What to Look for When Buying a Used Car

Shopping for a used car in the Edina-area can be a stressful process, especially if you don’t know what you’re looking for. In comparison to shopping for a new vehicle, the used car buying process demands a bit more time and research. Without the proper research, you can wind up purchasing a vehicle for more than what it’s actually worth, or worse, one with a bunch of mechanical issues that warrant costly repairs. That’s why it’s so important to know what to look for when buying a used car.

To help you prep ahead of your hunt for your perfect “new-to-you” vehicle, Morrie's Golden Valley Cadillac covers the following topics in our used car buying guide:

• Buying from a dealership vs. a private seller
• How to prepare yourself before buying a used car
• What to ask when buying a used car

Buying from a Dealership vs. a Private Seller

There are two ways you can purchase a pre-owned vehicle: either through a dealership or through a private party. Going through a private seller in the Minnetonka-area is a good idea if you’re looking for a very niche vehicle, but you’re better off shopping for a used car at a dealership for the following reasons:

• Private sellers don’t provide a warranty.
• You might not get a fair price.
• They usually don’t provide a vehicle history report.
• You’re responsible for more paperwork (ex. Transferring a title, bill of sales, etc).
• You’re often limited to one vehicle.

How To Shop For a Used Car

If you decide to shop for a used car at a dealership, you want to do it the right way:

• Set a budget.  Buying a used car is cheaper than buying a new one in Minneapolis, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a budget in place. You’ll also want to factor in future repairs, routine maintenance, and your monthly auto payments. Luckily, we have a helpful monthly car payment calculator to help you with the guesswork.
• Do the proper research. Does a certain used car meet your mileage expectations? Does it have the features you’re looking for? How reliable is the make/model/year of the used car? You want to take the time to decide which used car is right for you. Turning to resources like Edmunds, KelleyBlueBook, or CarComplaints is a great way to determine the reliability of a used car. 
• Test drive and inspect. Always make sure you test drive before you buy a used car! You’ll also want to thoroughly inspect the vehicle or have it inspected by a trusted mechanic. You should also request a vehicle history report, if available.
• Determine your loan options. Once you’ve found a used vehicle that you’re interested in purchasing, take the time to figure out your loan options. Be sure to also take into account other fees like, sales tax, registration fees, and if you’re trading in, applying the trade-in value of your vehicle to the one you plan to buy.

What to Ask When Buying a Used Car

Sometimes, individual research isn’t enough to get all the info you need. That’s why it’s important to know what to ask when buying a used car. Some good questions to ask include the following:

• Is there a history of maintenance?
• Is the vehicle history report available?
• Do the amenities and features work like they’re supposed to?
• What is the ownership history?
• What is the vehicle’s mileage?
• Are there any current recalls on the vehicle?
• How was the vehicle priced?
• Can I take the car to a mechanic for an inspection?
• Do you have the title in hand?
• Is the car as is, or is it under warranty?
• Does this vehicle affect your insurance premiums?

Learn More About the Used Car Buying Process with Morrie's Golden Valley Cadillac

At Morrie's Golden Valley Cadillac, we make the used car buying process incredibly easy. Our team is here every step of the way to answer any questions and provide you with transparent information without the pressure that usually comes with shopping for a used car. Have any questions about the used car buying process or our current pre-owned inventory? Don’t hesitate to contact us online or give us a call at (866) 493-2819.