What to Look for When Buying a Used Car in Rome

Buying a new-to-you vehicle doesn’t have to be as daunting as you would think, especially when you learn how to buy a car from a dealer. Tips from Riverside Chevrolet of Rome will hopefully take a lot of the worry and trouble out of the process. Our team at Riverside Chevrolet of Rome covers topics like what to ask when buying a used car, and a few other tips to keep in mind so that you know what to look for when buying a used car. 

Getting into the nitty gritty details of the used car buying process below, and when you’re ready to take any of the used cars in our inventory out for a test drive, simply contact us today. 

Used Car Buying Tips

Used cars are more accessible options in terms of budget and technology. When you are looking for the ‘right’ one, there are several categories you’ll commonly see at Rockmart area dealerships – priced under 20k, certified pre-owned models, and the traditional used model. Here are a few used car buying tips to take into consideration when you begin the shopping process in Dalton: 

• Choose Your Budget: While the cost to buy is important, you’ll also want to consider the cost to own. This includes potential repair costs, new tires, routine maintenance, and potentially car loans. While all of these prices may not impact your budget right away, they will later on. It’s typically recommended that a monthly payment should not exceed 10% of your monthly income. You can use our payment calculator to get an estimate of your monthly costs. 
• Finding the Right Model for You: When you are trying to narrow down your search for a used car, there are a few criteria you can consider to help you: it should fit your budget, meet your mileage expectations, and have a reputable vehicle history report. The next section has more details about what to look for when buying a used car. You can start by creating a list of cars you’re interested in and see what’s offered at the dealerships in your area. Once you’ve chosen a few options, be sure to check out Edmunds or KelleyBlueBook to see ratings and compare prices of the same vehicle sold in your area. 
• Test Drive & Inspect the Models: Finding the right model can take patience and some determination, but once you do, be sure to thoroughly inspect the vehicle. It’s also a good idea to have it inspected by a trusted mechanic in the Adairsville-area and take it out for a test drive to verify the performance. 
• Financing and Associated Fees: After you’ve found and taken your vehicle for a test drive, take the time to check out different loan options, factoring in other fees and credits like state sales tax, registration fees, and the trade-in value of your previous vehicle. You’ll also want to ensure you’re covered with any applicable warranties and car insurance plans.

What to Ask When Buying a Used Car

Some valuable used car buying tips come in the form of questions you can ask. To narrow down your options, you can get down to the details and feel confident that you aren’t signing up for costly repairs. Here is a list of what to ask about when buying a used car: 

• Is there a history of maintenance?
• What is the vehicle’s mileage?
• Are there any current recalls on the vehicle?
• Is the vehicle history report available?
• Do the amenities and features work like they’re supposed to?
• What is the ownership history?
• How was the vehicle priced?
• Can I take the car to a mechanic for an inspection?
• Is the car as is, or is it under warranty?
• Does this vehicle affect your insurance premiums?
• Do you have the title in hand?

Get More Used Car Buying Tips from Riverside Chevrolet of Rome!

Our team at Riverside Chevrolet of Rome wants to simplify the car buying process for our Rome-area customers. With our help, you can take full advantage of our selection of used cars from some of the top brands on the market. If you want to learn more about the car buying process, contact our finance department today, and we’ll help you get behind the wheel of your next vehicle.