Tips for Buying a Used Car

The car-shopping experience can be incredibly exciting, especially when buying a used car, but it can just as easily be a stressful headache. With careful consideration and a trustworthy dealership, the former is much easier to come by and the latter is much rarer. Here at Jim Glover CDJRF, we like to make sure all of our customers feel comfortable and excited along every step of the journey, which is why we’re up front with advice, suggestions and tips you should take to heart no matter where you decide to make your purchase.

One of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a used car is, naturally, mileage. The biggest difference between a used vehicle and a new vehicle is, well, that it’s been used — but more important than the scratches and scuffs is how much the engine itself has been used, in other words how many miles it has been driven. Generally speaking, lower mileage translates to a higher price tag, while higher mileage means a lower price. It’s important that you find the right balance between mileage and price for your given situation, based on your needs and budget.

For example, a low-mileage vehicle might seem appealing, but it could stretch your budget beyond what’s comfortable. On the other hand, a high-mileage car can be more affordable but may require more maintenance in the long run. Evaluate how much you’re willing to spend and how much mileage you’re comfortable with to find your personal sweet spot.

Now that we’ve gotten mileage out of the way, it’s time to look at the other effects of your pre-owned vehicle being used for however long it was in someone else’s possession. A great place to start, because it can help you make sure if it’s even worth researching further, is by requesting and reviewing the Carfax vehicle history report. These reports will highlight previous accidents, ownership details, service records and more, all giving you a vital look into the vehicle’s past. While minor accidents and damage shouldn’t ring any alarm bells, seeing moderate or major issues on the report might make you think twice about proceeding.

If you’re happy with the vehicle’s history, then you’ll still want to take a close look at its overall condition. Inspect the vehicle yourself or ask the seller to provide a video tour, which is something we’d be happy to provide right here at Jim Glover CDJRF. Be sure to pay attention to details like cracks in the windshield and scratches or scuffs on exterior and interior surfaces. Don’t forget to examine the tires for wear and tear, as they’re a key indicator of the car’s overall maintenance.

Reconditioning, sometimes simply referred to as “Recon,”  is the process dealerships use to prepare a pre-owned vehicle for its next owner. Do not be afraid to ask the dealer about their inspection process and what work has been done to the car. These things should not be secrets, so if the seller seems like they’re trying to hide something it might not be a good fit for you. For example, we put every vehicle through rigorous inspections and invest an average of roughly $1,500 per vehicle to ensure it’s in good condition before passing the keys to a new owner.

For lower mileage vehicles, reconditioning might involve minor work like an oil change, new wiper blades and a thorough detailing. In these instances, our investments might only require $500. But for high-mileage vehicles, more extensive repairs might be required, sometimes amounting to $3,000 or more. Rest assured, we spare no expense to prepare every vehicle to meet our high standards, even if it means investing those higher figures.

Another critical aspect that matters more than you might think is financing. This shouldn’t be an afterthought for you during the process, because even if you were to find two identical vehicles at the same price — your monthly payments could vary significantly depending on the dealership’s financing options. So it is absolutely essential to ensure that the financing fits your budget.

One thing that you should definitely keep in mind when working with your dealer, is that purchasing an extended warranty should never affect the interest rate. We’ve heard tales of dealers saying that you have to get an extra warranty in order to get a lower interest rate, but that’s simply not true. This is why we recommend you start by negotiating the interest rate first, then consider protection coverage options separately.

Speaking of protection options, this is the last tip we want to leave you with — they matter, too! Extended warranties, or vehicle service contracts as they’re sometimes called, are valuable tools for maintaining your vehicle long term and avoiding costly, unexpected repairs. No two warranties are the same, so you want to make sure the extra protection options you’re being offered are solid and fair.

For example, many warranties come with a small deductible, but there are a few out there that offer disappearing deductibles. This means that as long as you continue getting your vehicle serviced at the dealership where you purchased the warranty, your deductible disappears and you don’t have to pay for it. Make sure to work with a reputable dealership that offers great protection options.

Now that we’ve gotten through our list of tips for buying a used car, we want to highlight the experience you can expect when buying a used car right here at Jim Glover CDJRF or any of the other dealerships in our family. Here are the benefits we offer with each and every used vehicle we sell:

• 120-point inspection process
• Average of $1,547 in reconditioning investments
• The Glover Guarantee
  • First Year Maintenance
    • Your first two oil changes and tire rotations are free.
  • Engines For Life
    • As long as you service your vehicle at a Jim Glover dealership and request an Engines For Life oil change, your engine is covered for any internal lubricated part failure.
  • 7-Day Exchange Program
    • If you decide the vehicle you purchased isn’t a good fit, you can bring it back within seven days and exchange it for another.

Choosing Jim Glover CDJRF means you’re buying from a dealership that prioritizes quality, transparency and customer satisfaction. You can contact us today to explore our wide selection of pre-owned vehicles and find the perfect one for you!