10 Shopping Hacks for Finding the Highest Quality Used Car

Scouring all the used car dealerships in Albany, NY used to be the way to end up with a great quality vehicle, but our modern, connected society offers buyers new tools and shortcuts to make the process easier than ever. Today, savvy buyers can do most of the work from the comfort of their living room couch. In the process, they end up saving money and stress.

We’ve all heard someone’s nightmare story about that slick, pushy salesperson who talked them into a “gem” that turned out to be more of a lemon. Those days are long over since disreputable sellers are being exposed on Yelp and google review sites. As it turns out, where you buy your car is just as important as the actual car you buy. It’s all part of setting yourself up for years of worry-free ownership.

If you’re getting ready to start your used vehicle search, you’ll need a new set of strategies to take full advantage. From knowing where to look to understanding where the best used vehicles are coming from, these tips are designed to make buying a used car enjoyable. Forget everything you know about car-buying and relax, because life is about to get easier! And when you’ve narrowed down your list of potential used models, come down and visit us here at DePaula Ford, and we’ll be happy to help you find that perfect used vehicle

#1. Choose Your Dealer Carefully

It’s easy to understand how this is number one on the list since the seller’s reputation is a huge predictor of how well your transaction will go and how happy you’ll be after you drive home. Choosing a reputable, longstanding automotive retailer over a corner used car lot means having access to more options. At DePaula Ford, we take in tons of trades, and our used vehicle inventory is constantly refreshed, so you’re more likely to find the exact vehicle you want. We also have in-house financing and service, so you’ll have a one-stop-shop for all your driving needs.

#2. Skip the Online Classifieds

Online classified sites offer buyers a dizzying array of options but think twice before you start sending messages to random sellers. These sites are mostly legitimate, but you risk bumping up against a host of dangers. Nightmares of phishing, sketchy brokers, and price gouging are not uncommon. Also, many sellers use these sites to get rid of salvage title inventory. If a vehicle has a salvage title, it sustained major damage at some point, which isn’t the best choice if reliability and quality are high on your list.

#3. Think Twice About Buying From a Private Seller

It’s commendable for a legitimate seller to list, market, and privately sell their vehicle, but consumer-to-consumer transactions also present many potential minefields. First is quality. If a seller is trying to pass on a poor-quality vehicle, you probably won’t get an accurate picture of the condition. It’s easy to buff and wax a car, so it looks great, but it’s also easy to hide chronic mechanical issues. Not only that, but you’re risking your personal safety whenever you meet a complete stranger for a test drive. Lastly is paperwork: vehicle sale transactions are complex, and it’s easy to miss something. If you don’t get a correct title, for example, you might become the victim of a scam.

#4. Control Your Impulses

Buying a car is exciting! It’s also stressful and time-consuming. Many buyers succumb to the let’s-get-it-over-with mentality and settle on the first or second vehicle they find. That’s when the buyer’s remorse sets in. Give yourself time to evaluate your options. Accept that it’s rare for a buyer to find their dream car in the first few minutes. You’ll have dozens of choices: our advice is to consider them all before you sign on the dotted line.

#5. Don’t Fall For Gamified App-Based Sellers

Smartphones and connectivity are game-changers for consumers. We can do everything on our phones with just a few thumb taps. Small daily tasks, like finding turn-by-turn directions with traffic updates or getting hot, fresh food delivered to your doorstep, can happen in seconds, but so can a car purchase. App-based sellers use behavioral research to design apps that promote impulse purchases. They add clever, splashy graphics and novel customer experiences (like car vending machines) to gamify car buying. By all means, order that late-night burrito, but don’t buy a car this way.

#6. Do Your Homework First

The most successful buyers are those who put in some time to do the research. It’s not only about selecting a make and model that fits your lifestyle and budget. You’ll also want to pull your credit score and investigate specific information about the vehicle (or vehicles) you’re interested in. For example, truck buyers will want to know how much towing capacity they’ll need. Commuters might focus on fuel economy. Moms and dads might need to look for high safety ratings or a third row. Do a deep dive into your needs and investigate the vehicles that fit them.

#7. Haggling Isn’t Required

If you’re aligned with a dealer like DePaula Ford, you can relax and enjoy your purchase experience. The days of heated negotiations and endless haggling are long over, that is, if you’re working with a great dealer. Your first sign that the experience isn’t going to turn out great is if your salesperson gives you the runaround on price. If you’ve done your homework, you’ll already know the rough price range of the vehicle you’re test driving. Variables like mileage and condition will cause it to fluctuate, but not so much that hours of haggling are in order. DePaula Ford publishes the price of every vehicle online. It’s easy and transparent.

#8. Get To Know the CARFAX Report

Savvy buyers know that every car has its own DNA, while humans count on blood tests and diagnostics to determine their level of health. Did you know the same data exists for every car on the road today? Simply request a CARFAX report, and you’ll learn a lot, such as the number of owners, whether the vehicle has sustained damage that required an insurance claim, and even the odometer reading. CARFAX reports take the guesswork out of used car shopping and reveal potential red flags before you unwittingly make them your problem. Ask for a CARFAX on every used vehicle you’re considering.

#9. Cover Yourself for Unforeseen Issues

Extended service contracts, also known as extended warranties, get a bad rap, but they’re critical if the car you’re buying is outside the manufacturer’s warranty period. DePaula Ford’s financial team works hard to procure the best and most comprehensive extended warranty programs in the industry, so you’re covered for major repairs on components like the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. Just like there are shady used car sellers, there are plenty of shady service contract providers. Once you see the Ford Blue Oval on the front of our building, you can trust that the programs we offer are the best in the business. Otherwise, caveat emptor (buyer beware).

#10. Create a Relationship With Your Salesperson

We saved the best for last! You’ll own your used vehicle for at least a few years, so it pays to align with a salesperson you love working with for a few reasons. First, they’ll get to know you. Chances are, this isn’t the last car you’ll ever buy, so it’s good to have a resource for life who can help you whenever you’re ready to start another search. You’ll also have a point-of-contact for any post-sale help, like assistance connecting your phone or help deciphering the car’s infotainment system.

Buying a used car may induce some initial stress, but if you follow these insider tips, you’ll sail through the process. Heck, you might just enjoy it! As the price of a new car continues to climb, many buyers are turning to the used car market. At DePaula Ford, we offer an impressive selection of used vehicles that our knowledgeable sales team would be happy to show you and help you find an ideal vehicle that meets all of your needs.. If saving thousands sounds good to you, know that you can find a high-quality vehicle that will provide years of driving enjoyment.