5 Simple Steps to Help You Choose the Right Used Car

Looking at used cars in Indianapolis can become overwhelming very quickly. Just typing those words into a search engine brings up more results than you could possibly look at in a lifetime. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can follow to not only make the process easier, but also help ensure you find just the right car for your needs – including your family, work life, and your budget. Any car, even a used one, is an investment, so take some time to plan out your purchase, determine what you need, and then follow through on your plan.

It all starts with choosing either a private seller or a used car dealer, and while both have their merits, there is often a best course of action for your situation. Once you know where to look, you need to figure out what you’re looking for, which means considering all your options and narrowing down the type of vehicle that is right for you. You might even have a particular make or model that you really want and knowing that information can make the process much simpler. Finally, it’s time to actually go through the process of finding the right selection of used cars in Indianapolis, which can turn out to be easier than you expect.

Private Seller or Used Chevy Dealer?

First of all, know this: there are a lot of used cars in Indianapolis and in the surrounding area. So many used cars you could spend a long time just looking at all your possible options, measuring and analyzing each potential choice, and never actually get anywhere. This is why the best way to start looking at used cars in Indianapolis is by narrowing down your choices, to reduce your options, and make the decision easier.

Start by considering if you should buy from a private seller, or if it would be better to go through a dealership with used cars in Indianapolis. To be honest, you can often find used cars cheaper by going through a private seller, but when you do so you have no possible recourse if the car turns out to be a disaster. Private sellers offer their vehicles “as is,” with no warranty, no record of maintenance or what the vehicle has been through, and no financing options if you need some help paying for it.

Going through a professional dealer, when looking at used cars in Indianapolis, offers you far more protection on your investment. For one thing, every used car dealer must provide a Buyers Guide that provides you with information about the vehicle. This gives you clear information about whether the car is being sold “as is” or under some kind of warranty protection, what that warranty covers and includes, and the major mechanical and electrical systems the vehicle has that you should be aware of. Dealers also have a strong stake in the community and want to keep it happy and safe. Dealers can help you with figuring out financing and providing you with ongoing support for your car and any maintenance needs you may have. That’s why going through a reliable used car dealership provides you with greater security in your purchase.

What Vehicle is Right for Your Situation?

Even once you decide to go through a used car dealership and eliminate private sellers, you still have a massive market of potential vehicles to look at. The next step is to decide what type of vehicle is right for you. Think about how many passengers you typically have – this includes you, your friends, and family. If you have kids, or plan on having kids soon, then choosing a larger vehicle with robust safety features is probably a wiser investment than a small sports car.

You should also consider your work and professional responsibilities, and how your car or truck can help make your job easier. Many people in construction prefer large, powerful Chevy trucks because they make hauling loads of building materials and large tools much easier. Whereas if you have to commute 40 miles every day to an office job, then a smaller car with excellent gas mileage makes for an affordable and comfortable trip each day.

How to Narrow Down a Potential Make and Model

Now that you have an idea of what kind of vehicle you want, it pays to do a bit of research into the different kinds of manufacturers and models available before looking at specific used cars in Indianapolis. For example, if you want a large truck with a high towing capacity, then a Chevy Silverado is a smart choice. On the other hand, if you are more interested in a fast sports car that will impress your friends and coworkers, then a used Camaro is a fine investment that will keep you going for years to come.

This part of the process can seem a bit overwhelming at first, but making decisions beforehand about the type of vehicle can make it easier. Once you begin looking at your options, you will quickly notice certain models that stand out more often than others, and your choices will become more refined. Just remember to take your time and not become overwhelmed during this process. There is a lot of information out there about used cars in Indianapolis, but taking it one step at a time can help make everything easier.

What about Financing?

Once you figure out the type of vehicle and the make and model you’re interested in, then it’s time to think seriously about your budget and how you can pay for the vehicle. If you have enough cash in the bank to pay outright, then the process certainly becomes easier for you, but even when it comes to used vehicles, this is unusual. Instead you will probably need to consider some form of financing – either from a bank or similar institution or from the dealership directly.

Financing for a vehicle can seem fairly complicated, and it is something you should consider very carefully. Ultimately, however, it’s about choosing a vehicle that you can realistically afford and manage to pay off within a reasonable period of time. Trustworthy dealerships will work with you to look at your credit and finances and help you make sure you choose a vehicle that fits into your life comfortably.

The Day of the Sale

Once you have made a decision and have all the information you need, then you can go confidently to a used dealership and know that you are ready. Respected dealerships like McCluskey Chevrolet have websites you can use to begin looking at cars and your financing options before you even go to their lot. All of these tools let you take the guesswork out of buying used cars in Indianapolis and empower you to make the right decision.

Knowing the type of vehicle you want, a particular make and model, and understanding what you can reasonably afford makes buying a used car a far more enjoyable experience than you might expect. This information lets you narrow your vision among the vast sea of cars and trucks you’ll encounter at major used dealerships, and focus on the perfect car for you. Remember to ask to see the Buyers Guide for any used vehicle you are interested in and read it over carefully to make sure you understand everything it says.

Don’t be afraid to ask many questions and it can even be helpful to write down notes and specific information you are told. Professionals at dealerships should welcome your questions and always treat you with respect. That’s the way buying a used car should be.