Buying a used car has many benefits, such as cost savings and the potential for upgrades to make your drives around McKinney, Texas, more enjoyable. However, before you purchase a used vehicle, you must know what you’re getting. To fully understand the history and functionality of a pre-owned car, truck, or SUV, there are some questions you should ask when you visit the dealership. Our Huffines Kia McKinney team created this list of good questions to ask when buying a used car so you can make your purchase confidently.
How Many Miles Are on the Vehicle?
Whether you’re buying a used car, truck, or SUV, you’ll want to know how many miles it has on its engine before you take it home. On average, people drive between 10,000 and 15,000 miles per year. You can expect the average for trucks to be slightly higher, but tucks can typically last for at least 200,000 miles, thanks to their durability and strength.
A vehicle with high mileage on its engine will likely have fewer miles left in it. Of course, different makes and models can have varying life expectancies, so researching the exact used vehicle you want is a good idea. This helps you determine the ideal number of miles for that specific used model.
How Many Owners Has the Vehicle Had?
Asking about the number of previous owners can tell you a lot about the vehicle. A used SUV with only one previous owner will often have less wear and tear than one with several. A vehicle’s first owner often strives to keep it in top condition. Subsequent owners may not have as much pride in a used vehicle, and it can begin to show its age.
When Was the Vehicle Last Serviced?
You’ll want to ask when the used car had its last service. This gives you an idea of how well the previous owner maintained the vehicle. It allows you to establish when it last had an oil change and other routine maintenance and factor this into the purchase price if necessary. You can also find out where the car had its previous service appointment. If our Huffines Kia McKinney technicians performed it, you can feel confident the vehicle is local. Services outside of McKinney may indicate the car is from another location, which could mean it has traveled long distances.
Has the Vehicle Been in an Accident?
Some people will sell or trade in their car after it’s in an accident. You should ask if a vehicle has been in an accident because collisions can cause damage to vital components. A driver may be unaware of the sustained damage if it doesn’t cause immediate issues. If a used car has a rebuilt title, it means that an insurance company declared it a total loss, also known as a write-off, meaning the cost to repair the damages was more than the vehicle’s replacement value. This indicates the damage was extensive.
Does the Vehicle Have a Warranty?
Warranty coverage can help pay for repairs if something happens to your vehicle. A used car may come with an extended factory warranty to cover the new owner. At Huffines Kia McKinney, we offer a 90-day/3,000-mile warranty on all our used vehicles with expired warranties that are less than nine years old and have fewer than 100,000 miles. And because we value customer satisfaction, we’ll give you three days or 200 miles to return your used car if it doesn’t meet your expectations.
Are There Aftermarket Parts in the Car?
Aftermarket parts are cheaper than original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, but they aren’t always of the highest quality. It’s essential to ask about aftermarket parts in a used car because they can affect how a vehicle runs and feels when you get it out on the road in and around McKinney. Not all aftermarket parts are inferior, and this shouldn’t necessarily be a deal breaker, but knowing which components in a used car aren’t original or OEM can help if the vehicle you buy has issues or needs parts later.
Can I Take the Car for a Test Drive?
Taking a used car for a test drive is the best way to determine whether it runs well and suits your needs and driving style. It should be a huge red flag if someone wants to sell you their used SUV or truck and won’t let you take it for a spin. Additionally, if you’re buying a used car from a dealership and the sales representative doesn’t let you take it out or cuts your test drive short, you should be on high alert.
At Huffines Kia McKinney, we’re always happy to take our customers out for a test drive because we’re confident in the quality of our used vehicle inventory. We encourage you to come by and see what we have to offer.
Can I Have a Mechanic Inspect the Vehicle?
Having your trusted mechanic look over a used car during the buying process can ensure you get a high-quality vehicle. You shouldn’t hesitate to ask about arranging a mechanic inspection, even if you don’t plan to do so. The person selling you the used car should have nothing to hide, so the answer to this question should be a resounding yes. If someone is hesitant, they likely know there’s something wrong with the vehicle and don’t want you to find out.
Get Your Used Car From a Dealership You Can Trust
When you shop with us at Huffines Kia McKinney, we ensure the used car buying process goes smoothly. We have an extensive used vehicle inventory with makes and models from many popular brands. You can also find used car specials that will save you a ton on your next purchase. We’re proud to be a dealership you can trust in McKinney, Texas.