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A little knowledge and a bit of preparation will go a long way when you decide to purchase a used vehicle. There are different types of pre-owned car dealers in Anchorage. Knowing the difference when it comes to the type of used cars available will make your shopping experience easier and less stressful. Types of Dealerships The term “dealership” can mean different things to different people. While a dealership is obviously different than a private seller, not all car lots are the same. If you have credit issues or you have a limited car buying budget, small “buy here, pay here” dealers may be your best option. However, these places have limited resources and do not offer the same perks as regular dealerships. A regular dealership is connected with one of the major car brands, but will also have an inventory of used cars of all makes and models. These car sellers offer financing through lending partners, sell extended warranties, and may even provide free oil changes, tire rotations, etc. Which one is the better choice for you? It depends on your buying situation. For buyers looking for a wide range of vehicles to choose from that includes newer model year vehicles, a dealership will have more to offer. Dealerships can also help buyers who have poor credit or no credit. Vehicle History Reports When you find a vehicle and it’s love at first sight, it’s natural for emotions to take hold and direct your buying decision. However, don’t fall head over heels in love until you view the vehicle history report. This report will show 3 things: - Any accidents that the vehicle has been involved in
- Service records for the vehicle
- Number of owners
Why is it important to know these things? For starters, the more times a vehicle has been in an accident, the more likely it is that repairs had to made that may not have been made according to industry standards. Service records show you how well a car has been maintained. Cars that have the oil changed regularly, tire rotations, and tune-ups tend to last longer than vehicles that are driven, but where maintenance is ignored. A car that has had multiple owners may not be a good deal. Multiple owners could mean multiple problems. Older vehicles (10 years or older) may have had 2 or 3 owners. This makes more sense than a 3-year-old car having 2 or 3 owners. If you’re uncomfortable with the number of people that sat behind the wheel before you, it’s best to consider a different car. Certified versus Pre-Owned Not all used vehicles are of the same class. Any car that has had a previous owner is a pre-owned vehicle, but not all pre-owned vehicles are certified. Certified pre-owned vehicles usually come with a warranty still attached and with the dealer’s confidence that all its components are in working order. You will pay more for a certified vehicle, but the peace of mind is worth the added cost. If you come across a vehicle that isn’t certified and you still want to make the purchase, negotiate with the seller for a lower price to make up for the vehicle not being certified. Ask Questions When you visit one of the pre-owned car dealers in Anchorage, don’t be afraid to ask questions. The more questions you ask about the vehicle’s history, the better decision you’ll be able to make. And, don’t forget to test drive the vehicle. Physically driving the car will give you an idea of how it handles the road and will alert you to any potential problems.
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