Used Car Questions – What to Consider

Getting a new car near Cerritos, Los Angeles, or Long Beach can be an exciting process, with many options at your disposal. But there are several factors to consider, which our team at Norm Reeves Honda Superstore Cerritos will go over.

In this informative guide, we’ll explain the important factors to consider when searching for a used car. Read through the points below, and contact us if you have any questions.

1. Your Budget

The very first thing you’ll need to determine is how much you can afford to spend on a pre-owned vehicle. If you decide to finance the car, then you’ll need to take all your expenses into consideration (like rent, groceries, student loans, etc.) to establish an appropriate monthly budget.

You also need to keep in mind other vehicle expenses, like gas and insurance. For example, if you’ve determined that you can spend $750 per month on a car, but know you’ll be paying about $100 for insurance and $150 on gas, then you can actually afford $500 each month on the car itself.

2. Your Wants & Needs in a Vehicle

Next, you’ll need to think about what exactly you’re looking for in your next car. If you’ll be on long commutes by yourself, then you can’t go wrong with a small or midsize car with lots of tech features. If you have a large family or are in charge of your work’s carpool, then you may want to consider a safe SUV or minivan. Or, if you’re a contractor or need a work vehicle, then a truck may be right for you.

You’ll also need to think about the type of features that you absolutely must have. For some, that might be an infotainment system with smartphone integration or navigation. For others, it might be heated and ventilated seats. Think about the features you really want, and what you’re willing to compromise on, to make sure that your next purchase stays within the means of your monthly budget.

3. Used vs Certified Pre-Owned

If a car isn’t new, it’ll either be used or certified pre-owned (CPO). Both types of cars are reliable and have plenty of features. They also hold their value more, since the depreciation that occurs in new cars has already passed.

So, what’s the difference between used and CPO? For a car to be considered CPO, it needs to be just a few years old and have a low number of miles on its odometer. It also goes through an extensive multi-point inspection to ensure that it meets the manufacturer’s standards. If any part of the car doesn’t, it’ll either get repaired or replaced to get the car to like-new condition.

CPO cars also come with benefits like a limited warranty, vehicle history report, and 24-hour roadside assistance. But either type of pre-owned vehicle will offer the reliability and amenities you’ll need for your daily drives.

4. The Test Drive

To help decide which vehicle is right for you, you can always read through car reviews and comparisons. However, one of the best ways to determine what your next car will be is to test drive several models.

But before you even get behind the wheel, you’ll want to give the car a good once-over. Look for any dents or scratches on the body, and check under the vehicle for any potential leaks. You should also look under the hood to make sure the car’s components look good.

Once inside, make sure you can get comfortable behind the wheel, can easily reach all the vehicle’s controls, and that everything works correctly.

You should ideally drive without any electronics on, like the radio or air conditioner, so that you can listen for any strange noises, and make sure there are no strong odors, like smoke or burnt oil. Test the car’s ability to drive through different speed limits, and see how its handling and braking system operate. Keep a list of questions in mind, and wait until the end of the test drive to ask them. The friendly and knowledgeable staff members are there to help you, so you can feel confident in your new purchase.

Begin the Used Car Search Process Today!

We hope this guide will help you feel good about searching for a used car. But if you need more information, or want to get started, then visit us at Norm Reeves Honda Superstore Cerritos. We’ve helped many drivers throughout Cerritos, Los Angeles, and Long Beach find their ideal vehicle, and we look forward to doing the same for you.