Used Car Anxiety: What Scares Buyers the Most?

Buying a used car has a reputation for being a stressful experience. How can you be sure you’re getting a good deal or that the car you’re looking at really is in great condition?

Buying pre-owned is typically more budget-friendly than buying new, but the fear of inheriting someone else’s problems—or worse, falling victim to a costly scam—may give you pause.

Luckily, the team at Mike Reichenbach Ford is here to help make buying a used car less stressful, so you feel more informed and confident.

Start by asking yourself these questions about the vehicle you’re looking at:

Does it have a clean history?  

We recommend getting a vehicle history report, like Carfax or AutoCheck, for any used car you’re seriously considering. This report will tell you if the vehicle has been in an accident and, if so, how much damage was caused. It will also reveal odometer discrepancies and damage from weather, such as flooding. 

Does it have a salvage or rebuilt title?

Car titles receive designations that give you insight into their history. A clear title is ideal, meaning the vehicle has no major issues or liens. Two types of titles to look out for are salvage and rebuilt:

Salvage title – A car gets this type of title when an insurance company determines that a vehicle’s repair costs outweigh its market value. 

Rebuilt title – This type of title indicates that a salvage car has been repaired and is now roadworthy. 

These titles significantly reduce the vehicle’s value, so be sure you’re getting a good deal if you choose a car with a salvage or rebuilt title.

What if there are no protections or warranties?

New cars are backed by warranties, but what about pre-owned models? You may be surprised to learn that some used and all certified pre-owned vehicles are available with warranties. If you’re looking at a Ford Blue Advantage Certified Pre-Owned vehicle at Mike Reichenbach Ford, be sure to ask about the warranty coverage!

What is fair pricing for a pre-owned vehicle?

A fair price for a used model depends on several factors, like the make, model, condition, and even your location. With a few pieces of key information, you can use a resource like Kelley Blue Book to determine the value of any vehicle. 

Top Reasons You Should Consider a Pre-Owned Vehicle

There are a lot of benefits to buying a used vehicle, including:

• Lower upfront cost – it’s no secret that used cars are generally less expensive than new ones. When you choose a pre-owned vehicle, you’ll get more car for your dollar, especially if you’re eyeing a higher trim or larger model.
• Slower depreciation – Pre-owned cars tend to hold their value better over time compared to brand-new models.
• Shop a bigger selection – You can select from different makes, models, trims, and years, all tailored to your preferences. Often, many used car buyers can afford a higher trim level than they would if they bought a new one.
• Potentially lower insurance rates – Since used cars are worth less and cost less to repair, your insurance payments are likely to be lower.

Don’t Ignore the Importance of a Test Drive

When shopping for a used car, the test drive becomes even more important.

During your test drive, you can identify issues related to handling at various speeds, acceleration, braking, and even the air conditioning—all concerns that aren’t visible when the car is parked. We recommend taking it out on city streets and the highway to get a more well-rounded view of its performance.

Have your eye on a particular new or used car for sale at Mike Reichenbach Ford of Florence? Schedule your test drive online today! 

Discover Great Value With A Used Vehicle for Sale in Florence!

If you do your research, buying a used car doesn’t have to mean inheriting problems and costly repairs. Use price check tools, check vehicle history reports, and the test drive to make sure you’re getting a great vehicle at a fair price.

When you’re ready to purchase a used or certified pre-owned vehicle, head to Mike Reichenbach Ford! Our team is here to help you find a great deal on a reliable ride! 

Our pre-owned inventory includes a wide variety of used cars and CPO models, priced competitively to fit your budget and needs. Don’t forget to check out our used car specials to save even more.

Our CPO vehicles have been thoroughly inspected, reconditioned (if necessary), and backed by a manufacturer’s warranty, offering a balance between the affordability of a used car and the peace of mind that comes with driving a new car. 

As the trusted used car dealership near you, our selection is constantly changing, so check back soon to find a model that’s perfect for you!

Posted in Used Cars | No Comments »