How to Get the Used Car You Want
Follow These Tips When You Visit a Used Car Dealership
Shopping for the right set of wheels can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack. One minute you're browsing online listings, the next you're standing on a lot hoping you’ll be approved for the shiny sedan you want.
When you shop for a new ride, you want one that you actually like — you like how it looks, you like how it drives, and you like how it makes you feel when you’re behind the wheel.
Follow our tips to get the used car you want when you visit a used car dealership in Indiana.
The Secret to Finding Amazing Used Cars
Most people walk onto a car lot without a game plan. Big mistake. Huge.
Your search should start at home, long before you're taking a test drive at a used car dealership. Set a real-world budget that includes not just the sticker price, but the whole package, which means insurance, gas, maintenance, and those unexpected repairs that pop up. Confidential & Proprietary 1 Make a list of non-negotiable features versus nice-to-haves. Need something that can handle Indiana winters? Four-wheel or all-wheel drive moves from "maybe" to "must." Commuting 40 miles each way? Fuel efficiency just became your new best friend. But that moonroof, on the other hand, is probably not essential.
Research Before Visiting Used Cars Dealerships
The internet has transformed car buying forever. You can browse inventory by searching for “used car dealerships near me” without leaving your couch. For example, at Quick Auto, our online inventory shows you what's available across all seven of our locations.
Don't just look at pictures. Check vehicle histories, compare similar models from different years, and read owner reviews. That 2019 model might have better tech, but the 2018 could be more reliable. That’s the kind of detail that doesn't show up in glossy photos.
Pro tip: Call ahead to confirm the rides you're interested in are still available. Nothing wastes time like driving to see a car that was sold yesterday.
The Documentation Dance For Used Cars Shopping
Nothing kills a deal faster than showing up unprepared. We've seen excited buyers walk away empty-handed because they forgot basic paperwork.
Bring your ID (driver's license or state ID), recent pay stubs or tax returns, and proof of address (utility bills work great).
The sales team at a used car dealership isn't asking for these things to make your life difficult. They're requirements for financing approval. Come prepared, and you'll zip through paperwork while unprepared shoppers are still making phone calls home.
The Art Of Inspecting Used Cars
Exterior Assessment
Run your fingers along panel seams. Uneven gaps often signal previous damage. Check door edges and jambs, often overlooked during repaints after accidents. Squat down and look along the body from multiple angles, as ripples in the reflection can reveal hidden dents.
Interior Detective Work
That "new car smell" in a used car? It could be masking something. Sniff for mildew (possible water damage) or excessive air freshener (hiding odors). Test every button, knob, and feature, even ones you think you'll never use. Not every used car dealership near you is as thorough as Quick Auto!
The Revealing Test Drive
Drive on various road surfaces. That smooth dealership parking lot won't reveal suspension issues like the potholed side street will. Accelerate from a full stop, brake firmly (when safe), and take at least one highway on-ramp to test merging power.
Used car dealerships in Indiana vary in their inspection standards. At Quick Auto, each vehicle undergoes a multi-point inspection before hitting our lot, but we still encourage thorough personal testing.
Financing Used Cars Without the Headache
Money talks, especially when it comes to car buying. A bigger down payment almost always means better terms and lower monthly costs. Even an extra $500 down can significantly impact your payment schedule. Some used car dealerships also have a required down payment amount, especially if they finance in house.
Payment timing matters, too. Weekly payments can sometimes be easier to manage than monthly ones by breaking a large sum into smaller bites. Just make sure the payment schedule aligns with your paycheck cycle; you know your finances and we’re here to work with your needs, not against them.
Making Your Used Car Dealership Visit Count
Bring a notebook and take pictures. In the excitement of car shopping, details blur together after visiting multiple places. Your notes will save you when comparing later.
Ask about previous owners and maintenance records. A one-owner ride with a documented service history is often worth paying more for than a mystery car with an incomplete background, even if you might dig the trim on the mystery car.
Don't rush, even if you fall in love with the first car you see. The right ride at the wrong terms can become a daily reminder of a hasty decision.
Why Quick Auto Excels Among Used Car Dealerships
Seven locations across Indiana, Michigan, and Illinois mean you're never far from our inventory of over 150 vehicles. Our 18-month protection plan covers your purchase long after you drive off the lot, something many used car dealerships don't offer.
We pride ourselves on transparent pricing. The number on the windshield (or online) is what you'll pay, with no mysterious fees appearing in the final paperwork. Our team members are car people first, sales people second. We won't push you toward something that's wrong for your needs just to make a sale.
The Final Drive
Finding your perfect used car combines preparation, patience, and making good choices. Armed with knowledge and the right expectations, you can feel confident while you shop.
At Quick Auto, we're ready when you are. Browse our inventory or stop by one of our convenient locations. Your next great car is waiting, and now you know exactly how to find it.
