Picking Out a Used Car Doesn’t Have to Be Scary

How Do You Pick Out a Used Car?
There are many reasons why someone would want to choose a pre-owned vehicle over bringing a brand-new model home. The most obvious reason is that they are looking to save some. Your shopping dollars can go much further when looking at a dealership’s used car inventory. Fairley & Stevens Ford has one of the most diverse pre-owned cars, trucks and SUVs inventories. Our team put together a few tips to help you find the best deal possible.
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Examine Your Budget Limits
Adding a car, truck or SUV to your at-home fleet shouldn’t be an impulse purchase. People must closely examine their budget, including housing obligations, existing debt and other bills. Other than the sticker price, there are several more considerations people need to keep in mind, including:
- Taxes and registration fees
- Insurance costs (some models are more expensive to insure)
- Maintenance and repairs (older cars may require more frequent servicing)
- Fuel efficiency (gas vs. hybrid vs. electric)
Don’t forget to factor in things like interest costs when you’re looking for a loan.
Pick the Right Model
It’s easy to get seduced by sports cars and other high-performance vehicles during the buying process. Buyers need to examine their daily driving needs closely and if they’ll be doing a lot of carpool duty. Below, we posted some factors everyone should consider when buying a used vehicle:
- Usage – Will you use it for commuting, family trips, off-roading, or hauling?
- Size & Features – Do you need extra seats, cargo space, or fuel efficiency?
- Reliability – Look at reliability ratings from leading industry experts.
- Depreciation – Some brands hold their value better than others.
If you need help buying a pre-owned vehicle, make an appointment with a Fairley & Stevens Ford product expert. We can also help you find affordable financing.