Feb 19, 2022

Used cars in Sarasota are hotter than ever before. That’s not just because new vehicles are coming with incomplete feature sets, either. It’s because people realized during the height of the pandemic that pre-owned models just leave a little more money left over for a rainy day. Things might be looking a little sunnier these days, but that doesn’t mean saving money ever goes out of fashion. As a used car dealer in Sarasota, FL, we recommend these few basic steps to get a pre-owned model on your team this year.

How to Shop for Used Cars near Me

Every car buyer brings their own strategies and wish list into a negotiation. The trick is to buy used cars for sale that come from a flexible dealership. Don’t work with dealerships that refuse to negotiate on price or who offer very few specials or incentives. Sarasota Ford is one of the most generous used car dealers in Sarasota, FL, so you can count on us to be flexible. To get started on your next pre-owned buy, consider following this brief blueprint.

Price Range

Used cars for sale will all have a starting price, but that should rarely be the final price on a vehicle. Dealerships should offer incentives and give you room to maneuver into a higher price range. We recommend setting a range instead of a maximum price. Go a little higher than you believe you can, and be open to going a little lower, too. Sometimes a great model will go on sale, and the dip in price won’t reflect quality.

Make a List

This list should be checked way more than twice. Your list of acceptable vehicles from Sarasota Ford will give you multiple options to choose from in case one model rolls out of inventory, doesn’t meet your test drive expectations, or goes up in price. Once you’ve got your list of possible models, you’re ready to research.

Knowledge is Power

It’s cliché, but that’s because it’s very true. Researching the history of your favorite used models will give you a sense of how well they hold up over the years or last. A vehicle history report is free from Sarasota Ford and gives you the personal history of the model itself. You’ll see how many people owned it when it was repaired (if ever), and changes on the title (if any).

Test Drive

All used vehicles will have some miles on them, so we recommend test driving the vehicle to test out points like its steering, braking, and acceleration performance. Drivers usually know very quickly if a used vehicle is compatible with their own style of driving.

Sarasota Ford is Here to Help

You can browse through our website without even talking to a sales team member, but it’s always a good idea to touch base with a salesperson once you get very serious about taking home a model. Just call us when you’re ready to take a concrete step to buy your next pre-owned or CPO vehicle. Just call, write, or visit.

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