What to Look for When Buying a Used Car

Shopping for a used car near Milledgeville? You can find a great deal if you know what to look for! When buying a used car, the more info you have about the vehicle’s reliability and condition, the better. Below, Five Star Mazda covers what to know—and what to ask—when buying a used car from your local dealer.

Buying a Used Car at a Dealership? Here’s What to Look For

You’ll have more control over many parts of the process when you choose to buy a vehicle from a local McDonough dealership rather than from an independent seller. Comparing many models in one place make it easier to pinpoint your must-have features, and dealers have pre-owned models at all price points—from budget-friendly buys priced under 10k to like-new certified pre-owned models.

Here’s what to look for when buying a used car from your dealership:

• Learn more about mileage. Plenty of used cars with low mileage are in great condition, but not always. Some low-mileage used cars have spent considerable time in the garage, undriven—which can actually cause quite a few problems later on. Plus, you might not need to spend the extra money for a low-mileage used car if you can find a higher-mileage model that’s been properly maintained and is known for excellent reliability.
• Don’t buy without a test drive. It takes a little extra time and planning, but a test drive is always worth it! You should be absolutely sure about a used car before committing to a finance deal.
• Shop at a reputable dealer. Choose a used car dealer in Byron that stands behind the used cars in their inventory. At Five Star Mazda, we inspect all used vehicles and refurbish them if needed, so you can buy with complete confidence.
• Compare used car financing options. Our online tools make it easy to see if a used car fits your budget or estimate your trade-in value. Ask us about adjusting your down payment amount, loan term length, and monthly payment.

What to Ask When Buying a Used Car

What information matters most when shopping for a new car, and what do you need to know to make a smart decision? Start with questions that target the vehicle’s history of accidents, repairs, and routine maintenance:

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

Questions About What to Look for When Buying a Used Car?

We’re committed to providing our customers with a faster and easier way to buy a used car in Macon! Determine your buying power in just a few clicks, and be sure to explore our current Five Star Used Specials before you buy. If you have any further questions about what to look for when buying a used car, we’re happy to help—just contact Five Star Mazda online or give us a call at 478-330-4324.