Easy Auto - Your Local
Used Car Dealership

It’s important to know how many owners a used vehicle has had and how it was maintained. Ask if the car has been serviced at a dealership or by an independent mechanic, and determine whether maintenance records are available. A vehicle that’s had many owners may indicate that the car has serious mechanical problems — so much so that the previous owners sold it rather than fixed it. One to three owners for a six-year-old car is normal.

While the salesperson may want to focus your attention on your potential monthly payment, remaining focused on the out-the-door (OTD) price can keep you from paying too much overall. The OTD price includes additional fees, such as dealer service and handling fees, extended warranties, taxes, title and licensing. These fees can add more than $10,000 to your vehicle’s price, so make sure the seller gives you a detailed breakdown before you leave the lot.

Before you decide to buy, it’s crucial to drive the vehicle to get firsthand experience with it. Not only can you identify any potential problems, but you can also identify whether it’s comfortable and you enjoy the way it drives. Be sure to drive it in both neighborhoods and on the highway, and ideally, in several weather conditions. After you take the car for a drive around the block, ask the seller if you can keep it for a few hours, or even overnight.