What to Check When Buying a Used Car

If you’re shopping around Manhasset for a used car, you’ll have tons of options from a variety of model years—buying used opens your budget up to a labyrinth of options. An overwhelming selection is only complicated by the anxieties that come with betting on the reliability of your next used vehicle. That’s why Rallye Acura has put together a guide of things to check when buying a used car. Read our guide for help. Then, contact us to arrange for some test drives in Roslyn! 

What to Check When Buying a Used Car: Research

Before you head to the dealership in greater Garden City, you’ll want to do some research. Ideally, you’ll want to settle on a model segment and a price range. To narrow down your options and get an idea of what the best options available for your budget are: 

• Determine a Budget: Knowing your price range is a great first step towards narrowing the scope of your options. As you sort through our pre-owned vehicle specials, use our payment calculator to estimate monthly payments, and determine which vehicles are and aren’t feasible for your budget!
• Read Reviews: You’ll find in-depth reviews of models from prior years on sites like Kelley Blue Book and J.D. Power and Associates. Keep your eyes open for info about residual value trends, long term reliability trends, and don’t forget to head to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety website to learn about the vehicle safety data that has accumulated since the model was released.
• Select Year, Make, and Model: Once you’ve determined your budget and read some reviews, narrow down your options in our inventory to three candidates.

Things to Check When Buying a Used Car: At the Dealership 

Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to head to the dealership. That said, make sure that you’re prepared. When buying a pre-owned vehicle at dealership, Glen Cove drivers should always: 

• Read the Vehicle History Report: Before you buy the vehicle, make sure that you examine the vehicle history report. Check to see if the vehicle has been in any accidents, if it has a clean title, and whether it was properly maintained. Compare the miles on the odometer with the mileage listed on the report, too. If everything checks out, it’s probably a solid vehicle, and it’s definitely a solid vehicle if you buy it at Rallye Acura, because all of our used inventory undergoes a thorough inspection at the hands of certified mechanics. 
• Test Drive Attentively: As you drive the vehicle, go down a mental checklist. Are the brakes responsive? Is the acceleration smooth? Do hear any weird noises or feel any unusual vibrations? 

Test Drive Our Reliable Used Vehicles in Roslyn

Now that you’ve read our overview of what to check when buying a used, if you need help with research, or you’re ready to test drive some reliable options at Rallye Acura, give us a call at 516-508-9147. Our experts can look at your budget and needs and help you cherry-pick the perfect options on our lot. In the meantime, take a moment to explore our finance and insurance guides for other helpful reads, including our overview of how to trade in a car.