Things to Do Before Buying Used Cars in Madison, WI
If you’re shopping for a used car in Madison at the used car lots, you will come across many pre-owned cars no matter which car dealership you visit. For this reason, you need to know how to narrow down your search to the best options for the best value on a quality used car.
Define What You Need.
What kind of vehicle are you looking for? A small SUV, a sedan, a pickup truck. An EV?
What is your budget?
Check your credit score to determine what kind of financing you qualify for.
Look into the costs of ownership, including auto insurance, gas mileage, and the cost of repairs on the vehicles you are considering. If you are wanting to save money on our used vehicles, browse our used car specials to see what works for you.
Start Online.
Find out which dealers have the vehicles you are interested in at a price you can afford. Dealer websites, like Zimbrick.com, allow you to sort inventory by make, model, price, mileage, and much more.
Call and set up a test drive for the 2 or 3 vehicles that fit your criteria.
Visit the Dealership — Test Drive & Ask Questions.
Make sure you test drive each vehicle you are considering. How does the seat feel? Are there any blind spots? How does the car handle? Is there any visible damage that would concern you?
Check the Mileage of Pre Owned Cars.
High mileage on a vehicle isn’t always a deal breaker, it just depends on how much wear and tear the vehicle has experienced. If the vehicle is in excellent condition and has higher mileage, it could still be a good option. Vehicles with over 100,000 miles may require more maintenance than other pre owned options with fewer miles.
Ask About the Vehicle History.
Hidden damage may be more difficult to detect in-person, which is why the vehicle’s history report is so important. Be sure to review the cars history. Was it a rental car? How many owners has it had? Has it been involved in an accident? If it has been in an accident, how severe was the damage?
All Zimbrick pre owned cars come with a free CARFAX report. Also ask about any maintenance the dealership has completed on the car before it was put on the lot. Ask about oil changes, tires, and if the manufacturer-recommended maintenance for the vehicle’s mileage has been completed.
Learn More About Warranties.
Does the used vehicle come with a remaining factory warranty? Is it a Certified Pre Owned Vehicle that offers a warranty from the manufacturer? What is the warranty offered by the dealer? Remember to ask about what each warranty option covers, and how many months, or miles, you will be covered for.
Ask About Financing & Insurance Options.
A good dealership will work with many lenders to align with your credit situation. Interest rates vary with the length of time you have to repay the loan, as well as credit score. If you are on a tight budget, look at purchasing an extended warranty. With a warranty, you are buying coverage for big ticket fixes that may be needed in the future. Instead of paying the cost of a repair all at once, you are building it into your monthly car payment.
Visit the Service Department.
If you are planning to use the dealership for your maintenance, repairs and service needs, now is the time to check out the Service Department. Does the waiting room look like a place that you would feel comfortable waiting? Is it clean ad comfortable? Do they offer any amenities like a children’s play area, free Wi-Fi, or snacks?
How Was the Overall Shopping Experience?
Did you get all of your questions answered? Did you feel like your salesperson was helping you find the right car for you? Were you treated with respect? Buying a car is a big purchase, so you shouldn’t feel pressured or rushed.
If you’ve been searching for “car dealers near me” or “used car dealerships near Madison”, visit us today at Zimbrick Automotive to explore our used inventory and find your next vehicle. Our expert team is ready to assist you.
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