There was once a time when purchasing a used vehicle required you to visit the dealership in person to walk through their lot of available vehicles. Today, you can browse a dealership’s inventory right in the comfort of your own home. Additionally, if you can’t find the car you’re looking for, our pre-owned vehicle dealership in Evansville can help you find it. This not only adds a level of convenience, but you can compare prices, look around for the vehicle you want, and investigate a little further before making a decision. If you’re in the process of buying a used car online, here are some tips to make sure you’re getting an excellent deal.
1. Determine how much you can afford
The first thing you need to do is set a strict budget. While the Internet has made it convenient to browse a used car inventory, this also means you’re exposed to many types of vehicles which can tempt you to go over budget. Be sure to calculate the total cost of monthly payments with interest, maintenance, repairs, insurance, and gas to find out how much you can realistically afford.
2. Investigate the dealer’s reputation
With information available right at our fingertips, consumers are more empowered than ever in their buying decisions. Companies have a responsibility, to be honest about their business and you can quickly get a feel of their reputation through online customer reviews. Scroll through the dealer’s website, testimonials, and social media accounts to find out how they connect with their customers and handle complaints. While a couple of bad reviews here and there isn’t a cause for concern, consistent negative feedback is a red flag.
3. Browse through the dealer’s inventory
This is the fun part – searching for the perfect car! Now that you have a budget in mind, you can set a filter on a dealer’s online inventory to only list vehicles within your price range. Most dealerships provide all of the details you need, including how many miles are on the vehicle, specs, and VIN. Be wary of private sellers or dealerships that are hesitant to offer this information or if they don’t agree to an inspection. Look for a reputable used car dealer in Evansville that makes sure the cars are in good condition and is willing to provide all of the information you need.
4. Take a look at the car’s history
Another thing to be cautious about is if the car lacks a maintenance and repair history report, which should always be available. When you browse our used car inventory, you’ll notice that we make this step easy by adding the link to that particular car’s CarFax vehicle history report, which details how many owners the vehicle belonged to, any accident claims, service records, recalls, issues, and more. These resources are meant to protect the buyer so you know exactly what you’re purchasing.
5. Research the car
We recommend honing in on at least 3 cars and doing your research on each of them. Read consumer reports, reviews, comparisons, and alternative vehicle options that are similar to the cars you’re interested in. You want to compare:
- Mileage
- Pricing/value
- Condition
- Year
- Safety reports
- Vehicle history reports
Don’t forget to envision your daily life with this car. Does it fit your needs for cargo room, towing capacity (if applicable), and other features?
6. Schedule a test drive
Last but certainly not least, schedule a test drive of the vehicles that you’re interested in. If the vehicle is no longer available, be open to suggestions from the dealership for similar alternatives. During your test drive, ask about any warranties and the dealership’s process for verifying whether the car is in good condition. Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need to, a reputable dealer is ready to answer them so that you can purchase your vehicle with confidence.
Edge Autosports offers the best selections in luxury used imports & domestic cars and trucks. Contact us today to book an appointment or get pre-qualified online!
Let us help you find the perfect car by using or car finder feature!
