Seven Tips for Buying a Used Car

Buying a used car can be a great way to get behind the wheel of a quality vehicle without the high price tag of a brand-new model. With some research and careful shopping, you can find a reliable used car, SUV, or truck that fits your needs and budget at Westcott Mazda. Here are seven tips to help you get the most out of our used car inventory.

1. Research vehicle history reports. Before seriously considering any used vehicle, get a detailed vehicle history report from a service like Carfax or AutoCheck. This will reveal important information like past accidents, maintenance records, and the number of previous owners. Shoppers in the National City, CA area can find many used vehicles with clean vehicle history reports.

2. Have the vehicle inspected. Before purchasing, have the used car inspected by a certified mechanic you trust. They can alert you to any potential issues or necessary repairs. We offer inspections on the used vehicles we sell to San Diego, CA shoppers.

3. Compare prices from multiple sources. To get the best deal, compare prices on the used car you're interested in from multiple dealerships and private sellers. Resources like Kelley Blue Book can show you estimated market values. Drivers in Chula Vista can find competitive prices on used cars at Westcott Mazda.

4. Look into manufacturer Certified Pre-Owned programs. Many automakers offer Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle programs. CPO used cars undergo extensive inspections and include extended warranties for added peace of mind. A dealership like Westcott Mazda has a great selection of CPO used Mazdas and other pre-owned vehicles. You can view their complete used Mazda inventory online.

5. Always test drive before buying. Test driving a used vehicle you're considering is essential. It's the only way to see how the car handles and make sure it's a good fit for you. Shoppers in El Cajon can schedule used car test drives at their local dealerships.

6. Check for any unaddressed safety recalls. Use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's recall lookup tool to see if the used vehicle you're considering has any open safety recalls that need to be addressed. Bring this up with the seller before finalizing your purchase. Our dealership near La Mesa can help with recall repairs.

7. Get financing quotes from multiple lenders. Interest rates can vary on used car loans, so request quotes from several lenders, including banks, credit unions, or our dealership. This will help you secure the most competitive financing for your used vehicle purchase. Learn more tips on how to shop used cars and get the best financing rates in our in-depth guide.

By following these tips and researching, you can confidently buy your next used vehicle. Westcott Mazda is your first stop for high-quality used cars, trucks, and SUVs. Visit us today to browse our extensive used inventory in person and take advantage of our flexible financing options. Our team is here to help you find the right pre-owned vehicle for your needs and budget.