Tips for Buying a Used Car

Kelley Blue Book reminds consumers that today’s used car buyers have lots of information available to them that helps to make the experience much less stressful.  However, both Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book stress the importance of first determining how much vehicle you can afford before you begin to seriously start shopping.  

They recommend you establish the amount you are willing to spend and stick to that amount.  If you are planning to take out a loan to pay for the vehicle, you will need to calculate the maximum monthly payments you want to take on.  At the Dan Tobin Chevrolet, Buick GMC dealership, we offer an online payment calculator that makes it easy to figure out your car payment after your trade-in value and down payment is considered.  Remember to also factor into your budget the tax, title, registration and insurance costs for your new car or truck.

Another thing to watch out for is to not make the mistake of buying a vehicle that does not fit your needs.  Just because it looks great and offers a smooth ride, if it does not fulfil your requirements or meet your budget, it is not a good deal.  Kelley Blue Book advises that before you start shopping to make a list of the priorities for the car such as good gas mileage, hauling kids to and from activities, maintaining a good re-sale value, etc.  Next they suggest you make another list of all the things you admire in a vehicle like body style, color and luxury options and then cross-reference the two lists. 

Remember to use the Internet as it makes buying a used car much easier and provides a wealth of information on a particular vehicle.  At our Dan Tobin’s website you can read all about a vehicle’s specifications and details as well as go over the CARFAX and much more. 

Dan Tobin Chevrolet, Buick GMC dealership is a full service operation and sells brand new Chevrolet, Buick and GMC cars, trucks and SUVs as well as operates a Service Center, Parts Department and Body Shop.  Dan Tobin also sells all makes and models of used, certified pre-owned and one owner vehicles.  Visit our website to learn more.   

Dan Tobin Chevrolet Buick GMC dealership sells new, certified pre-owned and used cars, trucks and SUVs at market based pricing.  Our website lets you shop our large inventory from the comfort of home, and to contact us for more information, to schedule a test drive or request a quote.  We invite you to browse through Columbus’ best inventories for a great deal on a CPO.   

Sources: edmunds.com/car-buying/10-steps-to-buying-a-used-car

kbb.com/car-advice/car-buying/step-1-find-out-how-much-you-can-afford/