Four tips for buying used cars near Wentzville, MO

Four tips for buying used cars near Wentzville, MO

If you’ve seen the news reports or read about the used car market online, you’ll know that the market is especially challengest right now due to the global supply chain disruption that has reduced car inventories. As a result, prices are at record highs, and inventories are tight. It’s a great thing if you are selling a car, but it can create a challenge to purchase a used car. If you’re looking for a used car dealership near you, visit us at Johnny Londoff Autoplex near Wentzville, MO. We have a great selection of quality used vehicles, and our knowledgeable sales team can help you find the right one. Of course, being prepared is essential in any car search, so here are four car-buying tips to help you get a good vehicle.

Do your research

The first tip is a simple one: do your research! You likely have a type of car in mind, maybe a small commuter or a family crossover. Whatever it is, figure out which models offer the space, features, and performance you want. This will help you narrow down your search. Then, dive deeper into the 2-4 models you’re most interested in, look for common mechanical issues in each, and read reviews of how they drive. The other important part of researching is determining the value. There are good resources, like Kelly Blue Book, that can give you an idea of what a car is worth, and a lot of used car sites these days indicate if a car is priced high relative to others like it. Once you’re armed with the information on what to look for and what you can expect to pay, you’ll feel more confident in your search.

Take your time to search.

The following tips are related: take your time and be picky! Unless you absolutely need a car right now, take your time to find the right one. Take some test drives to get a feel for how the different cars perform. Don’t simply drive one and call it good. If you spend the time to drive several cars, even if it’s the same model, you’ll have a better sense of if one particular car feels a little off, something you wouldn’t be able to discern if you didn’t take time to drive several of them. The other tip is to be picky. Once you have your choice narrowed down, be particular about the exact options you want. Let it go if it doesn’t check all of your boxes. Or, be willing to compromise on certain aspects. If there is one super fancy infotainment system or sound system you can’t live without, maybe compromise on the specific color. Even though the market is tight, the right car will pop up eventually, so be patient and picky!

Where should you purchase your used car?

The last tip is to consider where you purchase your vehicle. There is absolutely nothing wrong with buying from a private seller, but it takes a little more work. You have to arrange a time and place to meet, negotiate a price, and transfer the title at the DMV. Buying from a used car dealership like Johnny Londoff Autoplex, however, has some advantages. You can look at multiple cars at a time. The dealer is likely to have access to more records for the vehicle, assuming it’s been maintained. They are also more likely to have addressed any critical issues with the car before selling it.