Next to your house, your car is probably one of the most substantial investments you will ever make in your life. It’s important while car shopping that you explore all of your options and choose the absolute best vehicle that meets your needs without draining your budget in the process. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind as you shop.

With the cost of gasoline continuing to increase, you may wish to explore a more fuel-efficient model of car for your next vehicle. The cost of gasoline can make a substantial difference in the overall affordability of your car, especially if you have a longer commute or have other duties and activities that keep you driving around a lot in your free time. Some individuals can save hundreds of dollars each month by trading in their older, gas-guzzling SUVs and trucks and switching to a hybrid, compact car, or model designed for enhanced fuel efficiency. If you are tired of constantly stopping at the gas station and watching the numbers on the pump creep up and up as you refuel, it may be time to make the switch to a more economical used car.

Speaking of used cars, it is no secret that pre-owned cars are a great value—the consumer demand for affordable cars is partially why the pre-owned vehicle market is as robust as it is today. It’s critical when selecting a car that you choose one that fits well within your monthly budget. You also need to take other vehicle costs into consideration, including insurance, gas, tune-ups, and maintenance.

If you do a substantial amount of driving every month, you’ll need to keep a particular eye on maintenance due dates to ensure you keep your ride driving perfectly season after season. It can be easy to fall behind on routine maintenance like oil changes without adhering to a schedule or paying close attention to the odometer every month, so it behooves you to create a way of reminding yourself when maintenance is due.

Traditionally, visiting a dealer to buy used cars is not a popular method of shopping for automobiles among the majority of individuals. While an assortment of excuses exists for this avoidance, the fact remains that shopping at a dealer for your used car is almost always the most secure method of making this type of transaction. We work hard to meet not only your standards, but also the legal standards set forth which govern the price and quality you’ll find in the wide selection of autos we offer on our lot.

More Legal Protection

Because our industry is held to certain standards regarding the quality of the cars we’re able to sell at our dealership and the prices associated with them, you can always rest assured that you’ll not only always receive a proper price for your purchase, but that you’ll never receive a lemon in return for your hard-earned cash. Our cars are thoroughly inspected and repaired as needed before we present them for sale so you can feel confident in your purchase.

Warranties and Payment Options

Another way we make the buying experience safer for you is ensuring that you can afford the car you select during the process. We are able to offer the majority of customers payment plans that work with their budget to get them the car they select at the right price. Furthermore, most cars are typically covered under warrantee so you can rest assured that you won’t be experiencing expensive repairs in the near future.

Our dealership focuses on making the shopping experience comfortable and safe for our customers while getting you the perfect used car for all of your transportation needs. Speaking to a representative can help you uncover your options when it comes to financing and assess your need to find the ideal ride that’ll serve you for years to come.

If you are on the hunt for quality used cars in your area, there are some key steps to take to be sure the entire process goes well. We recommend taking these steps to ensure you get exactly what you want and spend the amount you want to in the end. The most important thing is guaranteeing the vehicle you buy is top quality. We want to make sure that happens for you, so here are the steps to remember in the process.

Consider All of the Details When It Comes to Finances

Our concern is not how much you spend, but that you spend a comfortable amount and receive the quality you deserve. This is why we recommend you figuring out your detailed budget beforehand. Calculate in everything, including the total payment of the car and any insurance that you need. Also, be sure to not make a car payment that is over 20 percent of your take-home income. This way, you will find yourself in a safe and secure ride and not in a financial hole.

Have an Inspection Done on the Car on Your Own

While all of our vehicles are thoroughly inspected and are in top condition for you before you even check them out, we recommend you taking it for an inspection on your own with someone you have history with and trust. Our goal is for you to feel like you can one hundred percent trust our vehicles and us. This is why you should take it to a mechanic you know and confirm the positive inspection results we will give you.

We are set on offering you used cars that are of the best quality around. All of our cars have been tested, driven, checked, inspected and have come out with clean results. We want you to be happy with your buy, so we recommend you take the steps above until you feel confident with the car you are considering.

You may not enjoy going car shopping and for good reason. The sales people may make you uncomfortable by trying to persuade you to buy a car that you may or may not actually want. Sometimes it is difficult to withstand their pressure and you may walk away feeling as though your voice wasn’t heard or you didn’t get a good deal. This can cause you to avoid going to the car dealerships because you don’t want to encounter these high pressure sales tactics. But have you ever thought why you should buy used cars from the dealer?

There are various reasons why you should buy from a dealership. The dealership will give the vehicles an inspection that the average owner cannot provide. The cars that come to the dealership are usually bought or used to trade with so are of value and not junked cars. When you make a purchase from an individual owner, you don’t have any way to guarantee that it is in good working condition unless you have it inspected by a third party company. This will cost you extra money but at a dealership this inspection is already done before it is put on the lot.

One of the greatest reasons why you should buy used cars from the dealer is that a dealer will have a variety of cars for you to try at one time. You may have your mind set on a certain car and model. You have driven it and can afford the year and model you prefer but did you ever think another type of car or even a new model would drive better and be in your price range?

It can be a difficult decision to choose a used car for your primary vehicle. You want one that is affordable yet stylish. If you are asking yourself why you should buy used cars from the dealer, you should visit a reputable dealer like us to get some great options and pricing.

When you are looking to buy a new vehicle for yourself, you are going to have to make a lot of decisions. There are many different angles that have to be covered in regards to your future ride. If money is a concern of yours, then you might be doing yourself a favor by opting to buy used cars. There are plenty of reasons that this is a more sound financial decision for you to make in the long run.

Immediate Savings

Right off the bat, you are going to save money when you opt to buy a vehicle that is used. This is because cars that have been driven already depreciate in value almost immediately. When you are looking into the various options that you have, you will notice that used options are always more affordable than others. This can be a great way to inspire your purchase, but there are other ways used cars allow you to save.

Insurance Savings

Insuring your vehicle is also a lot more cost effective when it is used. Insurance companies tend to put lower costs on vehicles that have already seen time on the road. This means that you will also wind up saving money over time. Your insurance will be at a place that makes you feel happy, and you will not have to worry about forking over a small fortune every month just to stay on the road.

Resale Value

Though cars tend to depreciate in value as soon as they are driven off the lot, the decline tends to slow down at a certain point. This means, if you are purchasing used cars for your needs, you will not have to worry about your vehicle losing immense amounts of value anytime soon. The loss is slow at a certain point, allowing you the option of selling your car for a fair price when the time comes.

Buying used cars is a smart move, and there are even ways to make it smarter. We can guide you through the process so you drive off our lot with a nice car at a really nice price. One truly smart move is to buy a newer used car, one that is between one to three years old. This is often the sweet spot for getting a good deal and a fine vehicle.

Value

Everyone knows a new car loses a large percentage of its resale value when it is driven off the lot. Some estimates are as high as 30 percent. After that, the depreciation of a car stabilizes for several years. When the car gets much older, depreciation tends to speed up again. When you buy a newer used car you can also benefit from lower maintenance costs. It could be years before brakes, tires, batteries and windshield wipers need to be replaced. Larger repairs such as transmission or engine work could be even further down the road.

Reliability

Newer used cars tend be very reliable, making the prospect of being stranded somewhere unlikely. Dependability in a car is one of the things people value the most. Not only can breaking down in an unfamiliar place be expensive, it could also be dangerous. Most people do not want friends or family members driving an automobile that could break down.

Technology

With a used car that is only a year or two old, you should be able to enjoy all of the latest technology for safety, comfort and performance. These cars will likely have such features as Bluetooth, lane stabilization, rearview cameras, passenger side airbags and many other advances. With savings from buying a used car, you might even be able to afford a loaded vehicle.

We believe used cars are a wonderful value. They offer value, reliability and smart technology all at once.

Walking onto the lot and looking at all of the choices of used cars you could buy, is equal parts exciting and overwhelming. There are so many important factors that go into choosing the perfect vehicle including your budget, the make and model, and even cosmetic things like the exterior color. However, assessing your needs is a critical step to take when narrowing your options. We hope to help you make the best decision by offering these suggestions for things to think about when selecting a new vehicle.

Cargo Space

Cargo space is the area you have to fill with various types of freight. This could be anything from groceries, to a stroller, to hiking and camping gear. For many buyers, cargo space is an important aspect to consider especially when the vehicle will serve as a mode of transportation for a family.

Fuel Economy

Long distance commuters are often inclined to look for used cars that have a considerable fuel economy. This gauge helps define a car’s ability to be efficient when traveling on the highway, especially during periods of heavy traffic. If you are looking for a commuter car to take you to and from work each day, fuel economy is an important factor you may wish to consider.

Safety Features

Many individuals with children seek vehicles that have certain safety features including child locks and back-up cameras. If there are specific features you wish to have in your vehicle, tell us about them and we can show you the used cars we have that meet these expectations.

Driving Conditions

Where do you drive and what is the weather like? Do you drive in a lot of stop-and-go traffic? Do you live in a place where ice and snow are prevalent? These factors are important to think about when making your selection.

By considering factors such as those listed above, you can have a solid idea of the kind of vehicle you want to buy. We are eager to show you our selection of used cars and to help you find something that is perfect for you.

When looking to buy a car at our dealership, we want you to get the best rates available for your loan. You can do this by following these tips and knowing what to ask for when you get here. These factors matter when trying to get the best rate on car loans.

Look for a Low Annual Percentage Rate

APR is the rate of interest that is added on top of your loan payments. The lower your APR, the less money you’ll pay back over the term of your loan. Negotiate for the lowest APR based on your credit history and consider deals we might be offering. For example, sometimes paying low interest with a large rebate might be better than taking zero-interest APR. Do your research.

Make a Down Payment

By making a down payment or trading in your previous vehicle, you won’t need as much financing as those who don’t. This obviously lowers the amount of money you need to pay back. Also, those looking to obtain car loans with bad credit can sometimes get a better APR by making a down payment because it’s less risky for us as your lender. It also shows us that you’re serious about paying in full.

Negotiate a Shorter Loan Term

We often offer car loans varying between 3 – 7 years. While taking a longer term may decrease the amount of your monthly payments, it also adds to the number of payments you make and how much interest you pay over time. By taking a shorter loan term, you’ll repay it faster for less money, so consider paying a bit more monthly to disburse less money over the term of your loan.

Following these four tips will help you gain the best rates for car loans when you buy from our dealership. By negotiating for a lower APR and shorter loan term as well as making a reasonable down payment, you can shave a large amount off the money you owe and the total of each payment.

Used automobiles are the most common mode of transportation for most people. The individual life of any used automobile can be dramatically extended if you give it a little TLC and proper maintenance.

Follow the Maintenance Schedule

The owner’s manuals for used cars will give you a guideline for how often you should get an oil change and when it needs to be serviced. Don’t skip the routine stuff, it’s what keeps most vehicles running smoothly for years.

Replace Parts Before They Become a Problem

If your mechanic tells you the brakes will need replaced soon, go ahead and get them replaced now. Most people who start out thinking, “I’ll do that in the next few months,” forget about it until they’ve burned through their brakes or damage has been done. Preventive care is much less expensive than repairs.

Minimize Short Trips

Every time you start your engine, it takes a toll on gas mileage, your muffler and the engine itself. If you have errands to run, combine them whenever possible. If you have a short commute to work of just a few miles, see if you can carpool with someone or rideshare. A few longer trips are better for your car than a lot of short ones.

Check the Fluids

Regularly Oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid and power steering fluid should be checked and either topped off or changed regularly. The time to add more fluids is not after you’ve burnt up the oil and incurred expensive repairs.

Rotate Tires

Rotating the tires on used cars helps lengthen the life of both the car and the tires. Tire rotation reduces uneven tread wear and improves the vehicle’s ride. In most cases, you should rotate them every 8,000 to 13,000 kilometres or twice a year.

Change the Air Filter

Whether you do it yourself of have it done by a mechanic, changing air filters prolongs the life of used and new cars, improves acceleration and ensures better gas mileage.

Used cars can last for years if you take care of them properly following the above recommendations.

Before signing your financing papers with us at Gateway Auto, it is imperative that you are happy with the car you are getting. The buying process encompasses finding the right car, test driving it and figuring out how to pay for the vehicle. One key aspect of purchasing used cars is running a thorough inspection to be sure you are satisfied with the quality of the vehicle.

One of the first steps is to obtain a vehicle history report from us. This will clue you in to any accidents in which the car was involved as well as the repairs that were made. The more comprehensive these reports are, the better you may feel about buying a used car.

Before you take the car for a test drive, conduct a visual inspection. Look over the vehicle at the paint job and feel free to note any imperfections. Some vehicles are sold as-is, but most are certified to get the car into prime shape. Note that the tires should be properly inflated and headlights and taillights should be intact and working properly.

Get in and out of the car multiple times to assess your comfort level with the height of the seat. You should also test out all of the vehicle’s systems, such as the heat and the air conditioning. Turn on the stereo and any other amenities such as a GPS system to ensure they are all working properly. When you start the car, note that it should start smoothly and easily.

Buying used cars can be a pleasant experience if you work with the right dealership and know what to look for in the vehicle. We want to ensure customer satisfaction, which is why we allow you plenty of time to inspect the car. Make sure all the vehicle’s systems are working properly and that you have an accident report for the car. Taking these measures will mean you can drive off the lot a happy, satisfied customer.