The Ultimate Used Car Buying Guide from Frank Boucher VW of Racine

Used Cars for Sale in Racine, WI

Cars immediately start losing value once they leave the car dealership. However, they don’t generally lose their actual condition that quickly. For example, a new vehicle might lose 10% of its total value in the first 3 months of ownership, but it likely still has more than 90% of its lifespan left. That means that buying a used car that’s practically new will still cost far less. One of the biggest used car buying tips and tricks is shopping for a late model, low-mileage vehicle rather than choosing brand new. You’ll still be nearly the first driver behind the wheel, with years of reliable performance, but for a much lower cost.

A pre-owned car is a used car like any other, but once it’s been certified, it’s a cut above. Certified pre-owned vehicles are thoroughly inspected by the dealership selling them to verify the condition and resolve any lingering issues. They’ve been given a full maintenance update, along with replacements for any parts nearing the end of their lifespan by mileage. That means you’ll get peace of mind and reliable performance for months while still getting the lower cost you want. Certified pre-owned cars are nearly as valuable as brand-new vehicles for this reason.

Many lists of tips on buying a used car either recommend avoiding certified pre-owned cars or only purchasing them. It’s simply not a matter of always avoiding or choosing them. If you want to buy an older model with higher mileage, the extra support provided by the inspection process is highly recommended.

If you’re hunting for some of the best deals on used cars for sale Racine WI has to offer, put down the newspaper and turn away from online marketplace websites. You’ll want to look for used car dealerships near me specializing in the brands you trust the most. Going to a Volkswagen dealership, for example, will provide you with the widest possible selection of quality used vehicles from that manufacturer. You’ll get the best deals, better support when completing the purchase process, and will know where to return for maintenance and repair work. Dealerships provide better deals and a much smoother experience than trying to buy from a private seller.

• Walk around the exterior of the car and check out the quality of the paint and clear coat. Look for dings, dents, patches of rust, and other signs of damage.
• Examine the interior for wear and tear, including the smell of the car. Smoky or musty odors can indicate fire or water damage.
• Start the car and test all the lights and signals.
• Verify that all the dials and lights work on the instrument cluster.
• Listen to the vehicle as you start it and rev the engine, watching out for squeaks, squeals, knocks, and other unusual noises.
• Take a test drive and see if there are any issues, like hesitation when accelerating or noisy brakes.

There are many things you can easily overlook if you’re not sure what to look for when buying a used car. Taking the car to a mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection is highly recommended.

While most of the things to check for when buying a used car apply only to pre-owned vehicles, these tips work for new cars as well. It’s important to consider your average number of passengers you carry. If you drive alone and rarely have even a single passenger, you don’t need a seven-seater SUV. Spending less on your vehicle leaves you with more to spend on maintaining the vehicle so it stays reliable for years to come.

Ready to find the Volkswagen of your dreams, whether it’s new or used? Drop in today at Frank Boucher Volkswagen of Racine.