Used Car Shopping Like a Pro: Our Top Tips

It’s always exciting to shop for a used vehicle for a reliable way of cruising home in your next ride at an attractive price—but do you know what to look for? To help ensure you score an epic deal and avoid a lemon, you’ll want to check a few specs and perform a few tricks first. The good news is that with a little preparation, you can cruise away in a gem with like-new exhilaration and quality—and today we’ll tell you how. Also, stop by Hilltop Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM (CDJR) in Richmond, CA, to test drive your favorite used vehicles when you’re ready to begin.

Quality Assurance: How to Know You’re Investing in Value

It’s easy to see a sexy car, truck, or SUV, and immediately rush to sign the paperwork—but to help you avoid making a hasty or reckless decision, you’ll want to perform a little bit of planning first. Begin by setting a budget and playing around with our online tools like the payment calculator to get an idea of the down payment you’ll need and the models that can fit into your budget.

Next, explore our online inventory and perform some research to help get an idea of which vehicles fit your style and newly formed budget. Take your time on this step, as we have a massive pre-owned inventory filled with rugged pickups like the RAM 1500, off-roading beasts like the Wrangler, and even world-class sports cars, like the iconic Challenger. Once you see a few models you like, schedule a test drive and move on to the next step.

Test Drive Time: Don’t Be Shy and Don’t Rush

When you arrive, take your time on the test drive, as this is one of the most important steps of the process. Begin by walking around the vehicle and making sure all parts of the exterior meet your standards—also, check out the cargo area to help ensure you have enough room for your needs. Once you open the door and sit inside, don’t take off yet—instead, play around with the infotainment and some of the interior features to see if you’re in a cabin that can keep up with you. Once you drive, cruise at a slow parking lot speed first to check for a slow-speed quality—if everything checks out, go to the highway and test out the exhilaration. If you enjoyed the ride and noticed no red flags/have no questions, you’re usually set to begin moving to the paperwork. If anything grabbed your attention, don’t hesitate to ask a team member and we’ll assist in any way possible.

Unlock Automotive Excellence: Start near Concord, CA

When you’re ready to drive home in your dream vehicle, stop by Hilltop CDJR and schedule a test drive of some of the best used vehicles near San Francisco, CA. We’re also here to guide you, so let us know if you need help finding features you want, like leather-trimmed seats or a heated steering wheel or ask us questions that pop up, even if they’re about used vehicle pricing—it’s the beginning of what we can do for you as your local used car dealership.