It can be a daunting task to find a used SUV for sale in Pinellas County. If you are looking for a vehicle that can accommodate your family, be a reliable companion on Florida road trips, or be a spacious vehicle to run errands in, it is important to take the time and do some research.
If you make the right choice, a used SUV can be incredibly valuable. This ultimate checklist will help you to shop with confidence and ensure you get a car that suits your lifestyle and budget, as well as your needs.
1. Set Your Budget
Establish a realistic budget before you begin shopping. Consider additional costs such as taxes, registration, insurance and immediate repairs.
You can narrow down your search by knowing what you have to spend. This will prevent you from buying a car that is too expensive.
2. Define your needs
SUVs are available in a variety of sizes and configurations. You should consider your lifestyle to determine the features that are most important.
Are you looking for a vehicle with a third row seat to accommodate a growing family. Do you prioritize towing capability or cargo space? Fuel efficiency is important for daily commutes or road trips.
List your must-haves, and then list the nice-to-haves. This will help you compare vehicles and not get distracted by features that you might not use.
3. Check Vehicle History
Reviewing the history of a used car is one of the most crucial steps to take when purchasing a vehicle. Ask the seller for a Carfax Vehicle History Report (or an equivalent) or ask to see one.
Watch for red flags like:
- Previous accident damage
- Odometer discrepancies or rollbacks
- Ownership changes frequently
- History of Flood or Salvage title
You can be confident that the vehicle has been well-maintained and is free of serious problems if you have a clean vehicle history report.
4. Inspection the SUV thoroughly
It’s important to inspect the SUV carefully, even if it looks great at first. Or, better yet, let a trusted mechanic do so.
Check out the following:
- Check for tread depth and even wear on tires. Uneven wear may indicate alignment or suspension issues.
- Brakes and suspension – Make sure the brakes are responsive and smooth.
- Exterior: Look for signs of previous repairs, such as dents, rust or paint that is not matched.
- Check for corrosion or leaks under the vehicle.
- Interior: Check the lights, windows and locks. Adjust seat heights, and check upholstery for excessive wear.
5. Take a test drive
Test drive the SUV! You can see the performance of the SUV on the road. Attention:
- Alignment and steering feel
- Braking responsiveness
- Smoothness of acceleration
- Unusual noises (rattles, squeaks, etc.)
- Features like the A/C system, heater, infotainment, and backup camera are functional.
You may not notice certain issues during a visual inspection.
6. Verify ownership and title
Be sure to check the title of the SUV before you buy. Verify that there are no liens against the SUV and that the title is in the seller’s own name.
You can avoid legal and financial problems by having a clear title.
7. Get to Know the Return and Warranty Policies
Redemption Auto Sales is one such used car dealer that offers warranties and service contracts to give you extra peace of mind.
If you find problems with the vehicle soon after purchasing it, ask what is covered and for how long. Also, find out if there are any options to exchange or return the car.
Final Thoughts
This checklist will help you feel more confident when you are shopping for an used SUV in Pinellas County. Do your research, take your time and don’t hurry the process.
You can enjoy Florida’s roads for many miles to come with a well-planned, thorough search and an affordable, reliable SUV that suits your needs.
This post was written by a professional at Redemption Auto Sales. Redemption Auto Sales is a trusted used car dealership located at 11001 Seminole Blvd in Largo, FL. Serving Pinellas County, they offer a wide selection of quality used cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans. As a certified Carfax dealer, every vehicle comes with a detailed history report. They provide flexible financing, accept trade-ins, and are committed to a hassle-free, no-haggle buying experience. Visit 200autos.com or call (727) 200-2468 to learn more.