Used Car Buyer's Guide

When it comes to upgrading their current vehicle, many drivers will consider used or certified pre-owned vehicles for their significant savings. That said, buying a used car requires a bit more research than buying a new car, and not everyone knows what steps to take or questions to ask to ensure they’re getting a fair deal. Where do you begin?

Dale Earnhardt Jr Buick GMC is here to help! Without our Used Car’s Buyer’s Guide, our team can help you decide if a new or used car is better for your Thomasville, GA lifestyle, what to look for when buying a used car, what’s considered good mileage for a used vehicle, and what you should do once you’re ready to sign on the dotted line. Get all the details about buying used cars for sale with the experts at Dale Earnhardt Jr Buick GMC!

Is it Better to Buy a New or Used Car?

There are distinct advantages and disadvantages to buying new vs. used cars. See some of the pros and cons of each below to decide whether a new or used car is best for your situation:

New Car Advantages

• Latest Technology: When you choose a new vehicle, you’ll receive the latest and greatest technology, from connected infotainment systems to driver-assistive technology.

• Better Fuel Efficiency: As EVs and hybrids enter the market, more companies are working to provide even more fuel efficiency with each new model year. Buying new will likely save you more in fuel costs than buying used.

• Full Warranty Coverage: Financing or leasing a new vehicle will give you bumper-to-bumper and powertrain coverage for several years, covering all the vital components of your car.

New Car Disadvantages

• Higher Cost: All of the advantages listed above come at a price. New vehicles tend to cost significantly more than used ones, with little room for bargaining.

Used Car Advantages

• Lower Costs: One of the biggest benefits of used vehicles is their lower sticker prices. In addition to the upfront savings, Crawfordville drivers can also save on insurance rates and taxes.

• Slower Depreciation: All vehicles go through a steep depreciation phase after being bought for the first time. When you buy used, you skip the most dramatic depreciation period, allowing you to maintain your vehicle’s relative value for longer.

• Less Chance for Negative Equity: Since used cars cost less and don’t depreciate as quickly as new cars, there’s less chance of drivers owing more than the vehicle is worth. 

Used Car Disadvantages

• Higher-Cost Financing: Even with all their cost-saving features, financing a pre-owned car can be pricey. Lenders tend to charge higher interest rates for used cars, so always do the math on your loan before signing to check you’re not overspending. 

What to Look for When Buying a Used Car

After you’ve decided that buying a used car is right for you, it’s time to start your search! Follow the steps below to find out what to look for when buying a used car from a dealership like Dale Earnhardt Jr Buick GMC:

• Find the Right Car: Start your search by narrowing down the types of vehicles you’re interested in buying and suit your Panama City driving style. Always check for reliability ratings from reputable sites such as Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, or Car & Driver. 

• Set Your Budget: Once you have a few models in mind, decide how much money you can afford to spend. You can use our payment calculator to estimate your monthly payments on the vehicles you’re interested in. 

• Test Drive & Inspect Models: With your budget and favorite models in hand, it’s time to get behind the wheel! Browse Dale Earnhardt Jr Buick GMC’s used inventory and set up a test drive in Tallahassee, where you can do an on-lot inspection and ask our team any questions you may have about the vehicle.

• Explore Used Car Financing & Warranty Options: When you’re ready to buy, check with our finance team to see what financing options exist, as well as any potential warranty coverages you may have available. 

What to Ask When Buying a Used Car

Sometimes a test drive and inspection can’t tell you everything you need to know about a used vehicle you’re interested in. That’s why it’s important to keep a list of questions with you while test driving so you can get a better idea of the used vehicle’s condition. Be sure you ask the seller these questions before committing to your next used car, truck, or SUV:

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

What Is Good Mileage for a Used Car?

Many drivers base their decision on their next used car on one factor: mileage. Most drivers put about 10,000 – 12,000 miles per year on their odometer, which leads many potential buyers to dismiss vehicles with over 100,000 miles out of hand. That said, overall mileage can be deceiving. A model with lower mileage may be in worse condition than a car approaching or over that 100,000-mile mark. Here are some of the factors you should consider when deciding on what is considered good mileage for a used car:

• Usage: A vehicle driven 60,000 miles on the highway will have less wear than a vehicle driven 60,000 miles in stop-and-go city traffic. If the owner’s driving history is available, this can be important information in determining how good the mileage is. 

• Location: Vehicles kept in warm, dry climates or conditions typically undergo less stress than those subjected to colder, wetter weather. 

• Maintenance: Maintenance history is critical when considering mileage. If a car has a well-documented history of maintenance and service, it will often be in much better condition than a vehicle with the same mileage that wasn’t regularly serviced.

• Age: Even well-maintained, low-mileage used cars can have issues if they’re old. Have a certified mechanic check for aging issues, such as rust or mechanical problems, regardless of the odometer readout. 

So, what’s considered good mileage for a used car? It depends. If you find a used car with 70,000 miles on the odometer with a thorough maintenance history, it may be a better choice than an older vehicle with only 30,000 miles with no service history. Use your best judgment on the vehicle’s overall condition in addition to mileage to make your decision. 

Steps to Take After Buying a Used Car

Once you’ve committed to a vehicle, there are still a few steps after buying a used car you should take to ensure a smooth transition into your new-to-you ride:

• Get Insurance: Your used car shouldn’t leave the lot until you know it’s insured! It’s illegal to drive without insurance, so either buy insurance before you purchase the vehicle or before heading home.

• Transfer the Title & Register the Car: When you buy a used car at Dale Earnhardt Jr Buick GMC, our team takes care of the title and registration processing for you. If you buy from a private seller instead, you’ll need to take the title and registration paperwork to the DMV.

• Choose a Mechanic You Trust & Schedule Service: For certified service and a team you can trust, visit the Dale Earnhardt Jr Buick GMC service department! Schedule service online, and we’ll inspect and tune up your vehicle so you’re ready for the Dothan, AL roads. 

• Review the Owner’s Manual: Learn more about your vehicle by reading the owner’s manual. Take note of any part recommendations, maintenance schedules, or interesting features you may not have known about previously.

• Check for Recalls: If you didn’t mention this during the inspection and test drive portion of your search, it’s a good time to check for any manufacturer recalls for your new vehicle. 

Explore Dale Earnhardt Jr Buick GMC’s Used Cars for Sale in Tallahassee!

With all this information about what to look for when buying a used car, you’re ready to start your search at Dale Earnhardt Jr Buick GMC! Browse our inventory of used cars, trucks, and SUVs in Tallahassee to see which model meets your transportation needs, and then contact us to set up a test drive. No matter what kind of used car for sale you’re interested in, Dale Earnhardt Jr Buick GMC is here to provide a simple, hassle-free buying experience.