What You Should Know Before Buying a Used Car

If buying a used car seems a little more stressful than buying new, you’re not alone. Shopping for a used car doesn’t have to be tricky, though! By asking questions and doing a little homework, you can score a great deal without additional stress.

Opting for a pre-owned vehicle instead of a new one is a great way to save money up front and over the life of the car thanks to savings on insurance, registration, and property taxes.

You can find plenty of good deals on used Volkswagens near Sumter at Mike Reichenbach Volkswagen of Florence! Our team is here to help, starting with a guide on asking the right questions.

Important Questions to Ask When Shopping for a Used Car 

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While dealerships provide information about the vehicle up front–like mileage and age–it’s a good idea to ask questions to get the entire picture. Here are a few questions we recommend asking when you’re looking at a used car for sale:

• How many owners has the vehicle had?
• What problems does it have? What repairs have been made or updated? (you can request the service/maintenance records for the car)
• Does it have a clean title? This will tell you about important vehicle history, such as accidents or storm damage. Beware of salvage—which includes flood cars and rebuilt titles. Flooded cars are nearly impossible to refurbish.
• Does it come with a warranty? How long is left on the warranty and what does it cover? Is an extended warranty available?
• What are insurance costs like?
• Do you know of any open recalls on the vehicle?
• Can I have the car inspected by a trusted mechanic?

• How many keys come with the vehicle? Depending on the make and model, additional keys may be expensive or hard to come by.
• Are the owner’s manuals in the car? If you buy from a dealer and the car you want to buy doesn’t have manuals, request a new, free set of manuals as part of the deal.

Before purchasing a used vehicle, we also recommend using sites like Kelley Blue Book and Carfax to get a better idea of the vehicle’s value and history. With the VIN and basic information about the car, you can see the accident history, open recalls, title status, and more. This will confirm what the dealer or seller is telling you and give you more peace of mind about purchasing it. 

Consider a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle

Somewhere between new and used vehicles is certified pre-owned (CPO). These vehicles are used, but have undergone a thorough inspection by the dealer, certifying that they are in excellent condition, have a clean history, and are free of defects. CPO vehicles also come with a limited warranty, providing extra protection. They are more expensive than used cars, but the extra peace of mind is worth it for many buyers.

When you buy a certified pre-owned vehicle from our VW dealership you can rest assured the vehicle has gone through a thorough inspection and reconditioning process. This comprehensive check-up covers everything from the engine performance, brakes, and wheels, to the smaller details like the lights and windshield wipers. Each VW CPO vehicle comes with the Carfax vehicle history report, which includes detailed information on any accidents, service history, type of use, and ownership history. 

So, when you drive off the lot, you can be confident that your CPO Volkswagen is in tip-top shape and you got a great deal!

Shop for Used and Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles for Sale in Florence Today!

At Mike Reichenbach Volkswagen, we’re proud to serve drivers in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina and beyond! Whether you’re looking for a fuel-efficient daily driver, a dependable work truck, or a family-friendly SUV, we can help you find the perfect vehicle!

With transparent pricing and professional and friendly service, we make shopping for a new or pre-owned vehicle easy. You can start your car shopping journey online or stop by our VW Dealership in Florence. 

Explore our inventory of used cars for sale, take a test drive, and chat with our sales team about financing options today!

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