Aug 10, 2023
Woman talking to a female Ford service technician.

So, you’ve found the car you want in Yorktown Heights. Do you head to the financing office and get started on the paperwork? Or spend a little time with the car before you make the purchase? The majority of people will go with option B. And if that includes you, we want to give you a few logical steps to complete before you finalize the deal for your pre-owned car. Here are the best used car buying tips from your friends at Park Ford.

First Tip: Ask for and Examine the Vehicle History Report

Whether you shop in Carmel or Hopewell Junction, your pre-owned vehicle should include a vehicle history report. And while it’s not a “tell-all” of your vehicle history, it will provide valuable information. Things like regular maintenance and accidents should appear in the report. You’ll also know if the vehicle has a rebuilt title—which is key during the feeling-out process.

Second Tip: Take it for a Test Drive

It’s probably the most exciting part of the car shopping process. You get to test out several new cars before you land on the one you want. And when you shop for a used car, the test drive is essential. Ride with the windows down so you can hear the suspension. Keep the radio off so you can pay attention to any odd noises you hear along the way. It’s a great way to reveal ride quality and overall performance.

Third Tip: Pre-Purchase Inspection

Most dealerships in Somers, NY, will give you a short trial period. Some will give you a certain mileage or number of days to test out your car. During that time, you should take your vehicle to get personally inspected. Many repair shops in Somers or near Beacon, NY, will give you a pre-purchase inspection. This is an extensive inspection that will ensure your car is in great shape. The only bad news is you’ll have to pay a few bucks for it.

Fourth Tip: Negotiate a Price and Close the Deal

You don’t always have to accept the sticker price. Sometimes, you’ll have a little wiggle room to bring the price down a bit. But other times, it’s set in stone. If you need further assistance buying a vehicle or getting the price into your range, our dealership can offer help with used car specials and other perks to help make things work for you.

Park Ford

You can apply these tips each time you’re in the market for a pre-owned car. But if you shop with Park Ford, the first three tips are included with your purchase. We’ve reserved our best vehicles for our best customers. So stop by today and get the best we have to offer at Park Ford.