What to Ask When Buying a Used Car

Buying a car can be an exciting process, but it can also feel overwhelming! Knowing what to ask when buying a used car can help you shop with more confidence, so you can find a vehicle that truly suits your wants and needs. Get our best tips and tricks for car shopping in Wheeling, and be sure to visit Straub Honda to start test driving options!

Step-by-Step: Buying a Used Car

Buying a used car is a smart decision for many Moundsville and Steubenville drivers. Modern cars are more durable and feature-packed than ever before, and you can get a serious discount by choosing a pre-owned vehicle over a brand new option. And there are options for everyone: Certified Pre-Owned vehicles, low mileage used cars, and even cars priced under 10k! So, how do you get started?

• Set a Budget: The initial cost of a car is important to factor into your budget, but don’t forget about recurring expenses like maintenance and insurance costs. Most experts recommend spending no more than 10% of your monthly income on your loan, so check our payment calculator to do some quick math!
• Find the Right Used Car: Beyond your budget, it’s good to also think about what you want out of a car. Think not only in terms of features and style, but also in terms of condition and mileage. Be sure to check reviews on sites like Edmunds or KelleyBlueBook, where you can also price compare in the Triadelphia area.
• Test Drive and Inspect the Models: A good test drive will help you determine whether a car is truly a good match, so put it through its paces. Try to drive in similar conditions as your everyday drives. This is also a good time to plan an inspection by an independent mechanic, who can catch anything you might miss.
• Used Car Financing and Other Fees: Take your time with the financing process to ensure that you’re comfortable with all the information you receive. This includes fielding multiple offers, as well as calculating fees like state sales tax and registration fees. You’ll also need to look into applicable warranties and car insurance plans.

Questions to Ask When Buying a Used Car

If you’re not sure where to get started at the dealership, we’ve compiled a list of helpful questions to ask about any car you plan to purchase. This can help you get a better idea of what to expect. Here are some tips for what to ask about when buying a used car:

• 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?

Start Shopping with Straub Honda

Now you know what to ask when buying a used car, so put your skills to use at Straub Honda! Our team can help you find the information you want about the cars you want, and we offer plenty of vehicle specials to sweeten the deal even more! Contact us today to get started.