What to Look for When Buying a Used Car

How can you be sure you’re getting a fair price—and a vehicle that’s truly going to meet your needs—when shopping for a used car? Knowing exactly what to look for will give you a big advantage. The problem is that buying a car is something you only do every few years, so it’s no surprise that so many buyers are unsure about how it all works.

We want you to be able to buy with confidence, and leave our dealership knowing you got a great deal! Read on—in this guide, we cover what to look for when buying a used car in the Albuquerque area, as well as what to ask when buying a used car in a private sale or at a Toyota dealership.

What to Ask When Buying a Used Car

What to ask when buying a used car will depend in part on where you buy it. That’s because buying at a dealership removes some elements of uncertainty, especially as regards the condition and history of the car. A used car for sale at a manufacturer-certified dealership like our own has already been inspected by a technician for drivability and overall quality. Additionally, dealerships can provide you with a full vehicle history report.

If you don’t buy from a dealership, you’ll have to do a little more digging to determine the condition of the car. Either way, the following questions are a good place to start:

• Is there a history of maintenance?
• Is the vehicle history report available?
• Do the amenities and features work like they’re supposed to?
• What is the ownership history?
• What is the vehicle’s mileage?
• Are there any current recalls on the vehicle?
• How was the vehicle priced?
• Can I take the car to a mechanic for an inspection?
• Do you have the title in hand?
• Is the car as is, or is it under warranty?
• Does this vehicle affect your insurance premiums?

How to Buy a Used Car From a Dealership

So, how does buying a car work at a dealership? The process is faster and simpler than buying a used car from a private seller because you won’t spend time traversing Rio Rancho for test drives or scheduling inspections on your own. Dealerships offer a wide selection tall in one place, so you can test drive multiple vehicles in a single day.

Just for a start, our pre-owned inventory at Toyota of Santa Fe features everything from low-mileage CPO models to budget-friendly vehicles priced under 12k—so there’s something for every Santa Fe-area buyer!

Once you know you want to buy a used car, the next steps are simple:

• Set a Budget: Carefully calculate how much you can afford to spend each month on a car payment, and how large of a downpayment you can make right now. Don’t forget to figure in the cost of insurance, fuel, and repairs. Our car loan calculator can help!
• Find the Right Used Car: The right vehicle should fit your needs for fuel efficiency, cargo space, towing capability, size, and other factors. Our Vehicle Finder Service can help you narrow down your options!
• Take Test Drive: Next, it’s time to choose your top three and take them all for a test drive. While you’re behind the wheel, ask yourself if the cabin design feels comfortable and intuitive, and whether the vehicle would make your everyday travels easier and more enjoyable.
• Explore Used car Financing Options: Once you’ve found your car, our auto finance experts will work with you to customize a payment plan that fits your financial needs and guide you through the auto loan application process. Be sure to investigate all the ways you can save, from used vehicle specials to trading in your current car at our dealership.

Learn More About What to Look for When Buying a Used Car at Toyota of Santa Fe

Whether you’re ready to move forward today or you have a few more questions about what to ask when buying a used car, we’ve got you covered. Check out our guides on trade-ins and good mileage for used cars before you head over from Espanola!

We’re ready to make the car buying process easy for you, so you’ll be able to take full advantage of our selection of used cars from some of the top brands on the market. Find out more about the car buying process by speaking to our finance department today, and then let us help you get started taking home a new-to-you model today.