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Used Car Mileage: How Many Miles are Too Many?

5 Things to Do Before You Buy Used Cars in Kansas City

Does the idea of shopping for used cars stress you out? Traditionally, buying a used car from a buy here pay here dealership can feel overwhelming and downright intimidating. Especially when you don’t know much about how cars work. If you’re worried about things like mileage, tires, warranties, keep calm, and check out our tips for buying used cars in Kansas City.

1. Your Journey to Buying a Used Car Starts at Home

Before you concern yourself with mileage and other aspects of a used car, you need to figure out what kind of car you can afford. Unfortunately, when you see the sticker price on a car, it’s only representing the vehicle itself. It doesn’t factor in costs like insurance, maintenance, and gasoline to get you places. That doesn’t mean you have to choose the cheapest car you find. After all, if you get your hands on a lemon, you could end up paying a lot of money in repair costs. All you need to do is take the time to thoroughly research used cars in Kansas Citythat suit your lifestyle and budget. Most used car dealerships offer some form of financing, so make sure you ask your dealer how they can help you pay for your used car.

Used Cars in Kansas City

2. Find a Reputable Buy Here Pay Here Dealership That Makes Buying Used Cars Simple

Buying a used car is a very personal and expensive decision. Getting to buy here pay here dealerships that have a reputation for selling quality used cars is essential to getting a reliable car. Your concerns should always be taken seriously, and you should feel comfortable throughout the entire process. If there is any point where you feel pressured, overwhelmed, or intimidated by a salesperson, get to another dealership right away.

3. Before You Check the Mileage, Take a Walk

Once you see a car that could be the right fit for you, resist the temptation to immediately hop in the driver’s seat. While we all want top-of-line features and brand-new parts, sometimes our budgets don’t allow for those perks. That means you need to walk around used cars to take a quick visual assessment of repairs you might need in the future. Many salespeople who work at buy here pay here car dealerships are there to help you with looking at your car for defects, but they don’t know every detail about each car in their inventory. So, it’s up to you to take a little extra time to check out the outside of your potential new car. Take a few moments to look at tires, test the suspension, and look for damage on the body. Finding flaws in used cars is an opportunity to negotiate a lower price if the dealership doesn’t offer to fix them before you purchase the car.

4. Let’s Get to It - How Many Miles on a Used Car Is Too Many?

The answer to this question truly relies on your budget and the car you want. The more money you have to spend on a used car, the less mileage it will have. In the past, they advised that you avoid used cars with over 100,000 miles. However, with modern advancements in automotive technology, used car experts now recommend that you avoid used vehicles with over 200,000 miles. What’s more important is that you ask about its previous maintenance schedule and what parts have been replaced. Ask about the timing belt and chain, brakes, and transmission. If you can’t find information about the history of a used car, it’s probably not worth the test drive.

5. Talk to Your Dealership About Maintenance and Warranties Before You Sign

If you choose a reputable buy here pay here dealership, they should be more than willing to help you understand the details of a warranty. Your business is important, and you deserve to know every detail about the cost and maintenance of your vehicle. Never be afraid to ask questions about the fine print before you buy used cars. Many used car dealerships also have incredible mechanics on staff to ensure their used cars are safe for the next buyer and to keep your car running like it should. Talk to your dealer about discounts on your first oil change, and if they can recommend a maintenance schedule for your automobile.

Auto Bank Is Your Buy Here Pay Here Dealership for the Best Used Cars in Kansas City

Don’t let another used car dealership leave you out in the cold this winter. Turn to the automotive experts at Auto Bank Kansas City to help you get into a quality used car just in time for bad weather. We have a wide range of used cars, trucks, and SUVs to choose from, and we always offer financing options at both of our buy here pay here car dealerships. Come and visit our two convenient locations to speak with one of our amazing team members about getting pre-approved for a used vehicle. Call our East Truman Road location at (816) 241-7880 or our East Front Street location at (816) 231-9300 to ask about our inventory or schedule a test drive.