How to Buy a Used Car

Wondering how to buy a used car? Doing it right takes some forethought, but it’s worth it when you drive off the lot satisfied! At Feldman Chevrolet of Lansing, we want to share some tips with shoppers across Grand Ledge, Lansing, and East Lansing.

Shop Used Inventory

There’s good incentive to shop used—doing so can save you on insurance, registration, and depreciation over time. Pre-owned cars have also never been more reliable than they are today! As you shop, be sure to follow these steps for buying a used car:

1. Create a budget. Plan out how much you’re willing to spend—and how you’ll pay.
2. Shop cars smartly. Cover all bases—shop online or at the dealership in person.
3. Check the vehicle history report. Check out the service, accident, and odometer records.
4. Test drive and evaluate. The fun part! Get behind the wheel and test your car out.  
5. Ink your agreement. Negotiate, close, and sign the deal.

Create a Budget

Before you do anything else, set a budget and decide what you want to spend. It’s all too easy to let your emotions get ahead of you as you shop, and that’s why it’s smart to have a budget set in stone.

As you craft your budget, consider how long you plan on keeping the car and how long you want to make payments. Think about other debts, expenses, and payments you may have, both now and in the future. Develop a plan for how to pay that you can follow with confidence.

Shop Cars Smartly

You know best what you need in a vehicle. Whether it’s a family hauler, an efficient daily driver, or a big and burly truck, narrow your choices down to the vehicles that best serve your needs.

At most dealerships, you’ll find used and certified pre-owned cars. Certified cars undergo a more rigorous inspection process and include extra perks. From roadside assistance to factory-backed warranties, they offer top quality and a little more peace of mind.

Check the Vehicle History Report

When you’re shopping used cars, you should go on more than just appearances. Certified pre-owned cars typically come with a free CARFAX Vehicle History Report™. Your sales consultant is likely willing to pull up the report for any pre-owned car, if you ask.

You can also check the report yourself online. All you’ll need is the Vehicle Identification Number, also known as the VIN. On the report, you can investigate the number of previous numbers, odometer readings, service records, and accident history. See whether the car is a smart investment for you.

Test Drive & Evaluate

Ready to take on the roads? Never buy a car without taking it for a test drive first. You’ll have the chance to evaluate the qualities you care about most, firsthand.

Make sure you can adjust the seat, mirrors, and steering wheel to your liking. Are you comfortable with the ride height and your blind spots? Test out the infotainment system, too, and when you pull away from the curb, drive on all types of roads. From city streets to highways, see how your car handles it all!

Ink Your Agreement

Remember that budget you planned out in the first step? It’ll come into play here at the end. Now’s the time to negotiate your agreement and set the terms. You can negotiate the value of your trade-in vehicle, too, if you have one.

Consider, if you haven’t already, how much you want to pay down up front, the monthly payments you’re comfortable with, and your ideal loan term. The more you pay down and the shorter your term, the less you’ll pay in interest (and, possibly, the lower your rates) over the course of the loan.

Shop Our Used Cars Today

We hope you find these steps for how to buy a used car helpful! When you’re ready to start shopping, we have many used and certified pre-owned cars at Feldman Chevrolet of Lansing.   

Feel free to browse our used inventory online. When you come across a car you like, schedule a test drive here at our dealer. We’ll help you find the ideal car for your Lansing, East Lansing, or Grand Ledge drive!