Used Car Buying Guide

Posted Monday, Apr 08, 2024

While finding the perfect used car can be exciting, careful preparation is crucial to avoid ending up with a vehicle riddled with problems. Buying a used car can be a smart financial decision, offering significant savings compared to a new vehicle.

Before making the purchase you might want to know what to look for when buying a used car from a dealer. In this article, We’ve got you covered by highlighting everything that you might want to be on the lookout for.

Finding Used Cars In Your Budget

The first step is to determine your budget and the type of car that best suits your lifestyle. Consider your daily commute, passenger needs, and cargo space requirements.

Honest Autos boasts a wide selection of sedans, SUVs, trucks, and minivans to cater to diverse needs. Once you have a clear idea, browse our online inventory to narrow down your options based on make, model, year, and price range.

What To Know About Buying A Used Car

Before setting your heart on a specific car, Your first line of defense is a vehicle history report. Research its history using the VIN to uncover past accidents, flood damage, or recalls.

Honest Autos provides complimentary AutoCheck vehicle history reports on every car in our inventory. This report reveals essential information like past accidents, major repairs, and number of previous owners, allowing you to make an informed decision.

Give the car a thorough inspection, checking for body imperfections, uneven tire wear, rust, and proper functionality of all parts.You may then take the car for a test drive, listening for unusual noises, testing the climate control and electronics, and being aware of any signs of water damage. You can even take the car to a mechanic whom you are comfortable with to get a second opinion on any of our cars.

Securing Insurance for Your Used Car

Once you've found the perfect used car, securing proper insurance is an essential step. While insurance costs can vary depending on individual factors like driving history, location, and the specific car itself, it's important to understand the different coverage options available to make an informed decision.

Understanding Coverage Levels:

• Liability Coverage: This minimum legal requirement in most states covers property damage and bodily injury caused to others in the event of an accident where you are at fault.
• Collision Coverage: This optional coverage helps pay for repairs to your own car if it's damaged in a collision with another vehicle or object.
• Comprehensive Coverage: This optional coverage protects your car against damage from non-collision events such as theft, fire, vandalism, weather events, and animal strikes.

When shopping for insurance for your used car, it's wise to compare quotes from multiple insurers to ensure you're getting the best possible rate for your needs.

While Honest Autos doesn't directly provide insurance services, our friendly sales staff is knowledgeable about different coverage options and can answer any questions you may have about insuring your used car.

They can help you navigate the process of obtaining quotes and ensure a smooth transition as you add your used car to your existing policy or set up a new one entirely.

Pros & Cons Of Buying Used Car

Deciding between a new or used car involves weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each option. While new cars offer the allure of the latest features and factory warranties, used cars present significant financial benefits. Here's a closer look at the pros and cons of buying a used car:

Pros:

• Lower Cost: The most undeniable advantage of buying a used car is the significant cost savings compared to a new car. New cars experience a steep depreciation the day they are driven off the lot. With a used car, someone else has already absorbed that hit for you. Additionally, you typically avoid the added costs associated with new car purchases, such as destination fees and dealer markups.
• Slower Depreciation: The substantial depreciation typically occurs within the first few years of ownership for a new car. By opting for a used car, you've already passed this initial depreciation stage, resulting in a car that retains more value over time.
• Wider Selection: The used car market offers a vast selection of vehicles across various makes, models, and ages. This allows you to find a car that perfectly aligns with your needs and budget, potentially offering more features or a higher trim level for the same price you might pay for a new base model.

Cons:

• Potential for Repairs: Unlike new cars with factory warranties, used cars may require more maintenance and repairs down the road. While a thorough inspection and a vehicle history report can help mitigate this risk, it's essential to factor in potential maintenance costs when budgeting for a used car.
• Unknown History: Unless you're purchasing a CPO vehicle with a manufacturer's warranty, a used car's history might not be entirely transparent. A vehicle history report can provide valuable insights, but it's crucial to remain vigilant during the inspection process to identify any potential issues.Honest Autos utilizes 45 years of industry experience to make sure we are procuring the best inventory available for our customers.
• Limited Features: Used cars, particularly older models, might not offer the latest technological features or safety advancements found in newer cars. Carefully consider your priorities and desired features when evaluating used car options.

Get The Best Used Car Dealership in Florida

Finding the perfect used car in Florida can feel overwhelming. Honest Autos, a trusted dealership located in Fruitland Park, is here to simplify your search. We stand out from other Central Florida used car dealerships with our commitment to transparency and 45+ years of experience.

This means upfront sales conversations, clear pricing, and complimentary vehicle history reports for every car on our lot. Contact us today or visit our dealership in person to experience the Honest Autos difference and find the perfect used car for your needs.