Let’s face it, used vehicles don’t get the attention that they should. Practical and affordable, they are often the ride of choice for busy families, first-time drivers, and anyone else who doesn’t want to be saddled with the repair of high-cost damage to new vehicles. Much like bargain hunting your favorite brand of jeans, used cars can be quite the find too when certain models are carefully shopped through. Here are five must-have strategies to get the desired results from your ford dealership Indianapolis used car experience below.
- Set Your Budget Goals
Find out how much you can afford before you go shopping. You’ll want to make sure that your monthly payments aren’t more than 20 percent your income. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of fuel, titling, and insurance. It’s fairly common for those things to raise the price by 10 percent from the vehicle value.
- Make a List of Used Car Prospects
Decide what attributes you want your ideal vehicle to have in your lifestyle and go from there. Is fuel efficiency important to you? Maybe it’s cargo size or passenger size. Do you want a moon roof or quick acceleration? Compare different brands – some are more expensive than others for the exact same features.
- The Internet is Your Library
Back then, you’d have to travel between the dealerships in your area and look at a limited selection to make your choice. Not anymore! The internet is literally a library at your fingertips – use it! Research the cars you want in local ford dealership Indianapolis websites and independent car ratings to do your homework.
- Learn the Value of Your Trade-In
Knowing the value of your old vehicle beforehand will save a lot of time and hassle in the buying process. Not sure how much it’s worth? Try using a car value calculator to get a better picture of what you’re working with.
- Give Your Prospect a Detailed ‘Interview’
Buying any car is a long-term commitment, so make sure you know what you’re getting by requesting a vehicle history report. You’ll want to check vital stats such as odometer readings and the possibility of salvage titles. The sooner you discover problems, the better for everyone involved.
Sometimes, used cars may qualify as Certified Pre-Owned or CPO vehicles. This means that the manufacturer verifies that the vehicle won’t have as many risks as other used cars and is granted to come with a warranty. CPO cars typically aren’t as common as other vehicles.
Thankfully, shopping for used cars isn’t a nightmare these days and can actually be enjoyed when the proper homework gets done. If you’re shopping for a used vehicle at a ford dealership Indianapolis, consider these points and you’re well on your way to the best match!