a horse trailer or something heavy, you need to research your minimum tow rating.

Write down the things your vehicle absolutely has to do, as well as the things you'd like for it to do, but don't necessarily need. You may want to set a cap on age for the vehicle and mileage since these two traits are most likely to affect the vehicle's cost of ownership.

The list of traits you write down will help guide your decision at every stage of the vehicle buying process.

Used Car Budget

You have many options at your disposal for securing financing for your used vehicle. You can ask the bank you have a checking account with, for instance. You can look into local, regional, or nationwide branches that offer personal auto loans. Many specialty lenders exist solely to offer vehicle loans, including online. Credit unions are another great resource.

Also, research the level of insurance coverage you'd need based on the model you choose, your intended use, and the amount of risk you're willing to accept.

Create A Short List Of Possible Models

From your vehicle traits' list and budget, research vehicle models that fit all of your needs and some of your wants. Finding a few models that you like will help narrow your search down to class categories. That way, even if you can't find a rare year, make, and model you want in stock, you can look to a similar vehicle in the same category.

When researching, pay close attention to model trims and years that have the qualities you're looking for. As an example, some midsize SUV models discontinued their third-row seat after a certain model year, and some truck configurations may lack 4x4 drive. Having specific needs in mind will help narrow your search.

Test Drive A Few Models At A Time

Test driving is important for two reasons. One, you want to know that the model available on the lot drives normally and doesn't have any problems. You also want to cross-compare vehicle models so that you can make an informed decision when faced with two or more possible options.

Make note of any unusual behaviors or things like interior damage during your test drive.

Vehicle History Reports 

When buying a used vehicle, you want to have as much of the following information as possible:

  • How many owners the vehicle had, and when the vehicle was originally bought
  • How often the vehicle was serviced based on available records
  • Whether any major work or modifications were done, such as an engine swap
  • Whether the vehicle was in an accident or damaged in a natural disaster
  • Whether the vehicle has any open safety or reliability recalls

Find Models, Friendly Service & More Tips For Buying Your First Used Car

Ray Price Chevrolet offers a wide range of high-quality, low-mileage models, including some of the most popular trucks, SUVs, crossovers, and sedans seen around Mount Pocono, Tobyhanna, Scranton, Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg.

Our inventory includes Certified Pre-Owned Chevrolet models that fit rigorous criteria and pass extensive inspections designed by the manufacturer to ensure they're in like-new condition. We also have a selection of used luxury vehicles offered at a great value to you. Search our inventory now, and book a test drive for the vehicles you think fit your personal needs and wants.

So, don't wait. Schedule a test drive today!

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