The first step in the used car buying process is to ensure you’re getting a reliable vehicle is to know what questions to ask and which factors to consider. Then, when you’re ready to visit a dealership near Richmond or Ashland, Virginia, you’ll have confidence in knowing what to look for so you choose the right vehicle for you.
If you’re still debating whether to buy a new or used vehicle, there are many benefits of buying a used car to keep in mind.
Our dealership locations have a wide variety of used vehicles to choose from. This gives you options for the type of vehicle – car, truck, SUV, or van – as well as the manufacturer, color, and features.
Used vehicles come with a lower price tag than new vehicles, so you have more options to consider and you might be able to get a higher trim package or more features.
1. Safety ratings
You can start the process of buying a used car by checking for safety ratings online if you have a vehicle make and model in mind. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites for this information. This will give you a good starting point to know if you’re buying a used car you can rely on, especially in the case of an emergency.
2. Inspect the interior and exterior
When visiting our dealerships, you can tour the lots and look at our used car inventory in person. Take your time inspecting the exterior of vehicles for signs of:
Check the tires for bald spots and any signs that a tire might be losing air. Look to see if all four tires are the same brand, and find out when the tires were last replaced.
When you find a used vehicle you’re interested in, examine the interior as well to ensure the seat covers aren’t ripped, the electronics and lights work correctly, and everything is clean. Sit in each seat to make sure they’re comfortable and that all seat belts work. Test all of the doors, trunk, hood, and gas door to make sure they open and close properly. Also, pay attention to how the car smells. A musty odor could indicate water damage.
3. See how it drives
If everything looks good on the interior and exterior, take the vehicle for a test drive. Not only will you get a sense of if the vehicle feels comfortable for you, but you’ll also be able to tell how it drives. You’ll want to check for:
4. Look for leaks
After you’ve finished the test drive, take a look under the vehicle to see if there are any leaks. If you had the air conditioner running, there may be water dripping, but if the drips appear to be a different color or thicker consistency it should be checked out before you purchase.
In addition to knowing what to look for when buying a used car, there are certain questions to ask to help you determine if the vehicle is the right fit and a smart purchase.
When buying a used car, you’ll want to know if it has very low or very high mileage. Low mileage is appealing and means less wear and tear on the vehicle. But vehicles do need to be driven regularly, so that’s something to consider if the vehicle you’re looking at wasn’t driven a lot.
Vehicles with high mileage may be closer to needing bigger repairs or maintenance, but it doesn’t mean they’re in poor condition. With higher mileage, the vehicle may have a shorter life span than one with less mileage. If you don’t drive far or frequently, higher mileage might not be a problem.
A vehicle that’s been in an accident may have had major work done. If the vehicle you’re considering has been in an accident, find out when it was, the severity of the damage, how much the repairs cost, and who completed the repairs. You don’t need to worry if the vehicle has normal wear and tear.
Find out if the most recent owner was the first and only. If not, ask how many previous owners the vehicle has had. If it was only owned for only a short time by different drivers, it could indicate there’s something wrong with the vehicle. If a previous owner used it for ridesharing, the vehicle may have more wear and tear than a vehicle used for personal driving.
You want to drive a safe vehicle, so be sure to find out if there are any open recalls before buying a used car. Dealerships can access recall history, and you can check the manufacturer’s website or the NHTSA website using the vehicle identification number (VIN). If there are recalls, you’ll want those fixed before taking the vehicle home, or you may want to consider another option.
Ask if the vehicle comes with service records. You want to know that it’s been looked after and that the previous driver kept up with regular maintenance. You may also want to ask if there are receipts available for any replacement parts, which should also note the odometer reading at the time of the repair.
If you currently own a vehicle, you may be able to trade it in to help offset the cost of your used car purchase. This helps lower the down payment or monthly payments, and it saves you from having to figure out how to sell your current vehicle on your own. We accept trade-ins that haven’t been paid off, and you can get a free estimate to find out what your trade-in could be worth.
Unless you plan on paying the full price for your vehicle upfront, you’ll need used car financing. Ask our knowledgeable Sales Advocates what your options are and what financing is available if you have less-than-stellar credit. Whitten Brothers offers competitive pricing with no hidden or surprise fees, and we’re here to assist with the process to help you get the best rate and price possible.
You have two options when it comes to buying a used car from a dealership: used or certified pre-owned. Certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles have been through an inspection and have been reconditioned. CPO vehicles often come with a limited warranty and additional benefits. Each manufacturer has its own guidelines for CPO vehicles, but most require that the vehicle be less than 5 years old and have less than a certain amount of miles.
If you want more peace of mind when buying a used car, opting for a CPO vehicle may be for you. Check out the inventory of CPO vehicles available at Whitten Brothers Automotive.
Now that you know what to look for when buying a used car and what questions to ask, you’ll feel confident working with Whitten Brothers Automotive. Our Sales Advocates are here to help guide you through the used car buying process. Whether you opt for a used or CPO vehicle, you can expect fair and upfront pricing, and we’ll help you find financing that fits your budget.