Used Cars Have Great Features

If you are looking for a used car dealership, it is time to visit one of our locations, where you will find a wide variety of quality pre-owned makes and models to choose from. Each model is unique and has a range of available features. Some of these features are immediately apparent, like a sunroof or unique color for that model. There may be other features that are not as obvious, like an upgraded infotainment system or the addition of heated seating.

Keep in mind that the available features can change from one model year to the next and between trim levels in the model’s lineup. Technology in the automotive industry is advancing at a rapid pace. The tech available from one model year to the next can vary substantially as a result of these rapid advances. When shopping for a used car, it is always a good idea to ask one of our sales representatives about the features available on the model you are interested in purchasing.

Safety Can Be Taken to the Next Level in a Used Vehicle

Aside from the key safety features such as anti-lock brakes, tire pressure monitoring, and airbags, many of our pre-owned models come with advanced safety technologies. These safety upgrades can be especially useful in everyday driving and are even available in many of our more affordable pre-owned vehicles. Our sales staff can show you the safety features included in the pre-owned model you are interested in buying.

Driver-assist features and advanced sensor technologies have advanced rapidly over the last decade and play an important role in staying safe on the road. If your current ride is a decade old, you may have never seen some of these features in action. Ask one of our staff members to go over some of the latest features to see if a used vehicle has a safety feature that would improve your driving experience.

A few prime examples of safety and driver assist features include lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and park assist technology. Lane departure warning uses cameras that detect road markers and will add steering inputs to keep your vehicle centered at higher speeds (when the blinkers are not engaged during lane shifts, of course). Blind spot monitoring uses radars to sense vehicles to the side. If danger is sensed when you attempt to change lanes, it alerts you through audible warnings and indicators in the dash display, front windshield, or side mirrors.

Parking assist can be seen as both a driver assist feature and a safety feature, as it helps you avoid collisions with objects such as curbs while attempting to park. This technology uses ultrasonic sensors in the front and rear bumpers to guide your parking. In some used models, it can even perform the task hands-free, guiding your car safely into and out of a parking spot without any driver inputs.

These are just some of the many safety features that you can take advantage of when you buy a used car from our inventory. Add desired safety features and driver-assist technology to your shopping list. When shopping for a quality used vehicle, these key safety features can help you decide which model to choose.

Tech Features to Look for When Buying Used

Information technology has upgraded our lives in countless ways, and the automotive industry has integrated many creature comforts and tech gadgets designed to keep up with these advances. Most of these tech features are considered state-of-the-art, but you might be surprised by just how many used cars offer them. This includes not just luxury vehicles like Mercedes-Benz and BMW but even affordable options like Ford, Chevy, and Toyota.

When shopping for a used vehicle at one of our dealerships, you might come across a few standout tech features that are worth considering when choosing one vehicle over another. If it has been a while since your last vehicle purchase, our knowledgeable sales staff will be glad to help you navigate through the use of any tech features you may not be familiar with. There will likely be a host of them on any late-model pre-owned vehicle you are interested in buying.

Some tech features to look for include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity, built-in navigation, WiFi hotspot capability, and Google or Amazon Alexa integration. Smartphone integration allows hands-free calling and access to many of your favorite apps through the car’s infotainment system. Built-in navigation allows a seamless way to get from point A to point B. The models that offer Google built-in have popular apps like Google Maps installed directly in your car. Amazon Alexa can keep you company on long trips, and using up your phone’s data will be a thing of the past if your used vehicle has a built-in hotspot.

These tech options keep growing each year. You can find a used model with all the bells and whistles at a substantial discount compared to buying a brand-new car with the same features. Be sure to ask about the tech features for each model you are interested in.

Mechanical Upgrades That a Used Vehicle Can Provide

In the realm of used SUV and truck models, upgrades in engine performance, the addition of 4WD or AWD capability, and improved suspension are some features that can differ from one model year to the next or between trim levels for a given model. These mechanical upgrades will allow you to go where a model from a decade ago could not. Some examples include improved off-roading, steady driving on snow-covered roads, increasing towing capability, or dealing with the ever-present new crop of springtime potholes.

There are many features to consider in terms of mechanical improvements when comparing one used model over another. A more fuel-efficient engine or increased horsepower offered in a newer model can save money at the pump or give you a performance boost. The addition of coil springs for the rear wheels on a newer truck over traditional leaf springs offered in an earlier model can boost the overall ride quality. Another prime example is the addition of off-road improvements like skid plates, a more aggressive set of tires, or a premium set of shocks and struts that are available on one truck model over another. These add-ons will make that vehicle far more off-road-ready.

Keep These Points in Mind When Used Car Shopping

When shopping for a used vehicle, most buyers have a general idea of what make and model they would consider purchasing. They might be enticed by interior or exterior upgrades that are immediately apparent to the eye. But you should keep the above factors in mind when you are shopping. Better yet, have a list of features in hand that might cinch the choice of which vehicle you buy.

When shopping at DePaula Auto Group, ask our friendly team which models in the segment you are looking at have the options that you find most compelling. Our sales staff can highlight a specific model on the lot that meets your needs or at least provide a short list of which vehicles come with those upgrades. Our expert staff will help you upgrade your ride. Have questions before your visit? Contact us online today!