5 Tips for Shopping for Pre-Owned Vehicles in San Antonio

If you’re on the hunt for a pre-owned vehicle, you’re on the right track to finding one. The Ingram Park Pre-Owned Outlet has one of the best selections of pre-owned vehicles San Antonio has to offer.

If you’ve never purchased a pre-owned vehicle before, you may be wondering what you should check out or what questions to ask. This is our area of expertise, so we’ll give you our top five tips when shopping for pre-owned vehicles in San Antonio.

1. Check Used Vehicle Rankings

You may already have an idea of what type of vehicle you want to purchase. But if you’re just starting your pre-owned vehicle search and are uncertain which make or model you want to buy, used vehicle rankings may give you a sense of which vehicle will give you the most bang for your buck.

U.S. News & World Report ranks vehicles based on a number of factors, including performance, safety, reliability, and interior comfort and quality. The rankings also take into account the total cost of ownership, as well as the opinions of top auto experts.

Combining these component scores into one overall score, U.S. News & World Report produces rankings for pre-owned vehicles in a number of categories. You can search rankings based on car size or type, such as sports cars, luxury cars, or hybrids. If you’re shopping on a budget, vehicles in each category are broken down by price as well.

So, for instance, if you’re looking for a midsize SUV to get you and your family around town, you can browse the vehicle rankings based on a budget of under $20,000, between $20,000 and $25,000, and above $25,000. So think about the type of vehicle you want and then use the rankings to quickly and easily narrow your search down.

2. Request a Vehicle History Report

A pre-owned vehicle can often be made to look good as new with some detailing work and a fresh paint job. But you should do some research to find out what’s hidden beneath the surface. For instance, has the vehicle been in a crash? Has it been well-maintained with regular service appointments?

A vehicle history report should include details about past collisions or damage to the vehicle, prior ownership, odometer readings, inspections, and title status. Check for anything that could raise a red flag. For instance, you should compare the odometer readings in the report to the actual mileage shown on the vehicle. If the odometer reading appears to have been rolled back, it’s a sign you may be dealing with a dishonest seller.

If you’re working with a dealership, you may be able to request a vehicle history report directly from the dealer. If you purchase from a private seller, on the other hand, you may need to run your own vehicle history report search.

To do that, you’ll need to get the vehicle’s VIN or license plate number and state. Once you have the VIN or plate number in hand, you can use sites like CARFAX or AutoCheck to pull up the vehicle history report.

3. Inspect the Vehicle

While the vehicle history report can provide some useful information, it’s no substitution for an actual vehicle inspection. Prior to purchasing a pre-owned vehicle, you should have it fully inspected by an independent mechanic.

But before you pay to have someone else inspect the vehicle, though, you can do your own visual inspection to see if you notice any signs the vehicle has had prior damage. For example, inspect the vehicle exterior to see whether there are dents, scratches, or areas where the paint doesn’t quite match up. If you notice any damage or mismatched paint, it’s a good indicator the vehicle has been involved in a prior collision.

If the vehicle passes your visual inspection and you’re interested in moving forward, have it inspected by a trusted mechanic before finalizing the purchase.

4. Ask What’s Included

Ask what’s included in your pre-owned vehicle purchase. Even used vehicles sometimes come with warranties or guarantees. For instance, some pre-owned vehicles are certified pre-owned, which means the vehicles meet certain specifications. If the seller tells you the vehicle is certified pre-owned, ask to review the relevant paperwork so you can see what’s included.

Wondering what’s included when you purchase a vehicle from Ingram Park Pre-Owned Outlet? We’re glad you asked! A complimentary maintenance plan is included with most pre-owned vehicle purchases for the first two years of ownership. That means you can get up to four maintenance visits, which include a variety of services, such as oil changes and oil filter replacement, tire rotation and tire pressure adjustment, inspection and adjustment of fluid levels, and more.

We’ll save you money up front with your purchase and then save you money down the line with our complimentary maintenance services.

5. Go for a Test Drive

Just like when buying a new vehicle, you should take any pre-owned vehicle you’re thinking of buying out for a test drive. Keep in mind, though, that private sellers are not required to let you test drive their vehicle.

If you are able to go on a test drive, pay attention to how the vehicle feels and maneuvers. Drive the vehicle over different terrains at variable speeds. How fast does it accelerate? How smoothly does it brake? How easily are you able to navigate a turn?

Listen for any strange noises or vibrations. The vehicle should operate smoothly and easily. If something feels off, it could be a sign that this may not be the right vehicle for you.

It’s easy to schedule a test drive at the Ingram Park Pre-Owned Outlet. In fact, if you already know what vehicle interests you, you can schedule an appointment online in just a matter of minutes.

Come for a test drive and leave with a new set of wheels! With all the pre-owned vehicles San Antonio has to choose from, we’re confident we’ll be able to find the perfect ride for you.