- Set a budget.
- Determine your needs.
- Work with the dealership.
- Check the Vehicle History Report.
- Take a test drive.
The team at Ray Price Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is asked about this a lot when drivers from the Tobyhanna and East Stroudsburg areas stop by to check out our used car inventory. So, we broke it down into these five steps, which we'll elaborate on below.
1.Set a Budget
The first step in any car search journey is determining your budget, which will help you clearly define your search parameters. It's a good rule of thumb to spend no more than 20% of your monthly income on vehicle expenses.
In addition to your monthly payment, this includes insurance, maintenance costs, registration fees, and gas. To be safe, it's best to put 10-15% of your monthly income towards your car payment and save the rest for other expenses.
2.Decide What Kind of Car You Need
Finding the right used car is all about making sure you're shopping for a car that meets your needs. If you live in a more mountainous or snowy region, you may want to consider a used car like the Jeep Grand Cherokee that has a drivetrain equipped for tough terrain and inclement weather.
On the other hand, if you regularly carpool the team to baseball practice, the Chrysler Pacifica may have the interior space you need to meet the demands of your busy lifestyle. Taking the time to consider what you want your car to deliver is key to any successful car search.
3.Work with the Dealership
When you're trying to find the used car that's right for you, your local dealership can be an invaluable resource. Used car dealerships carry an extensive inventory of the region's most popular makes and models, so if there's something you're looking for, you're more likely to find it here.
Dealerships may also offer warranties, especially on their certified pre-owned (CPO) inventory, which has undergone a rigorous multi-point inspection and comes with a limited factory-backed warranty. Contact our dealership to learn more about how we can work with you to find your next used car.
4.Check the Vehicle History Report
While we strive to ensure that every car on our lot meets our high standards, we also provide the extra peace of mind of an AutoCheck® vehicle history report (VHR). Inside, you'll find a detailed account of the car's history, including:
- Number of previous owners
- Title and accident history
- Odometer readings and rollback alerts
Wherever you choose to find your next used car, be sure to ask for the VHR, so you know exactly what you're inheriting from the previous owner, if anything.
5.Find the Right Used Car by Taking a Test Drive
The final step to take when finding the right used car is a test drive. Get behind the wheel and take it for a spin around the Mount Pocono, Tobyhanna, and Stroudsburg areas. This is the best way to ensure the car is the right fit for your drives through Scranton or East Stroudsburg.
If you see a car you want to take for a test drive or you have more questions about how to find the right used car, contact the team at Ray Price Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and we'll be happy to help.