Pre-owned vehicles are a great way to get a reliable set of wheels while saving some of your hard-earned cash. However, purchasing a car that has been driven and owned before is quite a different process than picking out a new model.
To help drivers in the Nazareth, Easton, East Stroudsburg, Stroudsburg, and Lehigh Valley areas fully prepare before hitting the lot, the pre-owned vehicle professionals at Ray Price Stroud Ford created the five steps to buying a used car guide. If you follow these steps, you'll be ready to pick out the used vehicle of your dreams.
Buy a Used Car in 5 Easy Steps!
1. Determine Your Finances - Before you even begin looking for a vehicle, figuring out how much you can spend is an important first step. This step won't only allow you to stay within budget, but you'll also be able to narrow down your search in the long run.
When you're figuring out how much will fit into your lifestyle, consider the down payment as well as the monthly installments you'll have to pay. Our dealership makes this easy for you since we have several online tools to help. You can get pre-approved when you fill out our finance application, use our credit estimator, look for specials, and even value your trade-in.
2. Research - Now that you know how much you can spend, the next step is finding out which used car will suit you and your family's needs. Start by selecting the type of car you see yourself driving and ask any friends or family members for recommendations.
Next, head to the internet and seek out model reviews, car comparisons, and search through dealership inventories. Create a list of your top favorites and take them with you when you head to the dealership. The sales associate can help narrow down your picks even further.
3. Schedule a Test Drive - With your top choices in mind, it's time to figure out which vehicle will serve you the most. Test drives are important for many reasons. First, it allows you to figure out if the vehicle meshes well with your driving style. It also gives you a chance to see all the special features and components work in person.
Finally, it provides you with a time to see if there any unknown issues that occur when you're on the road. Watch for anything out of the norm and make sure to take it on both city streets and the highway to test its capabilities.
4. Ask Questions - After you've chosen the car you want to drive away in, make sure to ask as many questions as you can to learn more about the vehicle. Some important talking points include:
- Do you have the vehicle's history report?
- Does it come with a warranty?
- Has it had any repairs or maintenance since being on the lot?
- What are the condition of the tires?
- What is the exact mileage?
- Any special features I should know about?
5. Close the Deal! - Once you're satisfied, you're ready to head over to the finance center to speak about loan options, pay for your vehicle, and drive it off the lot. During this process, ensure you know all the steps involved and any benefits the dealer may offer. Don't hesitate to ask any questions! This is a major investment, after all.
Find Your Pre-Owned Car at Ray Price Stroud Ford
Now that you're fully equipped with the five steps to buying a used car, head on over to our dealership. Our professionals make this process straightforward and rewarding and are always ready to answer all the questions you may have. We proudly serve customers in the Nazareth, Easton, East Stroudsburg, Stroudsburg, and Lehigh Valley areas.