Buying a good used car in Colorado Springs is about knowing exactly what kind of car you need. If you’re looking for a perfect car, consider buying new. No used car is going to excel in every possible category. But if you can compromise in less important areas, you may drive off the lot with a great deal.
Take performance and reliability, for example. Many drivers in Colorado Springs prefer All-Wheel-Drive for winter conditions and mountain driving. If performance and reliability are priorities for you, you may settle for a car that has a few aesthetic dings and scratches while paying a below-market price. The more reliable the car is, the less likely you’ll run into issues like repairs. If you’re ready to take all the stress out of smart used car shopping, this simple guide is for you.
1. Identify Desirable Features For Your Car Model
A car’s features determine the value of the vehicle. Compare available features to your own preferences. A car’s air conditioning, door locks, windows, sound system, and engine upgrades (or lack of) will affect the price. Cars with more modern features are more likely to add value and will require the consumer to pay more for these features. For instance, a car with a premium sound system and All-Wheel-Drive may have a higher asking price than a car without these add-ons.
If you prefer reliability over fancy features, ask the car salesman if the dealership carries a similar make and model but without the bells and whistles. This can be an effective strategy for purchasing the car you want at a great price.
2. Consider the Mileage
Mileage is one of the most important factors that go into determining a car’s value. Typically, the greater the mileage, the greater the wear and tear, which translates to a lower price. However, it’s smart to pay attention to how the car was driven. What kind of miles were put on the car? A 20-year old car with 100,000 miles might be in better condition than a 5-year old car with 100,000 miles. This is because the 20-year old car was likely used for short, in-town trips while the 5-year old car was used for long, grueling road trips. In-town trips are usually less demanding on a car than highway miles.
Compare the year and mileage of different cars using this chart from the Department of Transportation to see how it was driven.
3. Pay Attention to the Used Car Market
To get the best deal on a used car, compare prices between different dealerships. Start looking at used car prices at least one month before you plan to buy. This research will help you understand the baseline prices of different makes and models. For example, knowing the average price for SUVs in Colorado Springs will tell you that a 2017 Ford Escape for $13,000 is a great deal.
Also, pay attention to general market trends. At the time of writing, the used car market in Colorado Springs is hot because of global supply chain issues. Consumers are showing high demand for used cars now that travel is increasing after the pandemic shutdowns. Car manufacturers are having trouble finding computer chips to make new cars, making used cars more expensive. You can read more about the 2021 used car market outlook here.
To save the most money on a used car, know what the market considers a fair price. Always use Kelly Blue Book to compare prices.
4. Examine the Car’s Aesthetics
How the car looks visually will impact its total value. The aesthetics of a vehicle can include anything from the car’s exterior color to the type of interior fabric lining the seats. Other considerations include the kind of tires, type of headlights, and the material used for flooring. As with other factors that influence value, the more modern the car’s aesthetics are, the greater the asking price will likely be. Things like leather seats and neutral colors like silver, black, white, and grey will raise the asking price. Less popular arrangements like fabric seats and uncommon colors will lower the asking price.
5. Rate the Car’s Handling and Performance
A test drive will allow you to get a sense of the car’s power and general handling.
As you drive, you’ll sense the engine’s smoothness, speed, and ease of acceleration, giving you insight into the car’s overall condition. Being able to identify issues with handling may give you leverage over the price of a used car. If handling isn’t a major concern and if rough performance isn’t an indicator of underlying mechanical issues, you may be able to offer a lower price in order to take the car off the dealership’s hands.
6. Use Bumper Stickers and Minor Damage as Leverage
Not only do bumper stickers remind the buyer that the car is used, but getting them off without scratches or paint chips is unlikely. Fully removing bumper stickers might require minor repairs. If you notice that there are stickers on a vehicle you are interested in, do not be afraid to haggle. This same rule of thumb applies to other damages like broken lights, windshields, windows, etc.
Reach out to Mile High Car Company for Used Cars in Colorado Springs
Before purchasing a used car, review the above information to estimate the value of the vehicle(s) you’re interested in.
If you are looking for a better buying experience, reach out to our representatives at the Mile High Car Company today. Tell us about your make model and other car preferences, and we will help improve your car buying and car selling experience.
Our customers appreciate our simple buying process. If you are looking for a car dealer focused on helping customers with bad or good credit obtain vehicles at competitive quality prices, then reach out to the Mile High Car Company today. Browse through our website, send us an email, or give us a call to learn more about our repair services and buying options for customers in the Colorado Springs area.
