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The pre-owned vehicle market is a big one, and it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish the good from the bad. With so many used cars for sale, how do you know which ones are worth buying?
According to reports, the used car shipment was recorded at 102.8 million units in 2019.
While new cars are typically warranted for some time after their purchase, your pre-owned Mitsubishi may not offer this same protection. What’s more, depending on the year and model you choose, a new car’s warranty can expire before the vehicle reaches 100k miles – meaning you’ll have to cover any future repairs out of pocket.
Here are the top features to look for at the official website of any pre-owned car dealer.
1) Six Years of Coverage
A six-year warranty is a perfect selling point for pre-owned cars. Depending on the model, new Mitsubishi vehicles come with a three-year/36k mile warranty, while others offer five years for no extra charge.
It means you’ll have some options when making your purchase.
Coverage will take care of the following things:
a) Power train
b) Power train for 2016 and 2017 models
c) Cooling system
d) Emission control
e) Fuel delivery system
f) Seats, seatbelts, and armrests
g) Windows & windshield wipers
h) Audio components (if equipped by the carmaker).
2) Check the Dealer’s Certification
How much experience a dealer has in selling pre-owned cars can make a big difference. Some dealers might be new to this line of business, meaning their knowledge and expertise might be limited.
In turn, you’ll want to look for automotive professionals who have been around for at least five years. The experts have proven they know the ins and outs of selling used cars and help the customers find the perfect model for their needs.
3) Contact Carfax or Autocheck to Verify History
Used car reports are a great way to see what kind of history your pre-owned Mitsubishi might have had. While some dealers will offer these reports for free, others might charge a fee for them.
If you’re considering a pre-owned car with little mileage, like an ex-rental or company vehicle, it might be worth it to pay for these services.
4) Shop the Competition
Don’t just look at one dealer when shopping around. For new Mitsubishi vehicles, it’s possible to find a dealer that can give you the best price.
Don’t forget; dealers will often provide online pricing tools to tell you what other customers paid for their pre-owned car. It can be helpful because it shows if the asking price is close to fair market value or not.
5) Prices are Negotiable
You can negotiate the price of your pre-owned Mitsubishi depending on the year, make, model, mileage, and condition. This is true even if you’re looking at a dealer with no advertised pricing.
Whether it’s an ex-lease vehicle or one that a private party has owned, remember that the dealer wants to make maximum profit on the sale. You can ask for a better price and, in many cases, it’s possible to get one.
6) Look at Online Reviews
Look at their online reviews before buying your pre-owned Mitsubishi from one particular dealer. Whether they’re available on their official website or social media platforms, a dealer’s online reputation can say much about their overall business.
If you are trying for a car loan before going to the dealer, look at your credit union’s website or other financial institutions to see what kind of feedback they have from previous customers.
7) You Can Negotiate More Than One Car Deal
If you find a Mitsubishi you like at one dealership, don’t stop there. Have the dealer run your credit and see what kind of rates they can offer you on another pre-owned vehicle in their inventory.
With so many dealers offering online pricing tools, it’s not uncommon for them to match the price of another dealership.
8) Check For Insurance Discounts
Buying a pre-owned car might be cheaper than buying a new one, but you’ll have to pay for insurance. That being said, it’s possible to get insurance discounts by going with a company that offers this perk.
Some dealers will offer their coverage plan, so be sure to ask about discounts if your current provider can’t compete with their rates.
9) Lease a Pre-owned Car
If the idea of being responsible for repairs and maintenance doesn’t sound appealing, you can have someone else do it by leasing a pre-owned car.
Take out a low monthly payment to use this vehicle for several years. Turn your lease in and walk away without any extra fees when that period is up.
You can get better rates and lower monthly payments by going with the same dealer or one that works with your financial institution.
