Five Questions You Haven’t Asked Yourself About Buying a Used Car

Ever had a bad case of nerves when it comes to buying a used car? A relatively common condition, the symptoms of acute buying-a-used-car-itis include everything from shaking, sweaty hands to thoughts of giving up driving completely. As you’re looking for used cars for sale in Greensboro, NC, wouldn’t it be helpful if there were a cure for this all too common condition? Lucky for you, the cure is relatively simple (and painless).

Before heading in to a respected used car dealership (like Monarch Auto Sales in Greensboro, NC), be sure to ask yourself the right questions. Most people know to ask their dealer about the history of a given used car, but they often forget to look beyond it. So, when you get a case of cold feet before purchasing that special used car, be sure you have the answers to the following questions:

What are other people saying about it?

Comb through car reviews on sites like Edmunds.com and even check out what people are saying on car/dealer forums. Do you know anyone with the particular make or model you are considering? Ask them for their opinion! (You could even ask that friendly neighbor down the street!) The more you know about the make and model of the used car you are considering, the better prepared you will be come buying day.

How much will it be worth?

Beyond researching a used car’s current value on sites like Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds.com, it’s a good idea to look at how much and how quickly the car’s worth has depreciated over time. This is an especially important point to consider, if you plan to trade in the vehicle at any point.

Do its miles really matter?

Although the number of miles on a used car should be taken into account, a CARFAX or other thorough used car history report can often tell you more than the odometer. For example, a car may have above-average mileage that was mostly accumulated on the highway. This is particularly important to note, because highway miles can cause less wear and tear to a car’s engine and transmission than the same amount of miles driven in the city.

Has everyone taken a look under the hood?

Even if you know a lot about cars, it may be a worthwhile investment of time (and in some cases, money) to invite someone to inspect the car you are considering. So, don’t go it alone! Besides giving you some additional peace of mind, a trusted mechanic or friend can serve as an unbiased third party when it comes to discussing the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a particular model or used car.

Did I take it on the mother of all test drives?

Driving the car around the block for five minutes isn’t nearly enough time to test-drive a used vehicle. Choose a 30-minute route that is very similar to your daily driving experience. Be sure you include a mix of freeways, city streets, rural roads, and parking lots, to get the most accurate picture.

Prospective used car buyers often view dealers and dealerships as the enemy; however, at Monarch Auto Sales in Greensboro, NC, we aim to ensure that all of those nagging questions in the back of your mind have been answered, and that you come in on buying day without even the teeniest case of buying-a-used-car-itis.

The quality of our vehicles speaks for itself (as do the thorough used car history reports). We work with our customers everyday to ensure that they have all the information they need to make a well-informed choice when it comes to purchasing a used car. So if you’re looking for quality used cars for sale in Greensboro, NC, visit or call Monarch Auto Sales today.