What to Look For When Buying a Pre-Owned Car

Finding the right pre-owned or certified pre-owned vehicle near Providence can seem difficult. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or it’s been some time since you last bought one, it’s important to know what to look for when buying a pre-owned car.

At Mercedes-Benz of Warwick, we know car-buying can be stressful, so we’ve put together the following guide. Learn what to ask when buying a pre-owned car and explore our pre-owned vehicle specials when ready.

How to Buy a Pre-Owned Car From a Dealership

So, what should you ask when buying a pre-owned car? The first step is selecting a seller you can work with. Working with a East Greenwich-area dealership like ours offers multiple benefits, including lower prices and more recent auto technology. 

When shopping with Mercedes-Benz of Warwick, you have many pre-owned selections, including CPO models and a priced under $10k inventory. Here are some tips on what to look for when buying a pre-owned car:

• Set a Budget: You need to take some time to consider the balance between the cost to buy and the cost to own. Make sure to factor in future repairs, new tires, routine service visits, and whether a car loan is needed to finance your pre-owned selection. A good tip is that your monthly payment shouldn’t exceed 10% of your monthly income. 
• Find The Right Pre-Owned Model: There are several factors to consider when buying a pre-owned car. It should fit your budget, match your mileage expectations, and meet some of your key requirements, including a vehicle history report. Compile a list of vehicles you’re interested in and compare them to what’s available at our Warwick dealership.
• Test Drive and Inspect The Models: Thoroughly inspect the vehicle yourself or have it reviewed by a trusted mechanic. You should also take it for a test drive to see how it handles on Cranston-area roads.
• Pre-Owned Car Financing and Other Fees: Once you’ve found the right pre-owned vehicle, explore your available loan options and remember to factor in other fees and credits, including state sales tax, registration fees, and the trade-in value of your previous model. As you complete the deal, be sure you’re covered with applicable warranties and car insurance plans.

What to Ask When Buying a Pre-Owned Car

There’s a lot of variety when shopping for pre-owned vehicles, so you need to know what to look for and be sure you won’t be signing up for costly repairs. Here are some tips for what to ask when buying a pre-owned model:

• Does it have a strong maintenance history?
• Is a vehicle history report available?
• Do the features and amenities function as they’re supposed to?
• What is the prior ownership history?
• What is the vehicle’s current mileage?
• Are there any recalls on this model?
• How was the car originally priced?
• Do you have the title in hand?
• Is the vehicle as is, or is it under warranty?
• Will this vehicle affect my insurance premiums?

Explore Pre-Owned Vehicles With Mercedes-Benz of Warwick Today!

When you’re ready to experience a great selection of pre-owned cars near East Greenwich, turn to Mercedes-Benz of Warwick. We want to make the car-buying experience as straightforward as possible. If you’re still sorting through available choices, consider using our vehicle finder service to explore what’s the best option. Explore our quality pre-owned cars at Mercedes-Benz of Warwick!