Buying a used car can be fraught with uncertainty. A used car might look good, but it's hard to know what problems might be lurking underneath the hood. On the other hand, if you follow the right steps, a used car can be a great long-term investment. Here are some tips to help you make a wise decision.
Tip #1: Understand Why Used Cars Are a Smart Buy
The fact is that most millionaires buy used cars, not new. Successful people understand that any vehicle goes through a lot of depreciation in the first year. That big market discount means you can get that car at a very good price. If a car is in good shape and has been well-maintained, it has a good chance of being reliable and performing well for you.
Tip #2: Do Your Research
We encourage our Watsonville and Soledad customers to find out which makes and models are the most reliable by checking online information and asking friends about overall performance. Some vehicles have a lower cost of ownership because they don't rack up big repair bills and only need regular, factory-recommended maintenance. That will help you narrow your search to the most reliable vehicles.
Tip #3: Decide Which Car You Want
After you study the overall reliability of several cars, you can decide which make, model and year you want to aim for. It's OK to let emotional factors enter into the picture. For example, you might simply like the looks of one model vs. another and that can tip the scales in the direction of one particular kind of car. After all, you want a vehicle you’re proud of and there's every reason to pick a reliable car that also looks good.
Tip #4: Set a Budget
It's important to figure out how much of a car you can afford and then set a budget. Try to stay as close to your budget as possible so you don't overspend and end up with car payments that are difficult to meet. By setting a budget, you can focus your search on cars you can really afford.
Tip #5: Work with a Reputable Dealer
When you work with a reputable dealer like Gold Star Buick GMCC in Salinas, you get the benefit of a business that's been serving the community for years. A reputable dealership like ours will screen its used vehicles carefully and will only feature used cars, trucks, minivans and SUVs that are in good shape. After all, we care about our reputation and want to be sure you're happy with your purchase.
Tip #6: Check the Exterior
Check to see if the body panels of the car are perfectly aligned. If they're not, that could indicate that the car was involved in an accident and wasn't properly repaired. Check the exterior to see if there are any significant scratches or dings. If the outside looks good, that's good reason to seriously consider that car.
Tip #7: Check the Interior
Look under the carpet and floor mats to check whether there is any odd aroma. That can tell you if there was any water damage. Check the condition of the upholstery and make sure there isn't excessive wear and tear.
Tip #8: Look for a One-Owner Model
When you work with a reputable car dealer like us, you'll see that some of the used vehicles are CARFAX® certified one-owner models. Based on our experience, a one-owner model is more likely to have received consistent maintenance from a single owner. Typically, a one-owner car is one that was reliable and that's why the owner kept it and probably took good care of it.
Tip #9: Consider a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle
If you want a higher level used car, consider getting a GM Certified Pre-Owned model. Each one of these vehicles has passed a 172-point inspection and a thorough reconditioning process. The cars that pass this inspection are backed by two manufacturer’s limited warranties, giving our Monterey buyers exceptional peace of mind.
Tip #10: Take a Test Drive
When you take a test drive, pick a route that has a variety of surfaces including rough pavement, curves and highway stretches where you can see how well that vehicle accelerates. Make sure the steering is responsive and that the brakes stop the vehicle quickly and safely. We'll be happy to give you other buying tips and encourage you to check our used inventory to find something you like. If your budget allows, you can save money on a new car with our new vehicle specials. We look forward to helping you find the right car at Gold Star Buick GMC in Salinas, CA.
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Pre-Owned Inventory