Three Factors to Consider When Buying Your First Used Car

Few purchases have quite as much of an effect on your everyday life as a car, truck, or SUV. From commuting to work to taking that long-awaited vacation, there’s no underestimating the importance of a good vehicle. That said, picking out a vehicle can be a daunting task, especially if it’s your first time exploring the market. From understanding what vehicle is right for you to weighing extended warranties and financing or factoring in extra costs like tax and title document fees, there’s a lot to navigate when you’re in the market for a new vehicle. This sort of pressure can lead to some rash decision-making, but that’s where Roanoke Motors Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram comes in. We’ve compiled a short guide to some of the factors you should consider when browsing used cars for sale near Eureka. 

#1 – Research

Walking into a dealership without a clear idea of what kind of vehicle you’re looking for is a surefire recipe for disappointment and impulsive decision-making. Once upon a time, researching a used vehicle involved pouring through reviews, grilling friends, or shelling out for a pricey subscription to an automotive publication. That’s all changed with the advent of the internet age, allowing drivers to investigate everything from the engine power to the number of cupholders simply by opening up a new browser tab. It’s certainly simplified the buying process, but it can also be easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information on offer. 

When you go to research your next used vehicle, there are a few simple tips you should follow to ensure the best results. First off, try to narrow down your search to a specific model, make, or at least a particular segment. This will largely come down to your unique driving needs, including how often the vehicle will be used, what sort of terrain it’ll be asked to perform in, and the level of efficiency you require. While many of today’s vehicles are pretty well-rounded in their ability to cater to these different needs, some models prioritize particular niches, whether max towing capacity, speed and handling, fuel economy, or cargo and passenger space. 

It’s easy to lose sight of your automotive goals as you browse all of the used vehicles available here at our dealership, but going into the situation with a general idea of what you’re looking for will keep you on track and make for a smooth, quick transaction. Don’t forget that our team is also knowledgeable about all of the options we have available and can answer all of your questions. However, the best way to know if a vehicle is right for you will always be the test drive. If you see something that catches your eye in our inventory, reach out to us for a test drive so you can know if it really is the car for you. 

#2 – Budgeting

Next, you’ll want to set a budget, but it’s important to remember that the sticker price is only one part of the story when it comes to gauging the true cost of a used vehicle purchase. Drivers should also consider their monthly payment, interest rate, and length of their car loan. If you qualify for a competitive interest rate and want to pay less per month, you could stretch the length of your loan. Alternatively, if you can afford to put down a little more cash upfront and want to get a vehicle paid off as soon as possible, you might consider a shorter loan. It all comes down to what you’re comfortable with, but no matter which route you choose to take, our helpful financing team will help you find a payment schedule that works for you.  

Maintenance and operation costs are another important part of the equation. Once you factor in fuel efficiency, routine maintenance, and insurance costs, a vehicle that seems like a real deal might turn into a rather expensive proposition. An older vehicle might seem like a real bargain when compared to a newer model, but once you weigh the associated repair costs, it might not actually be that good of a deal. When it comes to insurance, shopping around is key. Different providers often give wildly different quotes on the exact same vehicle, so always shop around for insurance to make sure you’re getting the best deal.  

If you have an old vehicle to trade in, there are plenty of well-known websites and resources that can help gauge the fair market value of your car. Here at Roanoke Motors, we’ve teamed with TradePending to give our customers all the data they need to make an informed decision when it comes time to sell. Just input the year, make, model, and trim, and TradePending will provide a fair trade-in value for the Eureka area. Knowing the value of your trade-in can really help you establish your budget before you start shopping for your next car. TradePending brings a lot of transparency into the trade-in process and is just one of the ways that we’re improving the car-buying experience here at the dealership. 

#3 – Warranties

From recalls and replacements to repairs and defects, a warranty protects a driver from facing some of the possible worst-case scenarios that come with vehicle ownership. While you’d never consider operating your car, truck, or SUV without a solid insurance policy, many drivers neglect to adequately protect their property and forego warranty coverage. All automakers offer some form of factory warranty coverage on new vehicles, but the same can’t be said for their used counterparts. Most pre-owned vehicles aren’t covered under the manufacturer’s original factory warranty. This lack of warranty coverage can expose drivers to some expensive consequences, but that’s where extended warranties come in.      

An extended warranty is basically a service contract that covers many of the repair and maintenance tasks a driver might face when purchasing a used vehicle. These extended warranties can typically be arranged through a dealership and are offered with varying levels of coverage. Some of the most basic extended warranty plans limit their coverage to major powertrain components like the engine, transmission, axles, and differentials, while comprehensive bumper-to-bumper policies cover (almost) every part of the vehicle. Bumper-to-bumper warranties often include a few important exceptions, which is why it’s so important to read the small print before signing on the dotted line.  

Like traditional insurance policies, extended warranties usually carry deductibles that must be met before the coverage kicks in. An extended warranty might also dictate where the repairs must be performed and might not always make sense for all drivers in all scenarios. If you’re buying a used vehicle that’s nearing the end of its service life, springing for an extended warranty might not make much sense. That said, it’s almost always a good idea to seek out some sort of extended warranty coverage if you’re investing in a newer vehicle that’ll keep you cruising through Eureka for years to come.

Maximize Your Investment

Buying a vehicle, even a used model, represents a major investment for many drivers. From zeroing in on the right make and model to considering extended warranty coverage and financing options, there’s a lot to consider when you step into your local dealership. While the team here at Roanoke Motors Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram doesn’t believe in upsells and high-pressure sales tactics, we know how easy it is to lose sight of your budget when you have your heart set on a new vehicle. That’s why we encourage customers to take a measured approach, do plenty of research, and consider their priorities when they come in for a visit. Buying your first used vehicle can be an intimidating process, but with the right partner by your side, it doesn’t have to be a difficult experience. If you’re searching for a used vehicle that’ll feel like just as good of a deal five years down the road as it does the day you leave the dealership, come by Roanoke Motors Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and explore our generous selection of pre-owned vehicles today. 

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