Used Car Buying: 3 Secrets to Avoid Buying A Lemon
There are plenty of used cars for sale in Harrisonburg, VA! If you’re looking to buy a preowned car, you can certainly find one here.
The trick, however, isn’t really to find a used car, is it? The trick is to buy a vehicle that you feel good about. No second thoughts when you plunk down your money.
There’s nothing worse than realizing after the sale you just bought someone else’s problems! How can you avoid that? We offer up three secrets to help you buy with confidence.
Used Car Buying: Privately or Dealership?
Privately--If you can place an ad, you can list a car for sale. That’s how easy it is to find a used car or truck. If you choose to go the private route, recognize you’ll have to do a little more homework to protect yourself and your potential investment.
First, ask to see all of the owner’s car repair receipts of the vehicle you’re thinking about buying. Then talk with the owner’s mechanic about the repairs that were made.
Then have your own mechanic check out the vehicle. You may also do a search online to find out the history of the vehicle. Was it involved in any accidents? How many owners has it had?
Find out everything you can about the car before you buy it. If for any reason the car gives you trouble right after the purchase, understand that you will be responsible for the repairs. The previous owner is just that. Previous. The vehicle is now your responsibility.
Take extra care from private sellers who only want cash or will not provide you with their home address or phone number.
Check guides like the Kelley Blue Book or NADA for pricing comparisons. Lastly, protect yourself against fraud. Before you buy, check the Vehicle Identification Number to make sure the vehicle has not been reported stolen.
Dealership—If you buy a used car from our dealership, those additional steps and worries don’t enter the picture. We don’t place the burden on you to make sure the vehicle is solid.
We do that.
As a Carfax Advantage dealership, the vast majority of the used vehicles we sell are Carfax vehicles. That means we have unlimited access to Carfax Reports. This report is extremely valuable as it tells the history of the vehicle.
You can see everything about the vehicle through Carfax Reports. In addition, the Joe Bowman Auto Plaza service department puts the vehicle through a stringent 75-point inspection. The vehicle must pass the inspection, or it is not for sale.
As a Carfax dealership, consumers know that the dealership is committed to selling quality used vehicles. The Carfax banner builds confidence and allows consumers to make quicker, more confident buying decisions.
Get A Warranty for Your Used Car
While buying a preowned car privately won’t afford you this very valuable feature, buying from Joe Bowman Chevy will. We back up every used car sale with a limited warranty, 30 or 90-days, based on mileage.
You can feel confident with your purchase!
Service After the Sale
With a private vehicle transaction, there is no service after the sale. The owner simply wants to sell the vehicle and move on.
At our Harrisonburg car dealership, we want you as a customer for life.
When you buy from us, we want to continue to earn your loyalty. That’s why Joe Bowman customers also get preferred service scheduling over a customer who has not bought from us.
You’ll also never have to pay for car inspections at our dealership for as long as you own the vehicle. And lastly, we provide courtesy transportation while your vehicle is serviced at our shop.
For car buyers who want greater consumer protection and a higher level of service, turn to the pros at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza. We’ve been helping people like you for 60+ years find the vehicle that fits your lifestyle and budget.
The trick, however, isn’t really to find a used car, is it? The trick is to buy a vehicle that you feel good about. No second thoughts when you plunk down your money.
There’s nothing worse than realizing after the sale you just bought someone else’s problems! How can you avoid that? We offer up three secrets to help you buy with confidence.
Used Car Buying: Privately or Dealership?
Privately--If you can place an ad, you can list a car for sale. That’s how easy it is to find a used car or truck. If you choose to go the private route, recognize you’ll have to do a little more homework to protect yourself and your potential investment.
First, ask to see all of the owner’s car repair receipts of the vehicle you’re thinking about buying. Then talk with the owner’s mechanic about the repairs that were made.
Then have your own mechanic check out the vehicle. You may also do a search online to find out the history of the vehicle. Was it involved in any accidents? How many owners has it had?
Find out everything you can about the car before you buy it. If for any reason the car gives you trouble right after the purchase, understand that you will be responsible for the repairs. The previous owner is just that. Previous. The vehicle is now your responsibility.
Take extra care from private sellers who only want cash or will not provide you with their home address or phone number.
Check guides like the Kelley Blue Book or NADA for pricing comparisons. Lastly, protect yourself against fraud. Before you buy, check the Vehicle Identification Number to make sure the vehicle has not been reported stolen.
Dealership—If you buy a used car from our dealership, those additional steps and worries don’t enter the picture. We don’t place the burden on you to make sure the vehicle is solid.
We do that.
As a Carfax Advantage dealership, the vast majority of the used vehicles we sell are Carfax vehicles. That means we have unlimited access to Carfax Reports. This report is extremely valuable as it tells the history of the vehicle.
You can see everything about the vehicle through Carfax Reports. In addition, the Joe Bowman Auto Plaza service department puts the vehicle through a stringent 75-point inspection. The vehicle must pass the inspection, or it is not for sale.
As a Carfax dealership, consumers know that the dealership is committed to selling quality used vehicles. The Carfax banner builds confidence and allows consumers to make quicker, more confident buying decisions.
Get A Warranty for Your Used Car
While buying a preowned car privately won’t afford you this very valuable feature, buying from Joe Bowman Chevy will. We back up every used car sale with a limited warranty, 30 or 90-days, based on mileage.
You can feel confident with your purchase!
Service After the Sale
With a private vehicle transaction, there is no service after the sale. The owner simply wants to sell the vehicle and move on.
At our Harrisonburg car dealership, we want you as a customer for life.
When you buy from us, we want to continue to earn your loyalty. That’s why Joe Bowman customers also get preferred service scheduling over a customer who has not bought from us.
You’ll also never have to pay for car inspections at our dealership for as long as you own the vehicle. And lastly, we provide courtesy transportation while your vehicle is serviced at our shop.
For car buyers who want greater consumer protection and a higher level of service, turn to the pros at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza. We’ve been helping people like you for 60+ years find the vehicle that fits your lifestyle and budget.
