Four Things to Consider When Shopping Used

Buying your next car is never easy. There are so many different things to consider. Do I want an SUV or a truck? Do I want to stay with the brand of my current car or try something different? What is my budget? Now, if you are considering buying used, there are even more things to consider. However, the first thing is don’t panic. There are plenty of people who have shopped used before and done absolutely fine. In fact, buying used may be the most sensible and affordable way to buy a car. So if you are looking for “used cars near me,” the name to remember is DePaula Auto Group.

We have spent years serving drivers all over the greater Albany area, including ones looking for used cars. We carry a vast inventory of used cars, trucks, and SUVs, so you will have no problem finding the make and model you desire. Our goal is to take the mystery out of buying a used vehicle so that our customers like you drive off with the peace of mind that they have made a great deal. This is why you should come to our dealership when the time comes for your next vehicle.

#1. What Kind of Vehicle Do You Want?

No matter if you are buying new or used, the first thing you have to decide is the type of vehicle you want. There are benefits and drawbacks to every vehicle type, whether you are looking at an SUV, pickup truck, sedan, coupe, or minivan. These include things like passenger space, fuel economy, performance, cargo capacity, and usage. There are no wrong answers here. It is simply a case of finding the right kind of vehicle that can meet your lifestyle and personal needs.

Within the specific categories are subcategories based on size. There is a difference between a subcompact and a full-size used SUV for sale, for example. The subcompact SUV is great for commuting as it will give solid fuel economy. However, you cannot fit more than five passengers in this vehicle. At the other end of the spectrum, a full-size SUV will be able to carry up to eight passengers, but it probably won’t get you more than average gas mileage. While this is an ideal vehicle for someone with a large family, it probably doesn’t work as well as a single-commuter vehicle.

#2. What Is Your Budget?

Once you have settled on the type of vehicle you want, you have to come up with a budget. This is not just what you may have in terms of available cash for a down payment but also how much monthly loan payments you can afford. A good place to start is your current monthly budget, including what you may be paying for a car. If you aren’t currently making car payments, then you will need to look at what you have left over each month after paying all of your bills. The last thing you want to have happen is to finance your next used vehicle, only to come up short each month. If you put together a budget before you start looking for your next used car, you will really be ahead of the game.

#3. Can I Get Financing?

Auto financing is a crucial part of shopping used. The vast majority of our customers will get a loan to pay at least a portion of the purchase price for their next used vehicle. This is actually a great way to buy a used vehicle.

The amount and terms you can get in a car loan will largely depend on your credit history and rating. The three major credit agencies, Transunion, Experian, and Equifax, issue a rating based on your personal credit history. Things like missing payments, owing too much money, or going through personal bankruptcy will hurt your credit rating. These credit scores start at 300 and go up to 850.

In general, if you have a credit score over 670, you should be fine when it comes to getting a car loan. However, if you have a low credit score or a poor credit history, then you may not get the best terms on your car loan. For example, you may have to put up more cash on the down payment, or you may have to pay a higher interest rate. The good news is that your credit score is not fixed in place. It is always changing. Getting a car loan and staying current with your payments will help your credit score go up. If and when it does, you can always refinance your car loan, either with us or through the financial institution that issued the loan. We can also help you at our dealership by getting you pre-qualified for a loan before you even arrive.

#4. What Are the Factors That Determine the Price of Used Cars?

People always ask us how used cars are priced. It comes down to a number of factors. Certain model types are more popular than others, so the greater demand for these vehicles combined with the limited supply will result in a higher price for a used one than for a less popular vehicle type. Also, many people won’t buy a vehicle that has been discontinued, like a Ford Fusion sedan or a Chevy Avalanche pickup, making these great values on the used market.

This brings us to the second factor, brand and model. Just like certain vehicle types are more popular, so are different brands and specific models. Some brands have built a reputation for more reliable, longer-lasting, and safer vehicles than other automakers. These brands tend to get a premium on the used car market. However, there are plenty of brands that are quite good that just aren’t as popular. So, if you buy a used model that is from a less popular brand, you may be able to stretch your budget further. Similarly, if you buy a less popular model from a top brand, you can get a really good deal on a quality vehicle that is more affordable than the same brand’s more popular models.

Once you have decided on the make and model of the used vehicle that interests you, you need to consider a number of different factors that will affect the price. Age is a crucial factor, as cars depreciate as they age. An older vehicle will generally cost less than a newer one of the same model. Also, the mileage on the odometer of the vehicle will affect the price. Just like age, mileage puts wear and tear on a vehicle, reducing the price.

If you are looking at two of the same models from the same year with comparable mileage, then two other factors will affect the price. First, a vehicle with a higher trim and more features is going to command a higher price. That is because you are getting more for your money, like fancier seating upholstery, a more powerful engine, a more advanced infotainment system, or a more significant number of driver assistance features. Automakers also put out special edition versions of many of their more popular models each year that can also get a premium price because of their rarity.

The other factor that differentiates between two vehicles that are the same make, model, age, and mileage is condition. No two drivers handle their cars the exact same way. Some drive hard and fast. Others seem to always get into fender benders. Some vehicles have had multiple owners.

The good news is that you can find out about the condition of the used vehicle you are considering with a CARFAX vehicle history report. This will tell you about any prior titleholders, whether the vehicle was ever used by a car rental company, if it has any open recalls, and whether it was ever in an accident. CARFAX takes the mystery out of buying a used vehicle, giving you the information you need to make an informed decision. This is why we include a complimentary CARFAX vehicle history report on every used vehicle that we sell.

Buying Used Will Get You a Great Deal on a Great Car

Used vehicles tend to provide a better value than buying new. This is because most vehicles lose up to half their value to depreciation in their first three years. When you buy used, you will not get that depreciation hit, so your vehicle will retain more of its value over time. You will also get more vehicle for your money, as buying used costs less than buying the same model new. Contact us or stop in today and let us show you all the great used cars we have for sale so you can find the one that drives best for you.