Frequently Asked Questions When Shopping for a Used Vehicle?

Visiting a car dealership to find a pre-owned vehicle can sometimes feel overwhelming if you’re unsure what to look for or how to narrow down your options. That’s why we’ve put together answers to some of the most common questions shoppers have when buying a used car, truck, or SUV. This FAQ covers condition, mileage, history, test-driving, financing, trade-ins, inspections, and dealership benefits. If you have additional questions, our staff can help you understand your options and find the information you need.

How to Find the Right Used Vehicle

#1 – What Should I Look for When Shopping for a Used Vehicle?

Start by identifying the factors that matter most to you, such as your budget, the vehicle’s condition, mileage, features, and intended use. From there, you can narrow your search to used vehicles that fit your financial situation while still providing the space, capability, technology, and comfort you need.

If condition is your main priority, look beyond mileage and review the vehicle’s maintenance history, current condition, and how it was previously used. If you’re looking for specific features, such as remote start, three-row seating, or smartphone connectivity, our team can help you find a used vehicle that has those specific features.

#2 – How Do I Choose the Right Used Vehicle for My Needs?

When you choose to shop with DePaula Auto Group, our dealerships make it easy to refine your shopping criteria based on your specific needs. We’ve made it highly convenient for you to find what you want when you shop with us online or in person. When determining what you need from your next vehicle, follow this simple checklist:

1. Determine your budget.
2. Identify passenger and cargo needs.
3. Consider fuel economy or capability.
4. Establish must-have features.
5. Compare several vehicles.
6. Test-drive the finalists.

Once you know what you need, our team can help you narrow down our selection further until you find the perfect vehicle. This approach can help you narrow your choices more efficiently and focus on vehicles that fit your priorities.

#3 – What Mileage Is Considered Reasonable for a Used Vehicle?

This all depends on the vehicle you’re buying, its history, and your intended use. Some vehicles may have high mileage from long highway commutes, while others may have lower mileage but were used for frequent off-roading or difficult towing and hauling.

Mileage is one factor to consider, but it should be evaluated alongside maintenance history, age, and how the vehicle was used. A higher-mileage vehicle with consistent maintenance may be a better choice than a lower-mileage vehicle with an incomplete service history.

#4 – How Can I Learn About a Used Vehicle’s History?

A vehicle history report can help you learn more about a used vehicle’s past, including reported accidents, previous owners, title information, mileage records, and available service history. When comparing vehicles, review that information alongside the vehicle’s current condition and ask our team about any questions that come up. Some history items to consider are:

• Number of previous owners
• Reported accidents
• Title information
• Maintenance records
• Mileage history
• Registration history

#5 – Can I Test-Drive a Used Vehicle Before Purchasing It?

Absolutely. You can test-drive a used vehicle before making a purchase, giving you an opportunity to evaluate its comfort, visibility, handling, acceleration, braking, and overall feel on the road. Call ahead to ask about scheduling a test drive and confirm any requirements before visiting.

#6 – What Should I Check During a Used Vehicle Test Drive?

During the test drive, pay attention to how the vehicle starts, accelerates, brakes, and shifts, and listen for unusual noises or vibrations. You should also evaluate seat comfort, visibility, steering response, ride quality, cabin noise, and the technology you expect to use regularly. Have a checklist of the following items to take note of during the test drive:

• Seat comfort
• Visibility
• Steering response
• Braking
• Acceleration
• Transmission behavior
• Ride quality
• Cabin noise
• Climate controls
• Infotainment
• Driver-assistance features

#7 – What Is the Difference Between Used and Certified Pre-Owned?

A Certified Pre-Owned vehicle has gone through a manufacturer-specific certification process and must meet certain eligibility and inspection requirements. It also includes additional factory warranty and ownership benefits that aren’t included with a standard used vehicle.

#8 – Can I Schedule an Inspection Before Buying a Used Vehicle?

Yes, you can definitely schedule an inspection for a used vehicle before making a final decision. A pre-purchase inspection can give you another perspective on the vehicle’s mechanical condition before you commit to buying it. Ask about our inspection policies and what options are available for having a used vehicle evaluated before purchase.

Financing Your Used Vehicle

#9 – Can I Finance a Used Vehicle?

Yes. You can definitely finance a used vehicle, and we make the process of financing a pre-owned car seamless for all different types of shoppers.

You can apply for financing online, or you can visit one of our locations and let our finance team guide you through the process. Your financing options depend on factors such as credit history, lender requirements, loan amount, down payment, and the terms for which you qualify

#10 – What Documents Are Needed to Apply for Used Vehicle Financing?

Requirements vary by lender, but a financing application may ask for identification, current address, proof of employment, and income details, in addition to any other information needed to verify your application. Having these details available can make the financing process more efficient. Some of the information you may be required to provide includes:

• Valid identification
• Proof of residence
• Proof of income or employment
• Social Security number

#11 – Can I Trade in My Current Vehicle Toward a Used Vehicle?

You can definitely trade in your current vehicle for one of the used cars we’re selling. This gives you an opportunity to reduce the price of the vehicle you’re shopping for. We have online valuation tools to provide a quick estimate of what your vehicle is worth.

Your trade-in value will depend on factors such as the vehicle’s age, mileage, condition, equipment, and current market demand. We can evaluate those details and apply your trade value toward the purchase of a used vehicle if you decide to move forward.

#12 – What Information Do I Need to Value My Trade-In?

You can start a trade-in valuation with information such as the vehicle’s VIN, year, make, model, trim, mileage, and condition. The VIN can be found on the driver-side dashboard near the base of the windshield, while additional details about the vehicle’s equipment and condition can help provide a more complete valuation. If available, you will also want to bring:

• Owner’s Manual
• Keys and Key Fobs
• Service records

#13 – How Can I Determine a Comfortable Used Vehicle Budget?

A comfortable vehicle budget should account for more than the monthly loan payment. While your monthly payment makes up the majority of your car budget, it is only part of the cost of owning a vehicle. Other factors that can affect your budget include:

• Insurance
• Fuel costs
• Maintenance and repairs
• Taxes and fees

#14 – Are Used Vehicle Protection Plans Available?

Used-vehicle protection options may be available depending on the vehicle and dealership. When you purchase your vehicle from one of our dealerships, you will also benefit from the DePaula Pre-Owned Promise, which includes 90 days or 4,000 miles of coverage.

You also have the option to purchase a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle with additional factory coverage. Our dealerships carry Mazda Certified Pre-Owned, Ford Blue Advantage, and GM CarBravo vehicles, giving you many options to choose from.

#15 – What Maintenance Should I Plan for After Purchasing a Used Vehicle?

Review the vehicle’s service history so you know what maintenance has already been completed and what may be coming due. After purchase, follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and address routine services based on the vehicle’s age, mileage, and condition.

Some of the things you should expect when planning for maintenance may include:

• Battery
• Air filters
• Tire rotation
• Fluid checks
• Brake inspection
• Oil and filter changes
• Wheel alignment
• Diagnostic checks

Dealership and Online Shopping

#16 – How Often Does Your Used Vehicle Selection Change?

Our used inventory changes frequently as vehicles are purchased, traded in, and sold. If you have a specific model or set of features in mind, checking our inventory regularly or contacting our team can help you stay aware of new arrivals.

#17 – Can You Help Me Compare Multiple Used Vehicles?

Absolutely. Our staff is trained to help customers compare the many used vehicles available in our inventory. Whether you’re comparing the condition, features, body style, size, price, or mileage, we are more than happy to help you compare multiple used vehicles.

#18 – What Should I Bring When Visiting the Dealership?

If you’re coming to browse, all you need is a willingness to explore our used car inventory. However, if you’re showing up at one of our dealerships with the intent to buy your next vehicle, definitely make sure you have the necessary identification and financial information on you, as well as any of the documents necessary if you plan on trading in your current vehicle. This may include:

• Driver’s license
• Insurance information
• Trade-in vehicle information
• Financing information
• List of must-have features

#19 – Can I Begin the Used Vehicle Shopping Process Online?

Yes. You can begin many parts of the used-vehicle shopping process online, including browsing our inventory, valuing a trade-in, estimating payments, and applying for financing. Starting online allows you to narrow down your options before visiting one of our dealerships, and you can complete additional steps in person when needed.

#20 – Why Should I Buy a Used Vehicle From DePaula Auto Group?

Buying from one of our dealerships gives you access to resources that aren’t available through a private-party transaction, including financing assistance, trade-in valuation, vehicle history information, test drives, service resources, and available protection programs. These resources give you more ways to evaluate a vehicle and manage the purchase process from one place.

When you choose DePaula Auto Group, you also have access to exclusive programs like our DePaula Pre-Owned Promise, which includes warranties and other ownership benefits that you won’t find at other locations.

Ready to Shop for a Used Vehicle?

With your questions answered, you can begin narrowing down the used vehicles that fit your budget, driving needs, and priorities. Our DePaula Auto Group dealerships can help you compare available cars, trucks, and SUVs, explore financing and trade-in options, and schedule a test drive.

Reach out to our team to learn more about current used inventory and available ownership resources. Starting online or visiting in person gives you the flexibility to research your options at your own pace before deciding which vehicle is right for you.