What to Look for When Buying a Used Car

Looking for the perfect used or certified pre-owned Honda vehicle for your North Olmsted commute? Not sure what to look for when buying a used car? Whether you’re a novice buyer or have had bad luck car shopping in the past, the experts at Ken Ganley Honda North Olmsted are here to help teach you what to ask when buying a used car. We’ve also broken down some great rules of thumb to keep in mind, so you know what to look for when buying a used car. Explore the pre-owned vehicle purchasing process below! Then, when you’re ready to take one of our Hondas for a spin, reach out to us for a test drive!

What to Ask When Buying a Used Car

The first and most important aspect of the car buying experience is research, so it’s essential that you know what to ask when buying a used car. Having all the information will allow you to make an educated decision and save you money on costly repairs. Some key questions to ask when buying a pre-owned vehicle are:

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

How to Shop for Used Cars

Although shopping for a pre-owned vehicle takes a little more preparation than newer models, the lower price points and more varied features make the hassle worth it. Plus, there’s a wider variety of used options available than new options, such as our pre-owned vehicles priced under $15K and CPO models. Here are some steps you can take to ensure you’re getting the best used car at a price that won’t break the bank:

• Establish a Budget: Take time to consider the balance between cost to buy and cost to own. Be sure to factor in future repairs, new tires, routine maintenance, and if a car loan is needed to finance the vehicle. Keep in mind that a monthly payment shouldn’t exceed 10% of your monthly income. You can get an idea of what your monthly payments will be with our online payment calculator.
• Identify the Right Used Car for You: Start by compiling a list of cars you’re interested in and compare that to what’s offered at the dealership. Then, do a deep dive into the reliability reviews from sites like Edmunds or Kelley Blue Book, and compare what price the vehicle has sold for in your area.
• Thoroughly Inspect All Your Potential Options: It can take determination to find the right used car that matches your style. Be sure to have the vehicle thoroughly inspected by a trusted mechanic, and take it out for a test drive to verify the performance you’re taking on Bay Village-area roads.

Explore Our Used Honda Inventory at Ken Ganley Honda North Olmsted!

Have a better idea of what to look for when buying a used car in North Olmsted? Then we invite you to visit us at Ken Ganley Honda North Olmsted to explore our high-quality, low-cost used vehicles today! Our finance team will be standing by to help you make an informed and cost-effective purchasing decision!