How to Buy a Used Car

A used vehicle comes with a number of benefits you don’t get when buying a new one, including a lower sticker price, slower depreciation, and access to features that may not be available with the latest model year. Fortunately, buying a used car doesn’t need to be stressful or intimidating, just as long as you know how to navigate the process. To that end, Chevrolet GMC Of Fairbanks offers this tutorial on how to buy a used car with confidence.

How to Buy a Used Car Step-by-Step

You want to invest in a pre-owned vehicle that suits your North Pole and Fort Wainwright driving needs. Here is how to buy a used car that meets your goals without going over budget:

• Determine Your Budget:How much can you comfortably afford to spend? A good rule of thumb is that your monthly car payment shouldn’t be greater than 10% of your monthly income. Use our payment calculator to help determine a workable budget.
• Start Shopping: In addition to looking for cars that fit within your budget, be mindful of mileage, general vehicle condition, and features. Also, check vehicle review sites for information on reliability, safety, and other important factors.
• Go for a Test Drive: Once you’ve found a vehicle that checks all–or most–of the boxes on your wishlist, take it for a test drive around Fairbanks to get a feel for how it rides and handles. This is also an opportunity to inspect the vehicle more closely. If possible, have a trusted mechanic take a look at the vehicle to ensure you’re making a good investment.
• Explore Financing Options: After you’ve decided on a vehicle, work with the dealer’s financing department to see your loan options. Compare rates and terms and select the package that best fits your budget. And remember that there will likely be factors that impact the final price you’ll pay, like taxes, registration fees, and the value of your trade-in.

What to Look for in a Used Car

Not sure exactly what to look for in a used car? This general used car checklist encompasses some of the most important things to be on the lookout for when shopping:

• Condition
• Features
• Maintenance history
• Mileage
• Number of owners
• Open recalls
• Price
• Title status
• Warranty

Bring Your Used Car Checklist to Chevrolet GMC Of Fairbanks!

Now that you know what to look for in a used car and how to successfully manage the buying process, bring your used car checklist to Chevrolet GMC Of Fairbanks and find your next vehicle. We invite you to browse our current selection, and you can even get a headstart on your purchase by applying for financing right from the comfort of your Eielson Airforce Base-area home! As always, contact us with any questions you might have. You’re just steps away from owning a used car that surpasses your expectations–not your budget.