Used Car Buyer's Guide

As you consider purchasing your next vehicle, you may be wondering if it’s better to buy a new or used car. There are plenty of advantages to each, but Virginia Beach drivers who are leaning towards buying a pre-owned vehicle may have more questions about how to go about their search. That’s where Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Norfolk comes in!

In our Used Car Buyer’s Guide, Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Norfolk walks through what to look for when buying a used car, what is considered good mileage for a used car, and what steps to take during and after your purchase. Learn everything you need to know about buying a used vehicle with Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Norfolk and purchase your next pre-owned car, truck, or SUV with confidence.

Is it Better to Buy a New or Used Car?

Whether you choose a new or used car, each has advantages and disadvantages. See some of the differences between buying a new car and a used car to see which makes the most sense for your situation:

New Car Advantages

• Newest Technology: When you buy a new car, you get access to all the latest technology, from integrated infotainment systems to advanced driver-assistive safety features.

• Greater Fuel Efficiency: Every model year, new vehicles are racing towards more efficient engines. Add the booming electric and hybrid market, and you have a wider range of options for fuel-efficient powertrains when buying a new model.

• Full Warranty Coverage: Most new vehicles come with powertrain and bumper-to-bumper warranties that cover vital components of your new model for several years.

New Car Disadvantages

• More Expensive: Due to all the benefits of new vehicles, they tend to be more expensive than used vehicles. And, once their warranty ends, the high level of technology and innovation may be more costly to maintain or repair.

Used Car Advantages

• More Cost-Effective: One of the biggest advantages of buying a used car near Chesapeake is the lower overall sticker price. Drivers will also save money on insurance premiums and taxes.

• Slower Depreciation: The value of a new car diminishes drastically the moment it leaves the dealership. By buying a used car, you skip the steep depreciation period and maintain your vehicle’s value for longer.

• Less Chance for Negative Equity: As used cars depreciate slower and cost less upfront, there’s a lower chance of you owing more on your auto loan than your vehicle is worth, or ending up “upside down” on your loan.

Used Car Disadvantages

• Higher-Priced Financing: Used cars may be cheaper overall, but financing one can add up. Lenders tend to charge higher interest rates on pre-owned vehicles than on new ones, so some math may be required to ensure you’re getting a good deal.

What to Look for When Buying a Used Car

If you’ve decided that a used or certified pre-owned car is the right option for you, you’ll need to consider the next steps. Buying a used car is slightly different than buying new and will have an altered searching and purchasing process. Here are some steps to take when preparing to buy a used car:

• Set Your Budget: Buying a vehicle is a big financial decision. You should be very certain of your budget before looking for your next vehicle. Be sure to take potential repairs, new tires, insurance, and taxes into account, not just the initial price of the vehicle. A good rule of thumb is to keep your monthly payment below 10% of your monthly income.

• Find the Right Car: Once you have a budget, look for vehicles that meet your transportation needs within that range. Use review sites like Edmunds or Kelley Blue Book for average costs and reliability ratings.

• Test Drive & Inspect Models: When you’ve narrowed down your models, it’s time to take a few for a test drive on the Norfolk roads! Always perform as thorough of an inspection as you can on the lot, or ask if you can take the vehicle you’re interested to a mechanic for inspection.

• Explore Used Car Financing & Warranty Options: Ready to sign on the dotted line? Take a good look at all of your financing and warranty options, and factor in any state sales tax, registration fees, and potential tax credits.

What to Ask When Buying a Used Car

As you’re test-driving a vehicle you’re interested in, you’ll want to ask the seller some questions to get a more holistic idea of the car’s condition. Some questions to ask when buying a used car include:

• Are there any current recalls on the vehicle?
• What is the ownership history?
• Do you have the title in hand?
• Is the vehicle history report available?
• Is there a history of maintenance?
• What is the vehicle’s mileage?
• Do the amenities and features work like they’re supposed to?
• Is the car as is, or is it under warranty?
• Can I take the car to a mechanic for an inspection?
• How was the vehicle priced?
• Does this vehicle affect your insurance premiums?

What Is Good Mileage for a Used Car?

While you may know most of what to look for when buying a used car, one of the factors that trips many drivers up is mileage. Many drivers stray away from vehicles with more than 100,000 miles, but used car mileage is more complex than what’s on the odometer. Before skipping out on a good deal on a used car with high mileage, take into consideration:

• Usage: Check if the owner’s driving history is available, as it can shed light on the car’s overall condition. A car that’s been in stop-and-go traffic for 70,000 miles will have more wear and tear than a car driven on the highway for 70,000 miles.

• Location: Colder, wetter weather puts more stress on a car than a warm, dry climate. Find out how the car was driven and where it was stored.

• Condition: If possible, take the vehicle you’re interested in to a certified mechanic to determine if there are aging issues such as rust or worn components.

• Maintenance: Check the vehicle’s maintenance history. A car with 100,000 miles that has a thorough history of routine maintenance and repair may be a safer bet than a vehicle with 40,000 miles with no history of service.

So, what is good mileage for a used car? It all depends. Most drivers put about 10,000 – 12,000 miles per year onto their vehicle, but the factors above can play a larger role in determining the vehicle’s overall condition.

What Steps to Take After Buying a Used Car

Once you’ve settled on a used vehicle and signed on the dotted line, you’re nearly done! There are only a few more steps after buying a used car you’ll need to take:

• Get Insurance: It’s essential that you get your new-to-you car insured as soon as possible! It’s illegal to drive without insurance so either purchase insurance before leaving the dealership or transfer your current insurance over as soon as possible.

• Transfer the Title & Register the Car: When you buy a used car for sale at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Norfolk, our team takes care of these steps for you. If you choose to buy from a private seller, you’ll need to transfer the title and register your vehicle at your local DMV.

• Choose a Mechanic You Trust & Schedule Service: You’ll want to take your pre-owned car for a tune-up and inspection as soon as possible and to do that, you’ll need to find a mechanic or auto shop you can trust. Schedule an appointment online at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Norfolk’s service center for high-quality service, maintenance, and repair in Norfolk!

• Review the Owner’s Manual: Take the time to read through your owner’s manual to familiarize yourself with your vehicle. Make note of recommended maintenance schedules, parts, and features you can take advantage of while driving through Portsmouth.

• Check for Recalls: If you didn’t mention this during the initial inspection and test drive, it’s time to look up your vehicle and see if there have been any manufacturer recalls.

• Consider Extended Warranties: Even with a used vehicle, there may be certain extended warranties you can opt into to protect yourself from costly repairs. Research warranty options with our finance department.

Find a Used Car for Sale at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Norfolk!

With all that information under your belt about what to look for when buying a used car, you’re ready to start your search at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Norfolk! Contact us online or at (757) 271-1678 to set up a test drive of one of our used or certified pre-owned models, and our team will walk you through the process! No matter what kind of used car, truck, or SUV you’re searching for, Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Norfolk is here to put you behind the wheel of a reliable used model at an affordable price.