Richmond Toyota

Selecting a Used Car

Selecting the right vehicle type for your lifestyle is very important.  For some this can be easy, but, with so many options and variables, it can be an overwhelming task.  When choosing the body type, you must consider passenger space, cargo space, fuel economy, safety and technological features, and of course, price.  There are ten basic body types to choose from: wagons, sedans, convertibles, coupes, minivans, SUVs, crossovers, trucks, hatchbacks, and sports cars.

Find a model that best fits your needs

Vehicles often play important roles in the American lifestyle.  They are used daily and get you and your family where they need to go, and if you think about it, we spend a lot of time in our cars.  So, you want to find one that offers the right amount of space, power, and comfort.  A good starting place is to recognize high priority needs.  Pay attention to things such a visibility, comfort, and safety features. It is best to enter a dealership knowing what you want, as this will make the whole process much easier.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is a priority for just about every driver.   Smaller vehicles and many midsized models drive with four-cylinder engines, which typically provide the best fuel economy.  Turbocharging allows an engine to produce extra power with only a modest drop in fuel economy.  Six-cylinder engines usually provide the best balance between performance and fuel economy, and they are usually quieter and smoother than four-cylinders.  V8 engines deliver the most power but the lowest gas mileage. A V8 engine is a good choice if you tow heavier loads. The absolute best cars for fuel economy are hybrids and diesels.   Still, hybrids can cost thousands of dollars more to buy than similar conventional used vehicles.

Drivability and Comfort

For some people looking for a used car, acceleration and handling is important. Most sports cars and many coupes fulfill this need, but keep in mind, space will be sacrificed.  Many buyers want something that is both sporty and suitable for a family car. There are a number of sedans and wagons that provide a good balance between the two.  A comfortable interior is important to many. They may look for plush seats, convenience features, and isolation from the outside.  There are many used cars that fit these criteria, including family vehicles. The best way to get a true feel of a used car’s driving experience is to do a thorough test drive yourself

How many passengers will be riding in the vehicle?

 This question can actually eliminate choices.  If you have a family of five, then a sports car or coupe would not be suitable.  If kids are not in the picture, there may be no need for a minivan.  Most vehicles will accommodate five people, although the center-rear position uncomfortable in some small sedans and some sports cars and convertibles are two-seaters.  For seven seats, some SUVs and minivans are the options available.
 

What type of cargo will you carry?

It is important to recognize how much cargo space you will need in a used car.  A truck obviously offers the most room, it is able to carry large loads, and will not dirty the interior. If you carry large items regularly, such as building or nursery supplies, or camping or sports equipment, you may find that a truck, minivan, SUV, or wagon is better suited to your needs, than a sedan with a trunk.  If you prefer a smaller car but with maximized cargo-carrying ability, a hatchback is a good option for a used car. They often have more interior space than a similar-sized car with a trunk, and the rear hatch makes it easier to get large items in and out.

What is your price range?

Prices can vary greatly on a used car, but so can the quality.  Always have a few models within your price range up for consideration, as you will be in a stronger position when it comes time to bargain.  If your top choice falls through, you have a fallback position.  Look online and in local ads to see how much you should be paying for various models.   Instead of going for something for the lowest price possible, you should look for a car in decent condition at a reasonable price.  You will save in the long run on repairs and will have less doubts of breaking down.

Mechanical Aspects

Most used car models are available with only an automatic transmission, but manual-shift used vehicles can certainly be found.  Some prefer manuals because they offer more control, and are more fun to drive. For others, automatic is the only way to go.  You must also decide to go with 2WD or 4WD.  Factors such as the climate you live in, and what the vehicle will be used for.  If you will be driving in slippery conditions, or will be going off road, 4WD is an obvious choice.  All-wheel drive (AWD) is another option; it feeds power to all four wheels. It provides maximum forward traction and is especially helpful in slippery conditions and when driving over moderate off-road terrain. Modern 4WD systems are either full-time, which means they can stay engaged all the time, or automatic, where the vehicle switches between two- and four-wheel drive depending on the driving conditions.   The benefit of driving a 2WD is it gets much better gas mileage than the others.

Research the Used Car

If you are considering a certain vehicle, talk to as many people as possible about their personal experiences with this model.  You may find out things you never knew about it. The internet is a great place to find reviews, and use CARFAX to get the used car’s history, including any accident or flood damage.