Used Car Buyer’s Guide

If you’re searching for used cars in Dayton, Ohio, you’re certainly not alone, and when it comes to finding a quality used car for a price you can be proud of, you’ll want to remember some best practices. Buying used comes with a host of benefits, which is why so many drivers choose to go about buying a car with a previous owner over shopping for new models. The used market is saturated with a wide variety of models and options, so finding the perfect match is easy, especially when you visit a dealership with a used inventory as extensive as ours. At McCluskey Chevrolet, we aim to assist our customers in any way possible so that they’re able to find the cars they want at prices that fit within their budget. That’s why we’ve compiled some tips and tricks when it comes to getting the most for your money and finding the best used car for your journey.

Why Buy a Used Car?

Buying used is quickly growing in popularity, as drivers are seeing all of the advantages that go along with used cars. Here are some of the top benefits that come with shopping for a used car:

Unbeatable Selection

When you choose to buy used, you’re not limited to only a few models from one automaker. Your shopping experience is expanded to include more options than you ever imagined. From classic cars to near-new models from various top brands in the market, buying used means options, and plenty of them. Whether you’ve got a particular model in mind that you’ve always wanted to own or you’re interested in more recent offerings, the used lot has everything you could ever want in a vehicle.

A Better Car for the Money

Another reason drivers love to shop used is because you’re able to get more for your money. Suddenly, a lavish luxury vehicle or that sports car you’ve always wanted may be within reach. Their lower sticker prices help bring a more quality vehicle into your driveway. This is reason enough for many drivers to want to buy a used car over newer options. You could either settle for what you can just afford new, which means features and options you really want are not feasible to have, or you can find a car with all the bells and whistles for a far better price used––you decide which option is better.

Lower Sticker Prices

Everyone knows that used cars are typically much more affordable than newer options. This is due to the fact that the bulk of their depreciation has already occurred. New cars tend to depreciate the most within the first year or two, driving down their price as each year passes. After the first couple of years, depreciation slows.

Lower Ownership Costs

In addition to lower monthly payments, you’ll find that buying used means lower insurance rates. It may also mean lower down payments and lower interest rates, depending on your credit, which can really keep more money in your pocket. Not having to come up with a large sum of money in order to buy a car is what really drives customers to the used lot.

More Quality Options

There are outstanding vehicles on used car lots these days, perhaps now more than ever. Plus, with vehicle history reports available, knowing a car’s past is easy, so you’re able to have confidence in your purchase. Long ago, many drivers believed buying a used car was a risky move, especially since anything could be hiding beneath the surface, just waiting to wreak havoc. Today, that’s not the case most of the time, as many top-quality cars grace used car lots, like ours, just waiting for the perfect driver.

Tips for Buying a Used Car

Now that you know some of the main benefits of buying a used car, let’s get you ready to make the right decision with your purchase. There are some key best practices to be aware of when shopping used, and we want to be sure you have all the important information. Here are some of our top used car shopping tips:

Don’t Settle

We always recommend making a list of what you’re looking for in a vehicle, making sure to consider absolute needs and those fancy features you want. Remember, you have a wide range of options available on the used market, so don’t discount those features you want but didn’t think you could afford to have in something new. Figure out how you’re going to use the vehicle on a regular basis, whether you’re a frequent commuter or you’re hauling your family around town, to narrow down body style, size, and basic features that are necessary. Then start adding in features like the heated seats you’ve always wanted and see the bevy of options that are available. You’ll be surprised how much of your wishlist you can check off.

Set a Budget

Just because you’re buying used doesn’t mean having a budget doesn’t apply. Sit down and take a look at your finances and figure out what you’re comfortable paying each month. Buying a car that doesn’t fit in with your finances can cause a lot of unwanted stress, so avoid this by being prepared. We also suggest getting pre-approved for financing so that when you start shopping, you know exactly what you can afford.

Inspect the Vehicle Carefully

We know how it feels to finally find the car of your dreams. You may be so excited about it that you fail to notice issues that are right in front of you. That’s why we always recommend performing a visual inspection of the vehicle you’re interested in, checking for rust or corrosion, strange dents, or anything else out of the ordinary. Chances are if you can physically see a problem, an even bigger problem may lie beneath the surface.

Choose High Resale Value Models

There are models that tend to depreciate at a much slower rate than others. This typically means that they’re highly regarded in the industry and will provide a reliable and safe ride for years down the road. We always suggest sticking to these models, as they’re less likely to break down quickly. Also, if you decide to sell it a couple of years later, you’ll be able to get more money for it to put toward a better car for your journey.

Partner With a Reputable Dealer

Unfortunately, not all used car dealers are the same, meaning that some may not hold themselves to the high standards you can expect at places like McCluskey Chevrolet. Beware of dealerships that don’t want to disclose everything about a certain model or those that seem like they’re not being transparent with buyers. You want to have confidence in your vehicle and knowing everything there is to know about it is the first step in achieving this level of assurance. It’s important to partner with a dealership that provides detailed vehicle history reports, allows you to inspect the vehicle, and stands behind their models.

Your Used Car Shopping Experience

When you want to ensure you’re getting a quality car for the best price possible, you need to visit McCluskey Chevrolet. We know how crucial it is to be aware of all details of the vehicle you’re interested in and have the options you need to be able to find the perfect car for your journey. Our lot is full of cars that will fit a wide range of budgets, so whether you need something cheap for your commute or want to splurge on something luxury, you have choices. You deserve to drive a car that’s safe, reliable, and filled with all the features you really need. So, stop by for a test drive of one of our excellent used models and find the car that will make your next driving journey perfect.