Used Car Buying Guide

Used Car Buying Guide

Any time you’re planning to get behind the wheel of your next car, you should consider going with a used model. Even though you’ll have the benefit of purchasing them at a significantly lower price, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll lose vehicle quality.

Before you buy used, however, there a few things you should know. Below, our team at C. Harper Honda has compiled this used car buying guide just for drivers around Belle Vernon, Uniontown, West Newton, and West Mifflin, PA.

This is the first step in your used car buying journey. Read on, and feel free to contact us with any questions along the way!

Reasons to Buy a Used Car

Choosing to go with a used car over something new or certified pre-owned ultimately depends on your specific financial situation. First and foremost, used cars offer a more financially viable option for car buyers on a budget. The affordability of used cars makes them an enticing option for many drivers.

Additionally, used cars typically come with a detailed history of their maintenance and service record, so you can pull off the lot with plenty of confidence. The more you know about your ride before you buy it, the more peace of mind you’ll have as you hit the road.

Ultimately, a used car may just make more sense for you than something new. It may depend on the dealership’s stock, or it may be due to your financial situation. Regardless, you can still get a great car, which may only be a few years old, at a fraction of the price. This helps you hit the road sooner in a ride you’ll love.

Increased Vehicle Variety

In addition to financial perks of shopping used cars, there is more variety to be found. That’s because a used car selection is limitless in scope. There are models of all different types available that are each unique based on several aspects:

  • Make
  • Model
  • Year
  • Mileage
  • Trim level

Each option in a used car inventory stands out, and there’s plenty of differences that appeal to all types of drivers. You’re sure to find something that fits what you need on the road.

Whatever your priorities are, there is a used car for you. Drivers can find rides with great fuel efficiency, dominating power, comfortable cabins, and more. A friendly expert will work with you to find a used model that gives you what you need for your next adventure.

How to Buy a Used Car

Buying a used car is similar to the process of buying new or certified pre-owned. With your local dealership, you can shop both their online inventory of used models or visit their lot or showroom.

You can conveniently view available models on the dealer’s website, then go in person to get some hands-on experience with it.

If you do opt for a used model, you’re going to need to do a bit more research. You’ll not only want to make sure the price works for you, but you’ll also need to make sure the value and condition of the car meet a high standard.

Shopping for a used car in an online inventory is undeniably an easier route for used car buyers. Not only can you filter a dealer’s used inventory to find a specific model, but you’ll also have a much easier time comparing the value of used cars against that of new and certified pre-owned models.

What to Know Before You Buy Used

Like we said, buying a used car requires a bit more research than a new or certified pre-owned models. As you search for a used car, you’ll have to keep an eye on details such as:

  • Vehicle history — Has it been in any incidents on the road in the past?
  • Vehicle condition — How does the car perform? How does it look?
  • Service report — What kinds of repairs have been made previously?
  • Maintenance history — Has the car had all its routine upkeep performed on time?
  • Vehicle mileage — How far has the car driven according to the odometer?

When you buy a used car, you won’t want a model with a particularly high mileage count. This means the car has been driven longer or further, meaning there is likely more wear and tear on it. You can think of it as being further along in the car’s lifespan.

With a service and maintenance history report, you can find out exactly what the vehicle had done under its previous ownership. Obviously, you want a used car that looks and operates as close to a new model as possible. So, along with a simple eye test of the vehicle, you’ll want to make sure it hasn’t undergone any significant maintenance or repairs that might hinder your driving experience moving forward.

There are plenty of resources to help you find out more about your favorite used model. Sources like CARFAX® can provide free vehicle history reports as well as a standard service report. These services give you more insight into your potential next car to give you a clear idea of your possible car’s history.

Used Car Financing

After you’ve found a used car that you’re happy with, it’s time to take the next step into the financing process. A finance expert at a dealership can help guide you through the process smoothly, though you can do some prep work yourself.

Your potential auto loan is largely based off your credit score. If you have a higher score, you can receive a larger loan. Credit score is built up by paying off debt in a timely manner, so you can build up your credit overtime in a few ways:

  • Pay off credit cards
  • Pay bills on time
  • Keep lines of credit open
  • Avoid opening new lines of credit

Once you have yourself set, you can meet with a financial adviser to start learning more about your potential loan options.

Buy a Used Car at C. Harper Honda Today!

With all this, you’re ready to buy a used car around Belle Vernon, Uniontown, West Newton, and West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. At C. Harper Honda, we offer an extensive inventory of used cars to choose from. We’re confident you’ll find something you’ll love.

To schedule a test drive of your favorite used model, contact or visit us today!

Contact Us

C. Harper Honda

106 Harper Dr
Belle Vernon, PA 15012
Driving Directions
Sales 724-395-8854
Service 724-395-8848
Parts 724-395-8848
Monday 9:00AM - 8:00PM
Tuesday 9:00AM - 8:00PM
Wednesday 9:00AM - 8:00PM
Thursday 9:00AM - 8:00PM
Friday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Saturday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Sunday Closed
Monday 7:00AM - 6:00PM
Tuesday 7:00AM - 6:00PM
Wednesday 7:00AM - 6:00PM
Thursday 7:00AM - 6:00PM
Friday 7:00AM - 5:00PM
Saturday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Sunday Closed
Monday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Tuesday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Wednesday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Thursday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Saturday 8:00AM - 2:00PM
Sunday Closed