Ken Ganley Nissan Mayfield

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What to Look for When Buying a Used Car

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These days, finding the right used or certified pre-owned car in Mayfield Heights takes a lot of effort, but when you know what to look for when buying a used car, it becomes a little less daunting. Whether you’re about to purchase your very first vehicle or you’ve had a bad car-buying experience at another dealership, we are here to help you make a wise purchasing decision with less hassle! Learn what to ask when buying a used car here, then head into the dealership to explore our inventory and go for a test drive!

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HOW TO BUY A USED CAR FROM A DEALER

We at Ken Ganley Nissan of Mayfield near Mayfield want you to have a pleasant car-buying experience. We offer several tools to make the process easier. For example, you can apply for financing online! Plus, we have a selection of used cars priced under $10k, certified pre-owned Nissan models, and rotating specials and incentives to save you money! Below are the steps for how to buy a used car from a dealership:

  • Set a Budget: Some Beachwood drivers don’t realize that the cost to buy and the cost to own are two separate budgets. You need to budget for future repairs, new tires, and maintenance on top of your monthly payment. Remember, your monthly payment shouldn’t exceed 10% of your monthly take-home pay. You can get a good idea of what your monthly payment might be with our online payment calculator.
  • Find the Right Used Car: What should you look for when buying a used car? It should fit your set budget, meet your mileage expectations, and have a solid maintenance history. Compile a list of your priorities and narrow your list down to a few models that have what you need. Then, review their reliability reviews from websites like Edmunds or KelleyBlueBook.
  • Test Drive and Inspect Your Top Models: Go for a few test drives to narrow the list down further, and then have the one you like most inspected by a professional mechanic in Orange.
  • Have Your Car’s Title Ready: Have your car’s title on hand and ready to turn over, so you can save time and get an offer faster.
  • Used Car Financing and Other Fees: Once you’ve found the one you want, explore your loan options and apply for financing. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of state sales tax, registration fees, and the trade-in value for your current vehicle.

WHAT TO ASK WHEN BUYING A USED CAR

What should you ask when buying a used car? These are our recommendations:

  • Is the car as is, or is it under warranty?
  • Do all the features work correctly?
  • Is there a history of maintenance?
  • How did you arrive at the price of the vehicle?
  • Is the vehicle history report available?
  • Are there any current recalls on the vehicle?
  • Does this vehicle affect your insurance premiums?
  • What is the vehicle’s mileage?
  • Do you have the title in hand?
  • Can I take the car to a mechanic for an inspection?
  • What is the ownership history?
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SHOP FOR YOUR NEXT CAR AT KEN GANLEY NISSAN OF MAYFIELD

Now that you know what to look for when buying a used car, we invite you to take full advantage of our vast selection of pre-owned cars and speak with our finance department today. Let us know how we can help when you contact us today!