If you’re looking to buy a used Chevrolet in Tacoma, you’re making a smart move. You’ll be able to avoid the large depreciation costs of buying new while still getting a reliable car. Chevy has a long history of building dependable vehicles, which means you’ll have many excellent used options. In this used car purchase guide, we’ll discuss our top five tips for buying a used car.
Tip 1: Research Which Chevy Model You Want
Research the model and year you want. Read reviews and guides from trusted sources, such as J.D. Power, Car and Driver, Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and MotorTrend. It’ll also help to check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website for any information about recalls and safety. If you’re looking for a starting point, feel free to browse our used Chevrolets for sale.
Tip 2: Set a Realistic Budget and Secure Financing
As you narrow down your list of cars that you’d like, don’t forget to consider the price. Think about your budget, insurance prices, and any regular expenses for your car, such as maintenance and fuel. If you have a trade-in, you can figure that into your budget, too.
Decide on how you’ll secure financing. Typically, the better credit score you have, the better financing terms you can get. With that in mind, compare financing rates from different banks and our dealership. To make this step easier, you can get preapproved for financing with our dealership online.
Tip 3: Inspect the Vehicle Thoroughly
Once you find a used car that sounds promising, you’ll want to see it in person. It’s time for the inspection. Focus on three main areas as you look it over. The exterior, the interior, and under the hood. Don’t know a lug nut from a timing belt? Consider bringing a friend who knows about cars along. Shopping with a trusted and certified dealer, such as Titus-Will Chevrolet, will ensure that you’re getting a dependable used Chevy.
Exterior Inspection
While you inspect the exterior, check for any signs of damage, rust, and faded paint. Don’t forget to bring a flashlight to check underneath the car as well. If you see any misaligned panels or mismatched paint, that may indicate the car was repaired after an accident. You should ask about the repair and accident history, especially if you see those signs. Finally, it’s wise to look at the tire wear patterns, as uneven wear might indicate an alignment issue.
Interior Inspection
Make sure you test all of the electronic systems and components inside the car. Use your research about the model to ensure all of its features and technology work properly. Also, see if any dashboard warning lights are on. If so, you should ask about any service the car may need. Don’t forget to check the steering wheel, seats, and trunk for signs of wear or damage.
Under-The-Hood Inspection
Use a flashlight while inspecting everything under the hood. Ensure that there’s nothing broken or heavily rusted. Also, check for any leaks and that the engine oil has been recently changed. Remember, dark or black oil indicates that the oil may not have been changed regularly.
Tip 4: Know What To Look for During a Test Drive
Before driving, verify that your insurance covers test drives. Make sure you bring your driver’s license and plan a route that’ll put the car through as many different types of driving scenarios as possible.
During your drive, you’ll want to test how the car handles riding through a neighborhood, in stop-and-go traffic, on the highway, and in a parking lot. Check if the transmission shifts smoothly and if the brakes work properly. While driving on the highway, ensure that the car doesn’t pull to one side or make any excessive noises or vibrations. A good suspension will absorb bumps smoothly.
If everything went well during your test-drive, that’s a positive sign. After you return, it’s a good idea to reinspect the exterior and under the hood for any changes.
Tip 5: Secure All Proper Documentation Before Purchase
Before you finalize your purchase, make sure you verify the title, registration, and any service records. If anything seems strange or unaccounted for, you may be better off walking away from the offer. Otherwise, you could use minor problems as leverage in your price negotiation. When you shop with our dealership, we’ll make sure everything is in order before you make your purchase.
Bonus Tips: Post-Purchase Essentials
If you didn’t buy your car from a certified Chevrolet dealership or didn’t have a prepurchase inspection, we highly recommend letting our mechanics look at your car. We can help you spot any hidden problems and suggest solutions.
You should also promptly handle any important ownership and insurance documentation. While you’re getting your paperwork organized, it’ll also help to create your maintenance schedule. It’s important to follow all Chevy-recommended maintenance, especially with older vehicles. Doing this will save you money in the long term.
Why You Should Buy Used From Our Dealership
While there are many options for used Chevys around Tacoma, buying from our dealership is one of the best choices you can make. Our friendly team can guide you through the whole buying process, and our factory-trained technicians will give you an honest assessment of what’s on our lot.
Since we are a certified Chevrolet dealership, we also offer certified pre-owned models. To become certified pre-owned, a Chevy must meet strict requirements. The car must be under 6 years old, have fewer than 75,000 miles, have a clean title, and pass a rigorous 172-point inspection. When you purchase a certified pre-owned Chevy, you get a variety of benefits. These benefits include a six-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, a 12-month or 12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty, free scheduled maintenance for two years or 24,000 miles, and roadside assistance for six years or 100,000 miles.
Buy Your Used Chevy at Titus-Will Chevrolet
If you want a used Chevy, we invite you to visit our dealership in Tacoma, Washington. You can check out our certified pre-owned inventory and work with our Chevy experts on finding the right model for you. Contact us today to find your perfect used Chevy.
Connect with us
