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 Dealership

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!

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.

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.