June 02, 2024
If you need a different vehicle and can’t afford or don’t want to buy new, you can find plenty of used vehicles to choose from. To help you get started, here is some information about how to buy a used car from a dealer like Bentley Chevrolet:
Set Your Budget
You’ll want to know your budget before you start shopping for a vehicle. If you’re not sure how much you can afford, you can use an online payment calculator. This form asks specific questions, such as the price of the vehicle, interest rate, and loan term. You can input different amounts, which will help you see the changes to your monthly payments. For instance, if you increase your down payment amount, your monthly payments will be lower.
Find the Right Pre-Owned Vehicle
Once you know how much you can afford for a used vehicle, you need to find some models that fit that price. You can search our website for inventory in your price range. Filter by price to see what we have available. Other search criteria include the type of vehicle if you’re looking for a car, truck, or SUV. Dealerships often have Certified Pre-Owned vehicles (CPO), which come with a warranty and meet certain criteria. These vehicles must undergo a stringent inspection, and all parts are checked or replaced to ensure the system works like new.
Factors to Consider When Looking for a Used Car
When you’re looking at used vehicles, you’ll want to consider several factors. Besides price, mileage is one of the most important considerations. A higher mileage vehicle will often cost less, but you can expect the possibility of more repairs. Age is another factor to think about. Older models often have higher mileage, while newer models should have lower mileage. Age also impacts the technology you’ll see on the vehicle. If you want the newest infotainment systems or other features, you’ll need to look at newer used models.
Don’t forget to look at the condition of the vehicle and how it’s been cared for. If you find a vehicle that has had regular service, you’re less likely to be dealing with expensive repairs.
Research Your Financing Options
You’ll need to decide how you plan to finance your vehicle unless you can pay cash. You can go to your local bank or a finance company, but you may not get the best deal. Dealerships have their own in-house finance department with access to multiple loans. Once you fill out an application, they can compare loan offers to help you get the best deal. If you use a current vehicle as a trade-in, you can lower your monthly payments to make the purchase more affordable.
Get a Vehicle History Report
Always get a vehicle history report from CARFAX. These reports tell you a lot about the vehicle you want to buy. They list all previous owners, any known accidents, and service history. There are several sections to the report you should review before deciding on a vehicle. For example, you can find out if there are any open recall notices to take care of before you buy the car. Bentley Chevrolet provides buyers with a vehicle history report for our used inventory.
Test Drive the Pre-Owned Vehicle
At this point, it’s time to get behind the wheel of the vehicle you want to buy. A test drive isn’t just about enjoying the ride in the model you like. It’s the time when you can learn more about the vehicle. Find the main controls, such as cruise control, windshield wipers, headlights, and turn signal.
Once you’re on the road, pay attention to how quickly the vehicle picks up speed when you accelerate. Notice how smoothly it drives and how easy it is to apply the brakes. Pay attention to whether the steering is hard or easy, which can indicate issues with the suspension or alignment. Listen for any unusual sounds while you’re driving or when you brake. Many people drive just a few blocks, but don’t be afraid to get out on the highway to see how the vehicle handles at higher speeds!
Do the Paperwork and Drive Home in Your Certified Pre-Owned Car
After you’ve decided on your vehicle, the finance team will complete the paperwork. Many times, this process can be completed the same day. They’ll hand you the keys, so you can start enjoying your new, used vehicle.
Summary: Buying a Used Car from a Dealership
When you buy a used car from a dealership, you can also get the financing taken care of and get a copy of the vehicle history report. Bentley Chevrolet carries a large inventory of used cars. We can help you find the right one that fits within your budget.
