Remember These Factors When Choosing Between a New and Used Car

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When you decide it is time to update your old car or get your first one, you will need to decide whether you want a new or used vehicle. Either option has its benefits, but it is harder to choose today than it used to be.

Considering TechnologyUsed Car Birmingham

One important thing to consider when choosing between a new and used Toyota or another model is the technology. In today’s modern world, technology and safety features tend to advance quickly. This means that if you want to have all the latest features available, you will always need a new car. At the same time, it also means that if you just want the basic technology features, like Bluetooth, USB, and auxiliary audio inputs, you can save a lot of money. Since technology advances so quickly, used models with fewer tech features tend to be significantly cheaper due to depreciation.

Pricing

Probably the biggest reason Birmingham drivers choose a used model over a new one is the price. You can easily save thousands of dollars simply by choosing a used version of last year’s model as opposed to the newest one. This makes used or pre-owned vehicles the ideal choice for those on a budget. When considering price, however, don’t forget about fuel economy. Newer models tend to do better in this respect, although the difference is not always significant. In some cases, however, you may end up saving enough money on gas over the car’s lifespan to make up the difference you pay. This is only true, however, when the new and used models are in different generations or include major updates.

When you head to Limbaugh Toyota in Birmingham, Alabama, the team can work with you to figure out how a used car is the better choice for you and show you the wide selection of options.

Things to Notice on a Used Car Test Drive

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Choosing to buy a used Toyota as opposed to a new one can be a great way to save money as long as you know what to look for when making your purchase. While a visual inspection of the car is important, the test drive is the best way to get an idea of what components work well and whether a used car is a good option.

Test Drive Used Toyota Limbaugh Toyota

Before the Test Drive

Start any used car test drive with a quick visual inspection. Walk around to look for cracks or chips on the windshield. Open the trunk to make sure it has enough space for your needs. When you get inside the car, take a few minutes to look around before turning it on. Make sure it smells fine, without a hint of smoke or dirt. Glance at the interior to see whether there are any stains that look hard to remove. Check the blind spots and ease of access to the controls.

While Driving

During your used car test drive, try to pick a route with a range of surfaces, such as bumpy roads and smooth ones, and drive through the city and on the highway. Pay attention to the smoothness with which the transmission shifts, how the brakes work, and whether various components work, including the air-conditioning, heating, and wipers. Look out for unusual noises and whether the car pulls to one side or drives straight.

By following the above tips, it should be easy to make sure that the used vehicle you test-drive at Limbaugh Toyota in Birmingham, Alabama, is in good shape and right for you.

Why Buy a Used Toyota from a Dealership

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When you are in the market for a good used Toyota, do you check your local newspaper or classified ads, surf the Internet, or go to a used car lot? One of the best ways to shop for a used Toyota is visiting a quality dealership.

Benefits of a Dealershipused toyota

Choosing a car dealership to purchase a used car will give you the most value for your money. Most dealerships only offer vehicles, such as Toyotas, that have been inspected. Each used car that goes on a quality dealership’s lot has first gone through a thorough inspection to make sure it is in the best possible condition. If any repairs are needed, they are done by certified technicians. This allows you to shop from cars that are higher quality than those offered by private locations.

Dealership Credibility

It is generally preferable to shop for a used car at a dealership rather than from a used car lot or a private party. A dealership can secure a CARFAX® report on each car and disclose its information to the potential buyer. You will know how many previous owners the vehicle had and whether it has ever been in an accident.

A dealership is an established business in a given area, whereas used car lots can be here today and gone tomorrow. You can trust a dealership to still be there after the purchase and when the vehicle needs servicing or repairs. Dealerships are staffed with certified technicians and professional sales associates.

If you live anywhere in the Birmingham area, come in to Limbaugh Toyota and let us help you select the right used Toyota for your needs. Limbaugh Toyota is a family-owned business located conveniently just minutes from downtown Birmingham. Our professional associates are ready to help you make shopping for a used Toyota a pleasurable experience!

What to Look for in a Used Toyota

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The purchase of a used car can be stressful. You may not feel confident checking a vehicle out, but there are signs you can look for that will help ensure you get a reliable vehicle.

What to Look for

Some problems to look for when in the market for a used Toyota are drips under the engine. You can do this while the vehicle is running or after it’s been parked for some time. Excessive oil on the engine block and other components can also be indicators of problems. Rust on the body lets you know if it’s been taken care of. Check the tires for uneven wear, as this can be a sign of a front-end alignment issues.

checking tire pressure cap

Check the Interior

How is the interior kept? Chances are, if a person takes care of the interior, he or she will also take care of the engine. Look for rips in the seat, check all seat belts, and check the flooring. Take a peek for paperwork in the glove box. Are there receipts for repair work, new tires, and brake work, etc.? Make sure everything inside works as well, such as the power windows, locks, and seats. Check the radio/CD player, the heater/AC, windshield wipers and defroster, along with any other technology the car is equipped with.

 

Leave the Engine Running

Listen to the engine. Can you hear noisy lifters? Other funny sounds? Look at the tailpipe with the engine running. Is there water dripping? Is it smoking? With the engine running, shift the transmission from Park to Drive to Reverse. You should not hear a dull clunk when shifting from Drive to Reverse and back again. If you do, the U-joint may be going out.

 

Test Drive

Most importantly, take the car for a test drive, and not just around the block. Take it out on the freeway where you can kick it up and make sure there is no shimmy or pulling. Check that the engine doesn’t cut out when you step on the gas, that the transmission shifts from gear to gear properly and smoothly, and that it seems generally roadworthy. Test the brakes several times. Ask for a CARFAX® report, if one is available.

 

The trained professionals at Limbaugh Toyota are here to help you choose the right car for your needs at the right price for your budget. Our vehicles have been inspected, and we can offer you history on the car when available. Stop by today and take one of our vehicles for a test drive.

5 Factors That Can Affect A Used Car’s Price

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What can affect a car’s depreciation and resale value? Some of the answers might be no-brainers, while others might leave you stunned. Here are five things that can (and probably do) affect the resale value of your vehicle.

Toyota Camry 2010

Mileage

The make and model of your car has some impact on resale value, but the most attractive thing about any used vehicle is the amount of miles that have (not) been put on it. A low odometer reading signifies less wear and tear- inside and out- and will make you vehicle more attractive in comparison to other models of the same year.

Optional features

Choosing features that will specifically add to the comfort and safety of your vehicle are the ones that will add to the resale value. Things like power locks and windows, cruise control, anti-lock brakes, and a navigation system are all features to consider. A CD player and auxiliary port wouldn’t be too shabby, either.

Car color

As silly as it may sound, car color is a key factor in the resale value of your vehicle. Gray, white, black, and tan are more likely to be sold on the lot five years from now than that eggplant color you have been eyeing. If you have plans to resell, you will have much better luck if you stick to neutral colors.

Cleanliness

Even if your car just needs a good detailing when you go to sell it, people will assume that if you cannot take the time to keep it smelling nice and looking fresh, you certainly did not take the time to get it serviced regularly. Keep it clean!

Economy

This one is obvious to you, huh? Fuel economy is an integral part of your search for a new vehicle, and it is no less integral to those looking to buy used. Just remember: there is a definite positive correlation between MPGs and resale value; the higher one, the higher the other!

This list is by no means comprehensive; there are several other factors that come into play. Rest assured, though. Toyota has one of the highest resale values of any car manufacturer in the market today. Roll on in to Limbaugh Toyota now and check it out for yourself.