The used car market has always offered an enticing alternative to the high price of a new vehicle. While current used car prices have given up 59% of the pandemic spike, they’re still up 35% over January 2020. This means a used car is still a great idea, but you need to be smart with your purchase. At Bettenhausen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR) of Tinley Park, we can help you find an outstanding pre-owned pick for less than $30K.
Shopping for a used car can feel like a round of limbo, looking to see how low you can go. However, knowing your limits is essential so you don’t fall into a price range where the drawbacks exceed the savings. Examine your budget and determine how much you can afford. Remember that your car’s annual costs include loan payments, fuel, maintenance, insurance, and repairs. The best used cars have a high reliability rating, indicating low repair costs and a long life span.
If you’re new to the used car-buying process, there are some key things to consider. Understanding the ins and outs of used car buying will help ensure you get a great deal on a reliable car that will serve you well both now and in the future.
Certified pre-owned (CPO) programs take the guesswork out of buying a used car. At Bettenhausen CDJR of Tinley Park, every CPO vehicle passes a 125-point inspection and includes a CARFAX vehicle history report. These vehicles are within five years of the current model year and typically have less than 80,000 miles on them. The CPO program provides a three-month/3,000-mile maximum care warranty, 24-hour towing and roadside assistance, and a complimentary three-month subscription to SiriusXM All Access.
When purchasing a used vehicle, it’s important to balance mileage and age with price. As the former numbers go up, the cost comes down. However, your maintenance and repair costs also increase as the car accumulates mileage and years. Consider how many maintenance milestones the vehicle has passed and budget accordingly if you’re coming up on a big one. Vehicles typically need more extensive work at 30,000 miles, 60,000 miles, and 90,000 miles.
A well-maintained vehicle is always a better buy than one not serviced regularly. Routine maintenance helps mitigate wear and tear on essential components and decreases the likelihood of major repairs. It’s also crucial to check the car’s accident history. A vehicle with an accident report may have higher insurance premiums and is difficult to resell. Though it may have a low price tag on the windshield, there could be unseen problems resulting from subpar repairs after the crash.
Always take a used car for a test drive before making an offer. This is your opportunity to try its features and functionality firsthand. During the test drive, you should:
While it’s wise to test the radio and voice command systems before you leave the lot, you should turn off the radio during your test drive. Music masks the noises you should listen for, such as squealing brakes or a rattling engine.
Are you ready to invest in a pre-owned vehicle? Our team at Bettenhausen CDJR of Tinley Park will help you explore all your options and find a great used vehicle under $30K. Our extensive selection of gently used vehicles includes several CPO options with our value-added warranty. You can start exploring the options online now and schedule a test drive for your favorites with just a few clicks. You can even value your trade with our handy online tool so you understand your purchasing power before you arrive on the lot.
