Looking for a used car? You’re in good company.
The demand for used cars has never been higher than it is right now. In fact, more than 40 million used cars were sold in the U.S. in 2016 alone. The perks of choosing a pre-owned vehicle are undeniable. But with so many available options, honing in on the right used car may seem like an intimidating task.
But it doesn’t have to be. At Zimbrick Chevrolet, we know that hunting down the right pre-owned vehicle can be stressful. That’s why we want to prepare you for your search. Below, you’ll find a used car checklist that you should never shop without.
10 Steps to Follow When Buying a Used Car
1. Do your homework
Buying the right used car begins well before you get to the lot. You’ve got a lot to compare and consider — from budget and practicality to performance features and reliability ratings. Showing up well-prepared is a must and our model research pages are a great place to start.
2. Request the vehicle history report
Knowing a car’s history is an integral part of the shopping process. A CARFAX® Vehicle History Report will show you the title, ownership, and maintenance records for the life of the vehicle so that you can catch up and be aware of the car’s upkeep history.
3. Inspect the exterior
This is one case in which it’s okay to judge a book by its cover. Inspect the body for dings or scrapes. Investigate the glass and lenses for cracks, pocks, or unusual moisture. Examine the tires for signs of reduced tread depth. A car’s appearance reflects upon you as the owner, so you’ll want to make sure it’s in good shape.
4. Check under the hood
Even the best looking used cars can be deceptive. Pop the hood to make sure everything looks up to snuff within. Give the hoses, belts, and radiator a thorough look over to make sure there aren’t any excess fluids in places they don’t belong. Check the battery for corrosion. You’ll want to identify problems that may have been missed.
5. Look under the vehicle
You don’t want to miss anything. Have a peek under the vehicle to ensure that you haven’t overlooked a problem. Leaks and residue can be indicators of bigger issues, so you’ll want to eliminate them before you even set foot behind the wheel.
6. Examine the interior
If you’ve made it this far, you’re ready for a closer look. Scan the cabin for any damage to the seats or peculiar odors that raise a flag. Make sure all the car’s instruments, controls, and pedals function properly. You’ll need them to before you decide to schedule a test drive.
7. Go for a test drive
It all comes down to this. A car can look as good in real life as it does on paper, but it’s not the right model for you if it doesn’t feel that way on the road. Pay attention to how the car accelerates, handles, and brakes. Test safety systems and entertainment features. There are too many options for you to pick a car that you don’t have chemistry with.
8. Get it evaluated
Getting a second opinion is perfectly acceptable. You have our word at Zimbrick Chevrolet, but we understand that you’ll probably want to get your car scrutinized by someone else. Being comfortable with your purchase before you close the deal is of utmost importance to all parties involved.
9. Ask questions
You don’t want to leave our dealership with unanswered questions. Lucky for you, our staff is full of experts in all things Chevy. We know that you’ve done your research, but we’re still here to answer any questions you might have — before, during, and after the purchase.
10. Sign on your terms
Timing is different for everyone. We want you to be as confident in your purchase as possible. Whether you’re ready to buy as soon as the test drive is over or you need a night to sleep on it, we’re excited to send you home in your next Chevy.
Find an Outstanding Used Car in Sun Prairie, WI
At Zimbrick Chevrolet, we carry some of the highest-quality used Chevy models in the Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, area, so you know that you can take our word for it. We thoroughly inspect all of our pre-owned models before we sell them on our lot.
Ready to see one and get started? We thought you might be. Check off the first step by browsing our full inventory of used Chevy cars. If you have any questions or concerns, contact us now. We’re happy to see you through your journey.
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