One of the best ways to get a reliable, trusty vehicle while saving money on car payments is to buy a pre-owned vehicle. Going through a dealership adds the extra benefits of guaranteed quality and transparency. In this guide, we’ll look at:
- Why you might want to buy a pre-owned car
- Why a dealership is the best way to buy pre-owned vehicles
- The best steps for getting your perfect pre-owned ride
When you’re looking for pre-owned cars in San Antonio, here’s what you need to know.
Why Choose Pre-Owned Cars?
New cars can be expensive. As of earlier in 2023, the average price of a new car was $48,000. Not everyone can afford that price, even with financing.
At the same time, it’s often said a car loses most of its value the moment it’s driven off the dealership lot. Think about that—a single trip off a dealer lot can be the difference between a “new” and a “pre-owned” car. Over the first five years since purchase, a new car will, on average, lose as much as 60 percent of its value, 20 percent of that in the first year alone. It has nothing to do with the condition it’s in or how it is treated. It’s just a fact that new cars quickly depreciate in value once they’ve been sold.
Purchasing pre-owned cars instead of new is the simplest solution to both of these concerns. Because they have already depreciated from their original price under their previous owner, used cars cost less than new cars. And with the majority of depreciation happening in the first years of ownership, a pre-owned vehicle has the potential to retain much of its current value for years to come.
Buying pre-owned can mean finding a vehicle with great value at an affordable price. Value is about more than a low price and avoiding depreciation, though. You also want reliability. That’s why it matters where you buy your used car.
Why Is a Dealership the Best Way to Buy Pre-Owned Cars in San Antonio?
Dealerships have a reputation to uphold. They are specialized in selling pre-owned vehicles and assure customers all their pre-owned vehicles are in good condition, and they typically stand by that promise. Dealers like Ingram Park Pre-Owned Outlet inspect every vehicle before it hits their lot. That means each vehicle already meets a certain standard.
Dealerships that specialize in pre-owned cars also typically have records of the car’s history, so you can learn its accident history, its repairs, its mileage, and any other key facts to consider. For this reason, you can trust that when you work with a pre-owned car dealership, you’ll be far more likely to get a high-quality, reliable vehicle with a clear, transparent process and history of ownership.
Working with a dealership has other benefits as well, such as on-site financing and specials or discounts on certain vehicles. All you have to do is ask what you’re eligible for.
You’ve decided on a pre-owned car instead of a new one, and you’re ready to head to the dealership. What’s next? Learn how to purchase a great pre-owned car in San Antonio with the following steps.
A 5-Step Process to Purchasing Pre-Owned Vehicles
While every circumstance is a little different, following these steps will get you close to your dream pre-owned car no matter what type of vehicle you’re looking for.
1. Determine Your Budget
You don’t want to be paying more than you can afford, even for a great car. Before you start browsing, establish your budget—not just the purchase price, but also include expenses like insurance, maintenance, and the fees on financing. This will give you a clear idea of what you can afford and what might need to wait until you can save a little more. In general, it’s a good idea to keep your total vehicle expenses under 20 percent of your pre-tax income. This typically works out to a car that costs 35 percent of your total annual income or less.
2. Research Makes, Models, and Dealers
This is typically going to be the meat of the process. What are you interested in? Do you want a rugged off-roader, an emissions-free EV, or a truck with good hauling capacity? See what brands and what models are reputable and well-reviewed (and in your price range). Then look for dealers that carry the make and model you’re looking for that have good customer reviews.
3. Check the Vehicle History Report
Once you know the exact car you’re interested in, ask for its vehicle identification number (VIN). This lets you obtain a comprehensive vehicle history report with title information, service records, and more. When you work with Ingram Park Pre-Owned Outlet, we provide a CARFAX report with every vehicle.
4. Check the Car in Person
When you’re at the dealership, look for signs of wear and tear, such as rust, dents, or scratches. Take it for a test drive to ensure it feels right to drive. If possible, have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection.
5. Secure Financing
If you have a trusted credit union or other lending institution, you might decide to come prepared with a pre-approved loan. As we’ve mentioned, you can also opt for dealer financing and complete the whole process all at once.
That’s it! Once you have everything arranged with the price and financing, review the paperwork (check the small print, as you always should), sign the papers, and take possession of your awesome pre-owned car. It’ll feel excellent to purchase a great ride at a fraction of the price you’d pay if you bought it new. Are you looking for pre-owned cars in San Antonio? Look no further than Ingram Park Pre-Owned, a trusted dealer of pre-owned vehicles that can help ensure you get into your dream pre-owned vehicle today.
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