Used Chevy Buying Guide

Searching for your next used car can be an exciting endeavor. With so much to choose from, you may be wondering if there are certain steps you should take to really narrow down your choices and make the right decision.

Once you’ve decided on a used car model, there are a few other steps you’ll want to take to ensure it’s a good car to drive. The team at C. Harper Chevrolet created this used car buying guide so that drivers near Belle Vernon, Uniontown, Washington, and West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, can get some good advice on how to go about it.

HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT USED CHEVY

To start on your used car-buying journey, you’re going to want to do some research. You can start by looking into manufacturers you’re familiar with to see which models they offer that could work for your lifestyle.

Features and amenities abound on many vehicles, so you can focus on those cars that offer the interior upgrades you’re going for. Read reviews of those models to see what features are highlighted and how drivers enjoy the vehicle overall.

Other resources are available to provide insights into a vehicle’s safety. These include the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), both of which provide ratings for various safety aspects.

WHAT TO CHECK WHEN BUYING A USED CAR

When buying a used car, you’re first and foremost going to want to check the Vehicle History Report to learn more details about its past. Using the car’s VIN number on a website like CARFAX™ will help you learn about potential accidents the vehicle has been in, and how many other drivers have owned and used the car.

You will also be able to find out if the vehicle has undergone routine maintenance, and what the current mileage on the car is. If you’re happy with the report, you can go see the vehicle in person to get an even more thorough assessment.

HOW TO ASSESS A USED CHEVY

Once in person, you’ll get the best view of the vehicle to decide if it’s the one for you. You can inspect the outside for any signs of dents, mismatched tires, or other damage. Inside, you can check for upholstery tears and stains. You can make sure all of its systems work, such as the interior lights, power windows, or a moonroof/sunroof.

Then, you’ll want to take the car for a test drive. You’d do this even if you were purchasing a new vehicle, but it’s especially important with a used one. A test drive can help you not only determine if it’s the best vehicle for you but also to make sure it runs as it should.

As you’re driving, you will want to observe the overall feel of the vehicle. For example, the engine and the brakes should be running well. You should feel comfortable as you turn, slow down, merge into lanes, and park. Pay attention to unusual sounds or dashboard lights that may indicate the vehicle has issues.

For added security, you should take the used vehicle to a third-party mechanic. There, a professional can review your vehicle and possibly notice an issue that was initially missed.

BUY A USED CAR TODAY!

This used car buying guide goes over some of the basics you’ll want to follow as you pick out your vehicle. At C. Harper Chevrolet, we have a lot of used models in our inventory that you’re welcome to browse through.

Our team is happy to work with drivers all throughout Belle Vernon, Uniontown, Washington, and West Mifflin, PA, as they select a different set of wheels for their own drives, or to make family transport even easier. If you’d like to test drive one of our used models—or want to learn more about a specific one before visiting in person—contact us today!

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