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No matter what you do, finding the perfect used car for your needs takes work on your part. However, choosing the right dealership to buy a used car from can make the process a lot easier and take some of that frustration off your shoulders. Simply searching for “used cars near me” is not enough – you need to consider your options and pick a dealer with a strong reputation and history in the industry. You can start by considering all of your options for finding a used car and why going with a dealership is the best choice.
Because you are looking at used vehicles, it is helpful to have a sense of what different models can offer and narrow down your choices that way. It is not a bad idea to look at several different models to find multiple options that will work well for you so that you can be more flexible when looking at an inventory. You are often better off choosing a model that is slightly different than what you might have first wanted, but at a better trim level for your needs, than paying too much for something you do not really want.
At Raceway Chevrolet, we have a terrific selection of used cars for you to choose from, meeting a wide range of needs and budgets. Whether you want a luxury car that was only driven by a single owner on a short-term lease, or prefer a vehicle under $12k to get you started, we are here to help you. Come visit us and see why we offer the best-used cars near you and service that cannot be beaten.
The first thing you might be wondering is whether you should choose a dealership or look for private sellers when searching for the best-used cars near you. The choice is ultimately up to you, and there are some advantages of both, but a dealership is typically the best way to go. Private sellers usually ask for a lower price for their vehicles than a dealership, that is true, and you might feel less pressure when talking to a neighbor rather than a salesperson at a dealer.
Consider this, however, what if you find out something is wrong with the vehicle a week after you drive away with it? Will that private seller be there for you if that happens? Probably not – whereas a dealership will always welcome you back to help you figure out what has gone wrong.
Private sellers typically want the full price up-front when you buy the vehicle; they are not interested in financing options or lenders. With a dealership, you have more options available to you if you do not have the money to pay the full price of a used car. Dealerships also have a larger inventory than any private seller – and even a network of sellers will all have different models and requirements, whereas a dealership will have set expectations.
Not all used car dealerships are created equal, however, so it is important to find a dealer with the best used cars near you. Always consider the inventory of any dealership you look at to make sure they have a wide selection of vehicles for you to look at. Your options with a used car are based on the size of the inventory, so this is very important.
You also want to choose a used car dealership that has been around a while and has roots in the community. A dealership that has been in business for decades cannot survive by treating its customers poorly or using negative tactics to make a sale. Good used car dealerships treat their customers with respect and honesty, which is why they are able to stay in business for a long time. An easy-to-use website also makes shopping for a used car near you a lot easier and shows that the dealership values your time as a customer.
Before you start looking at any specific used cars near you, start off by thinking about what you want and need. This will help you narrow down your options. For example, if you want a car, then consider if a four-door sedan or a two-door coupe would be better for your needs and lifestyle. Consider both conventional vehicles and electric, and weigh your options to see what would be best for you.
On the other hand, if you want an SUV, then you should consider what size vehicle would be the right choice for you. A full-size SUV can take up a lot of space and is not a great choice for anyone looking to downsize their life, but does offer plenty of room for big families or groups of friends. Consider similar options if you are looking to buy a used truck since full-size models certainly require a lot more space. At the same time, if you need a pickup that can do a lot of work, then full-size or heavy-duty models are definitely the ones to look at.
As you narrow down what you want and start looking at used cars near you, make a note of certain models that will meet your needs. Once you have them in mind, then look a bit into what the different trim levels on those models offered when they were new. While trim differences can be fairly minor, they can also greatly impact the performance and comfort of the vehicle. The same model at two different trim levels can have different engines, offer packages that greatly improve towing performance, and have very different interiors.
So, how do you use all of this to find the right used cars near you? With certain models in mind, you can more easily look at the inventory of a used dealership in the area to see if they have anything that checks all your boxes. You can also save time by not looking into a model at a trim level that is either well below what you need or likely to be far beyond your budget.
Remember that when you look at used vehicles, you might not find the exact model and trim level that you feel would be perfect. That is why it is a good idea to have several different ones that you know would meet your needs. Even if you do not find one, you will likely find another one that will work for you and is offered at the right price for your budget.
Shopping for a great used car should not feel impossible – and if you do some research and know what you want, it can be a lot easier. At Raceway Chevy in Bethlehem, PA, we have a terrific selection of used cars near you with lots of different models available at a wide range of budgets. Whether you know exactly what you want to find, or you still have a lot of questions, our knowledgeable and friendly salespeople are here to help you and answer all of your questions.
