What to Check When Buying a Used Car

If you are shopping for a pre-owned vehicle in the Rio Rancho or Santa Fe area, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed with the process. You may also be wondering what to check when buying a used car to make sure that you are getting a great deal. Fortunately, the team at University Mazda is here to help take the hassle out of used car shopping and share many of the key things to check when buying a used car. Explore our guide below, then begin your shopping journey today. 

What to Check When Buying a Used Car: At Home

There are a few steps you should take before you even visit our showroom in Albuquerque. 

• Check Your Budget: It is important to make a list of must-haves and then calculate your budget. You want to be sure that you can comfortably afford the payments on your vehicle of choice. Our payment calculator can help with creating a budget. 
• Check Automotive Reviews: Experts in the industry like Kelley Blue Book and J.D. Power and Associates objectively review many of the most popular cars on the market. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety will let you know how well the vehicle you’re considering performed in various safety tests. 
• Choose Your Year, Make, and Model: When you know how much you can afford, narrow down your list to your top three options. Then, visit our showroom to take them for a spin. 

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

What are the things to check when buying a used car once you arrive at the dealership? Read on to find out!

• Checking the Vehicle History Report: A vehicle history report will let you know if the car has been well-maintained and whether or not it has a clear title or accident history. It will also verify the miles on the odometer. 
• Test Drive: Set up a test drive on the roads of Albuquerque to see how the vehicle performs behind the wheel. 
• Inspection by a Mechanic: While we ensure that our vehicles are fit for the roads of Farmington and beyond, you also have the right to have any of our used cars checked out by a mechanic of your choice. 

Find a Dependable and Affordable Pre-Owned Vehicle Today

When you shop with University Mazda, you can buy with complete confidence. Let us help you find a vehicle that exceeds your expectations but not your budget. Contact us today with any questions.