Shopping for a used car can be a little overwhelming sometimes! A quick Google search will quickly inundate you with hundreds of different vehicles, even if you know what you want! If you’re still deciding on what sort of make, model, and features you want, it’s hard to know where to start! At Auto Province, we’ll try to help you navigate the used car market, giving you some pointers on what to look for in a used car. While the specifics are up to you, everybody wants to find a car they feel good about, and most of us want to walk away feeling like we got a fair deal. Our used car dealership in Castle Rock, Colorado, has a selection of used trucks and SUVs just south of Denver, and we aim to deliver on both those wants. We do things differently at our used car dealership, without the pressure and shady sales tactics you’ll find at the other dealership. We’re just here to help you find a great car at a great price. Visit Auto Province in Castle Rock to find your next used SUV for sale. 

Buy Used, Certified Pre-Owned or New?

When you’re deciding on your next car, the first thing you should work out is probably whether you prefer to buy a new, used, or CPO car. Of course, there are merits to all three! We’ll start with the obvious: we’d all prefer a new car to a used one. You get the best reliability, all the latest features, a bumper-to-bumper warranty, and of course, that new car smell. Of course, all those benefits come with quite the added cost, and depreciation can make short work of your vehicle in just a year or two. Buying CPO is a great middle ground bridging new and used vehicles. Sure, you pay a premium when compared to the rest of the used market, but you’re getting a refurbished vehicle that’s been rigorously inspected, and usually comes with warranty protection. It’ll save you money when compared to buying new, but CPO cars can be surprisingly pricey. Of course, buying used offers the best savings, helping you dodge the initial depreciation of your vehicle, while saving you on taxes, insurance, and a range of other hidden costs. There’s more risk to buying used, though, as you likely won’t have any warranty protection. Even so, with the savings and the massive selection of used cars to choose from, people are choosing used cars more than ever. Shop for your new used truck for sale near Denver with Auto Province!

How Old Should Your Used Car Be?

The reality is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. You can easily find a 10-year-old Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado that’ll last you another 10 years. Conversely, the opposite is also true! If you’re looking for the best mix of affordability and reliability, we’d advise you to consider cars that are about 3 to 5 years old. During those first few years, most cars lose about 40 to 50 percent of their value, which makes it a great time for savvy drivers to swoop in and find a deal. Of course, as you opt for older cars, you’ll find they become increasingly affordable, but that can be a marginal game. After five years, cars are cheaper to purchase, but more expensive to maintain. Service records might be more important than age and mileage, though, as cars with a strong service record are likely to last longer than those with a spotty history. Before purchasing an older model, be sure to research potential maintenance milestones and get a feel for how long that car should last you. 

How to Find a Reliable Used Car

We get it, used car dealerships don’t have the best reputation. We like to think we do things differently, but you shouldn’t take someone’s word as gospel when searching for a used car. Whenever you’re shopping for a used vehicle, trust, but verify. We’d recommend hiring a third party for a pre-purchase inspection, so you know exactly what you’re getting into. Most auto repair shops across the country are happy to perform an inspection for a fee. While it might cost a couple of hundred dollars up front, it’s better than getting stuck with unexpected repairs right after you purchase. If you’re looking for reliability, stick to brands and models with a history of longevity. Brands like Toyota, Honda, and Subaru are all heralded for long-lasting powertrains that are easy to maintain. 

Find Your Next Used Car for Sale in Castle Rock with Auto Province

Still not sure what sort of used car you’re looking for? Take a look at our inventory of SUVs and trucks for sale in Castle Rock! Visit Auto Province to take your next car for a test drive today.