What to Look for When Buying a Used Car in Ohio

You know that it’s important to check the mileage when you’re considering a purchase, but do you really know what to look for when buying a used car in Painesville or Mentor, OH? We’ve covered a few of the most important red flags, as well as some of the most important questions to ask before you sign on the dotted line. Ready to get started? Here’s what everyone should know right off the bat:

1. Check beneath the vehicle for any fluid leaks. If a vehicle has leaking fluids, it may need major repairs. Moreover, it’s likely that the car hasn’t been properly maintained.
2. If you notice rust or extensive frame damage, it’s probably best to look elsewhere. Vehicles with extensive rusting or structural damage simply won’t last as long as models without these issues.
3. If a vehicle shakes when you take it out on the road, it may have suspension issues. These can be expensive to repair, although in other cases, fixing the problem may be as simple as realigning the wheels.

Ten Questions to Ask When Buying a Used Car

You’ve kicked the tires. You’ve started up the vehicle and taken it for a drive. You’ve inspected the features inside the cabin. You’ve taken the vehicle to a trusted mechanic in Willoughby or Eastlake, and asked them to look it over. Nothing has indicated that the vehicle is a bad purchase—but it’s important to cover all your bases.

Before you commit to a loan, run through this checklist of what to ask when buying a used car. You’ll get a much better idea of what it’s been through—and what you can expect going forward.

1. Is the vehicle offered with a Vehicle History Report?
2. Can I look over the maintenance records for this vehicle?
3. Are there any features or amenities that are not working properly?
4. Has the vehicle been used for towing? What about racing?
5. Has the vehicle had more than one previous owner?
6. Is the vehicle currently subject to any recalls?
7. Is the vehicle due for services that have not been completed?
8. Do you have the vehicle’s title on your person?
9. Does the vehicle come with warranty coverage or other protections?
10. How will owning this vehicle impact my insurance premiums?

We inspect and refresh every pre-owned vehicle that goes up for sale on our lot, but if you want to be absolutely certain that you’re getting a reliable, well-maintained vehicle, then you should choose a certified pre-owned model.

How to Get Everything You Want from Your Next Used Car

Of course, the process of getting everything you desire starts long before you get behind the wheel. If you want to make the process of finding the perfect used car much easier, make sure to stick to these guidelines:

1. When calculating your payments, set your budget to no more than 10 to 15% of your monthly income. Make sure to factor in the costs of gas, maintenance, and insurance.
2. Will you need a used SUV, a used truck, or something on the smaller side? Choose the vehicle type that will be the best fit for your needs. Everyone wants a vehicle that can do it all, but you should focus on the daily demands of your life—and not on exceptional cases.
3. Do your research to find out how your favorite models have changed from year to year. You might discover that certain model years are more reliable than others, or that you can only access certain features or engines by choosing one year over another.

Find the Perfect Used Car at Honda of Mentor

Take advantage of our pre-owned vehicle specials to find the right model at the right price! Still exploring your options? Explore the rest of our car buying tips or reach out to our team with any lingering questions.