When it comes to buying a used car, making informed decisions is crucial. We’re a small family-owned dealership and our mission is to sell good cars to good people. To help you navigate the used car buying process, we've compiled 5 top tips for buying a used car to help you navigate the purchasing process.

1. Research and Prepare:

Before diving into the car market, take the time to understand which specific vehicles will fit your needs. Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few different makes and model, use resources like Consumer Reports and JD Power to compare and contrast the reliability and quality of the vehicles you’re interested in. Additionally, consult pricing guides and market values to have a realistic idea of what to expect. Keep in mind that pricing guides like Kelley Blue Book are based on historical and self-reported data and may not always be up to date or accurate. The best way to understand the market value for a car is to research what is currently available in your area. At Gulfport Auto our objective is first and foremost to sell good cars. You might be able to find the same car we have for sale cheaper elsewhere but you won’t be able to find a one in better condition with a 30-day warranty for less.

2. Inspect the Car's Condition:

A thorough visual inspection and test drive are essential. During the test drive, pay attention to the vehicle's performance, brakes, and handling. Ask if your mechanic can come see the vehicle and check it out (even if you don’t intend to pay your mechanic to go see the vehicle, it can be helpful to see how the seller reacts to the question). Lastly, ask if the seller is providing a warranty of any kind. If they’re willing to guarantee the vehicle it is most likely in good working condition. At Gulfport Auto we give all our cars a 30-day warranty so if something breaks or isn’t working the way it should just bring it back and we will fix it for you.

3. Evaluate the Maintenance and Ownership History:

If you want to dive deeper you can ask for the VIN (vehicle identification number) and purchase a CarFax or Auto Check report to research the accident and maintenance history. Reviewing service records provides insights into the car's maintenance history. Some sellers will provide a CarFax report but many do not; at Gulfport Auto we use Auto Check, which has most of the same information and shows the number of owners & accidents that a vehicle has had. You can also ask the seller what maintenance and work they have done on the vehicle recently, and try to get an oil and/or brake change thrown in with the deal if either of those items have not been done recently.

4. Financing and Budgeting:

Set a realistic budget that considers not only the purchase price but also ongoing expenses like insurance, fuel, and maintenance. Explore financing options to determine the most suitable approach for your financial situation. If a dealership doesn’t offer financing you can always ask for a draft bill of sale to take to your bank. Usually, you will get a much better financing deal from a bank or credit union than you would from a dealership or a private finance company.

Don’t forget to ask about dealer fees if you’re buying from a dealership: sometimes the dealer fees can add up to thousands of dollars on top of the sale price. The only fees mandated by the state are sales tax, title, and tag fees (license plate & registration). If you see any additional fees on the bill of sale besides those three, than it is a dealer fee and should be viewed as a markup on the price of the cars being sold there. At Gulfport Auto you will only ever pay the same fees that you would pay if you were buying a car from a private seller: tax, tag & title.

5. Finalize the Purchase:

Before finalizing the purchase, carefully review all legal documents and contracts. Familiarize yourself with warranty options to protect your investment. You should feel comfortable and confident in your purchase; if something feels off don’t hesitate to trust your instincts.

Conclusion:

By implementing these tips for buying a used car, we hope you'll have a smooth and stress-free buying experience. At Gulfport Auto, we believe in treating customers well, providing honest and transparent service, ensuring that our customers drive away with a good car at a fair price. Happy car hunting!