Try These 6 Practical Tips When You’re Buying a Used Car

Try These 6 Practical Tips When You’re Buying a Used Car

There’s no denying that used cars represent significant savings over their brand-new counterparts. The average cost of a new vehicle continues to climb, and many people simply cannot afford to buy new. However, it’s still a smart idea to do your due diligence and make sure you’re purchasing a well-kept and well-maintained vehicle.

Since buying a pre-owned car can come with certain risks, you must be cautious before taking your pick. To help you on your journey as a used-car buyer, we’ve prepared some tips that will help ensure you’re getting your money’s worth.

1. Narrow Down Your Needs

You can get a little carried away when buying a used vehicle, but it’s a good idea to take a breather and really consider your needs. If you’re buying a car for mainly city driving, you’re going to have different requirements than you would if you’re buying something for long-distance drives. Having a solid plan for what you need from this vehicle will help you make the necessary decisions before buying.

2. Have a Proper Inspection Done

Before buying your car, you’ll want to have it thoroughly inspected by an expert technician. This will help ensure you won’t have any mechanical problems that could cost you more in the near future. That way, you’ll know that the car is in good condition before you even drive it out the lot.

3. Take Note of the Mileage

When you’re buying a used car, you must check its mileage. This will help you determine how much longer the car will last for you and your family. A large amount of wear and tear indicated by an unusually high number of miles on the odometer may signify that the vehicle is not in good condition.

4. Test Drive the Vehicle

After your inspection has been completed, you’ll want to take the vehicle for a test drive. This will help you ensure that the car is running smoothly and comfortably. Be sure to consider the car’s handling, braking, acceleration, and other factors when you’re driving.

5. Check the Vehicle’s History Report

Before signing the dotted lines and making your purchase, you’ll also want to check the vehicle’s history report. This will help you see if the car has been involved in any accidents or other problems. You can get a free vehicle history report from CARFAX.

6. Consider Buying Certified Pre-Owned (CPO)

If you’d prefer to buy a used car from a trusted dealership instead of going directly to a private owner, check out a dealership that has a CPO department. These vehicles have been carefully inspected and repaired to help ensure that you’re getting a high-quality car. They also have servicing perks and warranties from the original dealer, so you’ll be sure to get the most value from these vehicles.

Conclusion

Buying a used car doesn’t have to be a stressful endeavour. By following these steps and doing your homework, you’ll be able to find an affordable and reliable vehicle in no time at all. Use these tips to help you feel confident and comfortable with your vehicle purchase.

Buy pre-owned Honda vehicles at our dealership when you visit us here at Formula Honda. Take your pick from our pre-owned and certified pre-owned inventories to find the perfect used car that will fit your needs. Get a trade appraisal today!

2025 Honda Civic Arrives Soon!
plus

2025 Honda Civic Arrives Soon!

The updated Civic lineup is taking the 11th-gen Civic – which snagged the 2022 North American Car of the Year award – to the next level with cooler looks, new tech, and a powerful yet efficient hybrid-electric option. For the first time, you can get these hybrid models as either a sedan or a hatchback. Honda's betting big on these hybrids, expecting them to make up about 40% of Civic sales, as...

Read more link-icon
Honda Invests In Alliston Plant
plus

Honda Invests In Alliston Plant

Alliston Honda Plant To Specialise In Electric Vehicles Honda Canada has announced its intention to establish a comprehensive EV value chain in Canada, with an estimated investment of $15 billion Canadian. This initiative aims to enhance Honda's EV supply infrastructure and capabilities in anticipation of a surge in EV demand in North America. Honda is currently in the initial stages of...

Read more link-icon
Hondas Passports Keep Retaining Value
plus

Hondas Passports Keep Retaining Value

For the fourth time in the past five years, the Honda Passport has clinched the J.D. Power Canada ALG Residual Value Award. It has been acclaimed for having the highest residual value in the midsize SUV category with 2-row seating. J.D. Power acknowledges the Passport as the midsize SUV with the most robust residual value in its segment, forecasting it will retain its worth better than any...

Read more link-icon