Buying a used SUV can be a pretty stressful experience, and we want to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible. So, how do you know that you’re getting a good deal? What are things you should be looking for when you’re ready to buy? The team here at Downtown Auto Group has a few tips to help you out, when it’s time to finally replace your current SUV.
Do Your Research
The first thing you should do when you’ve decided the time is right to get a replacement vehicle is to do some research. It’s a good idea to have an idea of what you’re looking for. This doesn’t mean you need to know the exact make and model, but you should have a good idea of what features and capabilities will suit your needs. This will help the staff at the dealership narrow down the options when it comes time to consider what they have in stock. You could also take a look at the used inventory at the dealership, online, to see what they have in stock. If you aren’t pleased with the current inventory, try checking back every week – used inventories are constantly turning over.
Stay on Budget
Don’t go over budget! The last thing you want is to get a new SUV, but end up unable to keep up the payments. Don’t be afraid to look at getting pre-approved for financing, so you know exactly what your budget is. You can also check sources such as the CARFAX Canada Value Range to see if the SUV you’re interested in is fairly valued. Be prepared to walk away from a vehicle which falls outside your budget – another opportunity will turn up.
Check the History
If you’ve identified a used SUV which might suit your needs, take the time to make sure its paperwork is in order. Any reputable dealership – such as ours – will have a used vehicle’s history on file, and will be happy to provide it to you. That should include a VIN check, accident history, warranty information, and an inspection report.
Test Drive It
A used SUV on the lot might look good, it might even have all the features you want, but the only way to really be sure it’s the right fit is to actually drive it. You want to make sure it handles and responds the way you want from your next vehicle. So, be sure to take it out for a test drive, and put it through its paces. Get it up to speed on a major road, test the brakes, back it into a parking space. Push every button, to make sure they do what they’re supposed to.
Have you finally found your next SUV? Great! The team at Downtown Auto Group are ready to help you with financing and finalizing your purchase. We also want to make sure that the SUV continues to drive like new for years to come, so make sure you visit our skilled service technicians for regular tune-ups.
