Used Car Buying Guide

Used Car Buying

When you set out to buy a used vehicle, you might seek out some advice in order to make the best purchase. This used car buying guide will go over some important aspects to keep in mind as you research, inspect, and test drive a vehicle.

Drivers near Connellsville, Uniontown, Mt. Pleasant, or Youngwood, Pennsylvania, can visit us at C. Harper Buick GMC to learn more about our used inventory. For now, check out our buying guide below!

Search Used Vehicle Inventories

To get started, you’ll want to look into used vehicle inventories near you. At our dealership, you can find our used inventory online for easy browsing. Whether you’re in the market for a used sedan, truck, or SUV, you’ll be able to search through our offerings and filter for certain features.

You’ll also want to consult various car review and vehicle safety rating websites to learn more about the makes and models you’re considering. Equipped with this knowledge, you’ll feel better prepared to select a used vehicle that has proven itself reliable.

Access the Vehicle History Report

A vehicle history report can play an important role in helping you decide whether or not a used car is one you’d consider purchasing. You should be able to look up the vehicle you’re interested in by using a website like CARFAX™.

As its name suggests, a vehicle history report will provide information about the vehicle’s past, such as accidents it has been in, or how many other drivers have used it. You can also find out about other important documentation, such as its title and its past service records.

Inspect the Vehicle

In addition to the vehicle history report, there are a number of other things to check when buying a used car. When you go in person to see the vehicle, you’re going to want to thoroughly inspect both the exterior and interior for any damage.

For the exterior, look for damage like paint scratches, dents in the body, or cracks in the windshield glass. You also want to check the tires for wear and make sure they’re a matching set.

When you look inside the vehicle, note any rips in the upholstery, bulbs that are burnt out, or interior equipment that is not working. You should also be able to see the car’s mileage on the odometer to verify that it’s what you were told in the vehicle history report.

Take It For a Test Drive

Next, you should ask to take the vehicle for a test drive. During this drive, you’ll get the best idea of what the car will be like. You’ll get a feel for how it steers, how sturdy it feels, and whether or not the brakes are in good shape as you stop.

This is also an opportunity to observe any dashboard lights that come on. If these warning lights appear, you’ll know ahead of time that certain service may be needed.

Visit a Mechanic

A visual inspection and a test drive are great ways for you to know the vehicle runs well. However, you should also seek the advice of a professional mechanic to get their opinion on the condition of the vehicle.

They can assess the vehicle with a trained eye and potentially catch issues you didn’t notice. Should there be any issues, you may be able to negotiate a better price with the seller, given that repairs may be needed.

Buy a Used Car Today!

After reading this used car buying guide, you might feel ready to jump-start your own used vehicle purchase. If you’d like a used vehicle to commute throughout Connellsville, Uniontown, Mt. Pleasant, or Youngwood, PA, you can visit our showroom at C. Harper Buick GMC to see our selections!

Contact Us

C. Harper Buick GMC

2401 Memorial Blvd
Connellsville, PA 15425
Driving Directions
Sales 724-620-4080
Service 724-620-4656
Parts 724-398-4323
Monday 9:00AM - 8:00PM
Tuesday 9:00AM - 8:00PM
Wednesday 9:00AM - 8:00PM
Thursday 9:00AM - 8:00PM
Friday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Saturday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Sunday Closed
Monday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Tuesday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Wednesday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Thursday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Monday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Tuesday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Wednesday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Thursday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed