Used Car Buying Guide
The easiest way to save when you buy a car is to buy used. But how do you get the most value from your new-to-you vehicle?
With our Used Car Buying Guide, shoppers in Florence, Sumter, and Conway, SC, and Lumberton, NC, can learn what they need to know to shop for cars smartly. Read on, and reach out to our finance team at Mike Reichenbach Ford with any questions!
1) Set Your Budget
How much should you spend on a car? Consider this before you start shopping—before you find yourself wedded to a car that’s a bit outside your budget.
While it’s entirely up to you how much you want to spend, there are a few rules of thumb you may want to use as guidelines. We recommend you limit your vehicle budget to between 10% and 50% of your annual income.
For many, 30% is a prudent number. It falls right in the middle of the range, giving you the freedom to buy a quality car and have an ample budget for fuel, insurance, and routine maintenance.
2) Choose the Right Car
In many respects, shopping for a used car is more challenging than shopping new. The reason? There are many more factors to consider—and many more options on the market!
If you’re picky, that last factor could be a good problem to have. You can shop pre-owned cars from many brands at one dealership since most dealers sell used cars from a variety of automakers (whatever was traded in by other shoppers).
Some factors you’ll want to consider include:
- Body style and market segment
- Condition
- Mileage
- Model year
- Features and specs
You may want to consider certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles in addition to traditional used cars. These vehicles offer plenty of added perks, including extended warranty coverage.
3) Research, Test Drive, and Inspect
A used car is a major investment. Before you buy, you’ll want to do your research and confirm the car suits your needs—that it isn’t just an impulse buy.
With a used car, there are many elements to research. You’ll want to check the CARFAX® Vehicle History Report™—or a similar history report from another well-respected company—to confirm the car is in great condition.
Take some time to research the car itself as well. Learn more about the model year and the features available in the car. You can dive into reliability and safety research and see how the model has held up over the years.
Perhaps most important is the test drive. This is your opportunity for a little one-on-one time with the vehicle. Here are some things you’ll want to inspect when you get behind the wheel:
- Make sure the seat, mirrors, and steering wheel can be adjusted to your liking
- Check the back-seat space and cargo space
- See how the car drives in different environments (highways, stop-and-go traffic, etc.)
Buy a Used Car Today
With this Used Car Buying Guide, we hope our Florence, Sumter, and Conway, SC, and Lumberton, NC, readers can car shop with more awareness.
Browse our used car inventory online and then schedule your test drive at Mike Reichenbach Ford. We look forward to working with you!
Mike Reichenbach Ford
600 North Coit StreetFlorence, SC 29501 Driving Directions
Monday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
Tuesday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
Wednesday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
Thursday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
Friday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
Saturday | 9:00AM - 4:00PM |
Sunday | Closed |
Monday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
Tuesday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
Wednesday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
Thursday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
Friday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
Saturday | 8:00AM - 1:00PM |
Sunday | Closed |
Monday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
Tuesday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
Wednesday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
Thursday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
Friday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
Saturday | 8:00AM - 1:00PM |
Sunday | Closed |
Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license charges. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.