Top Tips on Finding the Best Used Cars

Whether you’re shopping for your first car or you’re looking to find something better suited to your lifestyle, choosing the right car is imperative. After all, your car has the ever-important function of getting you safely (and successfully) to where you need to go, so the last thing you want is to be dissatisfied with your purchase. These days, many buyers are turning to used cars, as they are significantly more affordable than their newer counterparts. But you need to be careful because not all used cars perform equally. You may be asking yourself, “where can I get the best used cars near me?” When it comes to used car shopping, let our professionals weigh in with the top tips on finding the best used cars.

Research and Plan Ahead

First thing’s first, if you’re looking to find the right used car to meet your needs, doing a bit of research before you head to the dealership is highly advised. A vehicle is a commitment that you will need to be able to depend on, so taking the time to find viable options is crucial to the success of your buying experience. The wrong choice can cause unwanted stress, which means your best course of action is to plan now so that you won’t have to worry later. Do your research, not only about the used cars you’re interested in, but also about the dealerships that are available to you. After all, finding a reputable dealership is an important part of the process, so don’t skip this step.

What to Look for in a Used Car Dealership

So, how do you find the best used car dealership near you? Pay attention to what other buyers are saying. Does this dealership stand behind its vehicles? Do they go above and beyond to assist their customers?
Read reviews from verified buyers and compare your options.

Look for a dealership that has a well-trained and friendly staff, paired with a helpful service department. Not only will such a place be able to help find the perfect used car for you, but they will also be able to maintain it with ease and efficiency. Services from routine maintenance to more serious matters can be addressed right from where you bought your car, as opposed to trying to find a reputable mechanic to help you with any issues that may arise. Plus, knowing that you have a team standing behind you gives you the peace of mind you need on your car buying journey.

What to Look for in a Used Car

Just because a used car looks shiny and near-new on the outside doesn’t mean that what’s going on under the hood is too. Be sure to check the following on any used car that interests you:

Car history report: Find out if the car has been in any accidents or has had any major damage.
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): Be sure the dealer is transparent and will provide you with the VIN. If they are hesitant, chances are they have something to hide about that particular car.
Model specifications: Fuel efficiency, overall design, engine performance, and more can help you find the right used car for your needs.

You’ll also want to be aware of any strange odors or problems with the condition of the vehicle at first glance. These are typically top signs that something is amiss with a particular used car, and you may want to move on to the next option.

What is the Best Used Car to Buy Right Now?

When it comes to the best used cars available right now, not all makes and models are the same. Among the best used cars available are:

• 2012 Chevrolet Impala: Includes a powerful V6 engine and provides a safe and comfortable driving experience.
• 2016 Chevrolet Cruze: Updated safety features, a new engine, and a decrease in overall vehicle weight make this car a top choice.
• 2017 Chevrolet Volt: This electric option offers updated braking features, an effortless recharging experience, and a smooth ride.

Other top performing used SUVs and trucks include:

• Chevrolet Equinox
• Honda CR-V
• Toyota RAV4
• Ford Expedition
• Chevrolet Silverado
• Buick Enclave

When you’re shopping for the best used car option for you, you’ll want to be sure you find a car that is not only reliable, but that also fits with your lifestyle. For example, if you’re looking for hauling power, a sedan might not be the right choice; or if you’re looking for a simple, fuel-efficient commuter, you may want to choose a hybrid option. Decide how you’ll use the car first to determine the best fit for you.

What is the Worst Used Car to Buy Right Now?

With all the options available right now, it can be difficult to know where to start with the used car buying process, but you’re in luck. Experts have weighed in on the worst used cars to buy right now, and it’s best to steer clear of the following:

• Ford Fiesta
• Fiat 500
• Dodge Charger
• BMW 5 Series
• Audi A4
• Volkswagen Jetta
• Mini Cooper

For various reasons, like overall reliability, performance, resale value, and fuel economy, these used cars didn’t quite make the cut with buyers. In today’s busy, fast-paced world, buyers are searching for reliability above all, and these cars just didn’t perform.

Your Used Car Buying Experience

Once you’ve done your research and have found your top pick (and the right dealership to work with), it’s time to finalize all the details and seal the deal. Again, this is where your reputable dealer will come into play. Let’s face it – finding the right used car is only half the battle.

It’s best to find a dealership that will work with you on your financing options so that you know you’re getting the right used car for the best price. If a dealership is willing to sit down and go over all your options, as opposed to trying to hurry you out the door, you’ve found the right team to work with for your sale. The dealership you work with should be able to help you navigate through the process with ease so that you can drive off satisfied with your used car buying experience.

Finding the Best Used Cars

Now that you know all about the process and how to find the best used cars near you, you’re one step closer to being the proud owner of a well-maintained and reliable used car. Remember the following points for the best results:

• Research the cars and dealerships you’re interested in before you start shopping.
• Find a dealership that will stand behind you and their vehicles.
• Decide what you’re looking for in a used car and make your choice based on your needs.
• Consider focusing on expert-recommended models and avoiding models that lack in performance and reliability.
• Ask questions and pay attention to the condition of a dealership’s used car inventory.
• Work with the dealership team to find the best vehicle and financing option for you.

In the end, your used car should make your life easier. You want a vehicle that is dependable and safe so that you can focus on all the other aspects of your life, like your family, career, and your hobbies. Keep our top tips in mind when you’re shopping for your next used car, so that you can drive away happy and secure with your purchase.

At Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick of Georgetown, our team is looking forward to helping you find the best used car to fit your needs. Our friendly and helpful sales team, combined with our professional service department, are here to help you find and service your used vehicle. So give us a call or drop by in person to get started on finding your next used car.

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