How to find the Perfect Used Car in Temecula

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How to Find the Perfect Used Car

Check out our Complete Pre-Owned Inventory here at Temecula Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM

There are a ton of reasons to buy a used car over a new one. One of the apparent benefits is the price, as typically, pre-owned vehicles are a lot cheaper than new ones, and it will keep you from having to make burdensome monthly payments down the line. However, keep in mind that the way you go about choosing your used car can make all the difference as you want to be sure you are getting the right vehicle for all of your needs. If you choose a great used car, it can be loyal to you for years. Choose wrong, and a brand new car will look like the perfect option by comparison. This article will cover some tips on helping you find the ideal used car, and when you're are done reading, head down to Temecula Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, where we have a spectacular selection of pre-owned vehicles!

Check out the Market Value

This should always be the first step in your car buying process. You need to have at least some idea of the value of any vehicle that you're considering purchasing. Several online tools are available that will enable you to check out the value of any car. First, you need to get as many details about your car as possible, including the make, model, year, mileage, options, and overall condition. The more information you can come up with, the closer you get to the vehicle's actual value. Here at Temecula Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, we will always work with you to get the best deal for you!

Schedule a Test Drive

Test driving a vehicle will give you an impression of how much you like it. When you first climb into the car, be sure to check out the amenities. Are they what you're looking for? Power seats, steering, and windows? Next, check out the sound system and make sure that it meets your expectations. Next, try and pair your phone to see if it has Bluetooth. Then you're going to want to check out the heater and the air conditioning to make sure they are working to your liking. Now it's time to get on the road and give it a test drive to see how the car handles in high-stress situations such as acceleration and deceleration, hard turns, and sudden stops. Are they all to your liking? It's essential to buy a car you'll be happy with as you will be driving it for a long time!

Factor in the Mileage

What's more important to you, the age of the vehicle or how many miles it has? This is often the subject of a ton of debate, and there is no honest answer as to which one is more important. For age, cars tend to depreciate the most within the first five years, but they will depreciate more slowly after that. Depreciation typically goes hand in hand with milage. Most vehicles drive between 10,000 and 15,000 miles per year, but if you have a car that is five years old and has 60,000 or more miles, the value is typically based on its age. Though a vehicle with the same age and 80,000 miles will be excessive, the value will be lower. How important this is will be up to you, but fully depreciated cars will typically be less expensive.

Factor Additional Costs

Keep in mind that there is more to a car than just its selling price. You also have to factor in taxes, insurance, and other fees that can add up as much as ten percent, so you're going to want to set a budget. Most people will end up taking out a car loan. That way, they can protect their savings and come away with a more expensive model. If you go that way, you might want to think about being preapproved for a car loan, as it will simplify the buying process and put you in a great position when buying a used car. We recommend using a loan calculator to compute the loan that's best for you and plan to put down 10% finance for the vehicle for the next three years. In the best-case scenario, your monthly auto payment total shouldn't be more than 20% of your take-home pay.

Check out our Pre-Owned Inventory here at Temecula Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM

If you're in the market for the perfect used car, you can always trust our experts here at Temecula Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM! We have a wide selection of Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles, so you're sure to find something perfect for all of your needs. Be sure to schedule a test drive of any pre-owned vehicles on our lot, and one of the members of our team can even accompany you on the test drive, so you get used to all of the features. If you find something you like, be sure to check out our finance center, where we will work with you towards a deal that fits your budget. Even if you can't make it down to the dealership right now, be sure to check out our complete pre-owned inventory here on our website!