Consider These Things When Shopping for a Used Vehicle

When it’s time to add a car to your garage or upgrade one that you currently own, there are quite a few benefits you gain from shopping for used cars for sale near Schenectady. For one, shopping for a preowned car lets you stay within your budget. Second, you can also often save money on your insurance policy by buying a used car as opposed to a new one. Third, you can avoid the depreciation that hits new cars, meaning you fully enjoy the value of your investment. However, gaining these benefits may be harder than it seems if you’re not sure where to begin.

The good news is that our team at DePaula Ford has a large inventory of used cars to choose from. Not only that, but our friendly and knowledgeable team can assist you in finding the right one for you. You’ll find that we have worked hard to offer a variety of vehicle types and brands in our inventory, paying close attention to the vehicles that give our customers the best return on their investment and the most confidence as they drive down the road. Continue reading to learn some tips and tricks we think will help you as you shop for a new-to-you car, some options to consider, and how our team can help you along the way.

Tips and Tricks for Finding the Right Used Vehicle

Generally, the first thing to consider when making any large purchase is your budget. This covers not only the price of the car itself but also the cost of fuel, insurance, and repairs. You’ll also want to explore the support you receive from the dealership after the sale. For instance, our team offers the DePaula Pre-Owned Promise, which ensures an initial 139-point vehicle inspection is completed prior to the car hitting our lot. It also gives you a complimentary first oil change and a 90-day/4,000-mile comprehensive limited warranty, among other things. Additional tips and tricks are detailed below.

Commuting to Work? Consider a Fuel Efficient Vehicle

Fuel efficiency is important for many reasons. First, the more fuel-efficient the car is, the more money you save. You can find fuel-efficient used vehicles, including the Honda Civic or the Ford Edge, if you need expanded seating capacity on our lot. More recent models, like the 2022 Civic can get you up to 33 MPG in the city and 42 MPG on the highway, while the 2022 Edge will offer you 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. Another thing to consider is your driving elevation during the commute, which is key for many drivers. The Edge gives you what you need, with a wide view of the road ahead. Of course, you can also shop for a hybrid option when exploring our used inventory, which gives you even more range.

Do You Need a Versatile Vehicle for Your Busy Lifestyle?

Think about your daily life and how you drive to determine what kind of car will work best for you. For instance, if you commute to Albany for work, you may want to consider a fuel-efficient option. On the other hand, if your day-to-day has you dropping off kids at school, then soccer practice, and then back home again, you may need an SUV. At the same time, if you and your family or friends enjoy spending time in nature on the weekends, you may want a truck or SUV that can tow your boat, camper, or trailer. Great used options to consider include the Ford F-150, thanks to Ford’s emphasis on interior comfort and safety, as well as the Ford Bronco Sport, which is made to transition easily from paved to unpaved roads.

Does the Vehicle You’re Looking at Come With a Vehicle History Report?

In addition to the perks of the DePaula Pre-Owned Promise, we also offer a vehicle history report for every used vehicle on our lot. This provides you with information about the car’s previous owners, any accidents the vehicle was involved in, maintenance records, odometer numbers, and more. Having this information can help you make a confident choice.

Would a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Vehicle Be a Worthy Investment?

Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) programs offer a middle ground between new and used cars, giving you extra peace of mind with warranties backed by the manufacturer, thorough inspections, and other benefits. When shopping from our inventory, you’ll find Ford vehicles with the Ford Blue Advantage. Ford classifies pre-owned vehicles into three groups, which are detailed below.

Gold Certified (Ford Only)

• Six years old or newer
• Less than 80,000 miles
• 172-point inspection

Blue Certified (Any Make/Model)

• Ten years old or newer
• Less than 150,000 miles
• 139-point inspection

EV Certified (EV Ford Only)

• Six years old or newer
• Less than 80,000 miles
• 127-point inspection

Our team can help you find the Certified Pre-Owned vehicles on our lot as well as explore the benefits you get when choosing a CPO vehicle, such as additional warranties, roadside assistance, FordPass Rewards Points to use toward maintenance visits, and more. These benefits vary depending on how the CPO vehicle is certified.

Are You Partnering With a Reputable Dealership?

Finding the right vehicle is easier when working with an experienced, knowledgeable, and dedicated team. For instance, our team strives to provide you with all the information you need regarding our used car inventory. We also work hard to ensure your shopping experience is stress- and hassle-free. For us, we want to build a relationship with the customers we work with rather than push for the quick sale. You’ll find caring and supportive staff members throughout our whole team, giving you the answers and information you need when you need it most.

Some Pre-Owned Vehicles to Consider

Now that you know what to look for when shopping for a pre-owned vehicle and how our team can help you along the way, let’s consider what choices might work best. Beyond the ones already mentioned, you might also consider the Honda CR-V if you want an SUV that delivers efficiency and safety. If you need more room for passengers and cargo, the Ford Explorer is a great option, plus the Explorer offers trailering options that can’t be found in smaller SUVs. This gives you the chance to enjoy things like fishing or camping at Arrowhead Marina and RV Park.

On the other hand, if the purpose of your used car hunt is to find a vehicle for a new driver or find the best option for your commute other than the Civic and Edge mentioned above, you might consider one of the used Ford Fusions on our lot. Additionally, a Honda Accord or a Toyota Camry might also give you what you need.

Once you’ve considered the tips above, you can start making a list of options by looking at our inventory online. There, you’ll find the information you need at your fingertips, including CPO certification, a link to the vehicle’s history, and detailed information about the amenities and features of each available vehicle.

Let Us Help You Find a Great Pre-Owned Vehicle

While there are things to consider to ensure you find the right used car option for you, working with a knowledgeable team to help you find that car is also key. Not only that, but a team that offers support beyond the sale with assistance from factory-trained technicians gives you confidence as you sign on the dotted line. At DePaula Ford, we think we’re the team for you, and we’ll work hard to prove it.

If you’re looking for a used car near Schenectady, stop in and talk to us. With our wide range of used vehicle options, our DePaula Pre-Owned Promise, and our drive to provide you with the best customer service possible, we’re sure you’ll find what you need.