Elevate Your Buying Experience with Luxurious, Premium Used Car Buying Guide.

The used car market has been full of ups and downs lately. Prices have changed a lot. From 2016 to 2021, used car prices went up by 36%¹. In 2022, prices skyrocketed. In March, they went from $8,032 in March 2021 to $34,429 in March 2022, 75% higher¹.

This big price jump and high inflation have made some people hold off on buying cars¹. But from January to May 2022, things have looked up. The cost of used cars went down month by month¹.

Our guide will help you sail through the used car buying journey. It’s all about finding the right car for you. It matches your lifestyle and budget, be it a top-notch used car, a brand-new luxury model, or a certified pre-owned car. We have tips for every aspect of the purchase.

Key Takeaways

• Understand the current trends in the used car market, including price fluctuations and factors driving them.
• Explore the different options available, including new luxury vehicles, high-quality used cars, and certified pre-owned luxury cars.
• Learn about the advantages of certified pre-owned vehicles, such as rigorous inspection processes and extended warranty coverage.
• Discover effective strategies for researching vehicle history, understanding warranties, and negotiating the best price.
• Gain insights into the best times to buy a used vehicle and how to evaluate potential purchases.

Understanding Your Options

At Circle INFINITI in West Long Branch, New Jersey, finding the right car is easy. We have many choices for all kinds of buyers. Whether you want the latest luxury or a great value used car, we’ve got you covered.

New Luxury Vehicles

Looking for the newest in luxury? Our INFINITI cars are top-notch. They offer the latest tech, beautiful designs, and comfort like no other². With over 1 million cars to compare, you’ll find the right fit for your lifestyle and budget easily.

High-Quality Used Cars

Want to save some money but still enjoy quality? Check out our used cars. They come in many styles and price ranges, fitting every budget². Used cars let you enjoy more features without the high cost of a brand-new car.

Certified Pre-Owned Luxury Cars

Prefer a good deal with a strong warranty? Our Certified Pre-Owned INFINITIs are a great option. These cars have low miles, passed a strict inspection, and have extended warranties³. They’re almost as good as new and offer great peace of mind.

At Circle INFINITI, we’re here to help you find your perfect car. Whether you choose a new luxury, a used car, or a Certified Pre-Owned, we’ll guide you. Our goal is to make sure you drive off happy in a car that meets your needs and budget.

The Certified Pre-Owned Advantage

Buying a used luxury car through the certified pre-owned (CPO) option offers many benefits. CPO programs aim to give buyers a top-notch, worry-free shopping experience⁴. Nearly every major carmaker has its own CPO program, including top luxury and non-luxury brands⁵.

Rigorous Inspection Process

Any CPO vehicle must pass a strict inspection before it can go on sale⁵. These vehicles are thoroughly checked, looking at 100 to 160 different points which cover how they look, their engine, and their safety⁵. Qualified technicians do this inspection, making sure these cars meet the high standards set by their brand⁶.

Extended Warranty Coverage

One big perk of a CPO car is its comprehensive warranty⁴. Under this, luxury cars often get a seven-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty⁴. For non-luxury brands, it might offer a 12-month, 12,000-mile powertrain warranty on CPO cars⁴. Also, extra benefits like roadside help and free services can add peace of mind⁴.

Specifically for INFINITI and other luxury brands, this warranty might include more than just powertrain coverage⁵. In some cases, you can even buy an extended warranty for added protection⁵.

The detailed inspection and the long warranty are why many choose CPO for high-end, used luxury cars⁴⁵⁶.

Researching the Vehicle History

When you want to buy a used car, checking its history is key. You can find out a lot about its past like its condition and troubles it had. At Circle INFINITI, we make sure to share all the details with our customers. We provide full vehicle history reports for our Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) cars⁷.

Request a Vehicle History Report

Getting a vehicle history report is smart. Services like Carfax and AutoCheck offer these for around $25 to $40. They are a seller’s way of showing the car is reliable⁷. But, remember, the quality of the info depends on the database. Mistakes can happen⁷.

Review Service Records

Looking at service records shows how well the car was looked after. You can spot big issues that got fixed. This helps you see if the car is reliable for your needs⁷.

Inspect for Physical and Mechanical Signs

It’s crucial to check the car inside and out. Look for wear and tear. Test driving it can also help you understand its condition. Checking with the NHTSA for recalls is wise too⁷. Having a mechanic look at it can catch hidden problems. It’s all for making your choice with confidence⁷.

By investigating the car’s history and its current state, you make a smart buy. This way, you’re more likely to find a car that’s reliable for you⁷⁸⁹.

Understanding Warranties

Buying a used car means you need to know about the warranty. The usual warranty is three years/36,000 miles. INFINITI stands out by offering better warranties. INFINITI Premium Care for new vehicles ensures top-notch maintenance and care, extending your car’s life.

INFINITI’s Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) cars come with great warranty options. These plans can last up to 8 years or 100,000 miles. This is a key benefit, especially since the average car in the U.S. lasts about 12.5 years. If you’re not happy within 30 days of buying your INFINITI CPO car, you can get your money back.

It’s crucial to examine a used car’s warranty closely. For example, Toyota’s RAV4 offers a comprehensive warranty. It includes a 3-year/36,000-mile comprehensive warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Some crucial components even get an 8-year/80,000-mile warranty. The warranty covers labor and new or reconditioned parts. But remember, it usually doesn’t cover things like wear and tear or damage from accidents or weather.

In 2022, the average miles driven was about 14,489 miles per year. With INFINITI’s extended warranty, you can relax and enjoy your car for years. It’s key to understand what your warranty covers. This ensures you’re making a smart choice when buying a used luxury vehicle.

Looking at the differences between standard and INFINITI’s CPO warranties shows the extra value INFINITI gives. It demonstrates their commitment to customer satisfaction¹⁰.

Used Car Buying Guide

How Much a Used Car or Truck Costs

Buying a used car or truck can save you money. New vehicles lose value quickly in the first two years¹¹, so buying used is a smart choice. Yet, the market for used cars can be challenging to understand. The price can vary based on its age, how many miles it has, its condition, and how much people want it¹². On average, a used car in the U.S. costs about $28,000¹².

When you plan to buy a used car, don’t forget about the additional costs. These include insurance, upkeep, and gas. Most cars come with a warranty from the manufacturer, which lasts a few years¹². Some might even have the original warranty still¹². Doing your research on the car’s past and current shape can tip you off on likely expenses.

Ways to Pay for a Used Vehicle

Having good financing in place is key. Getting a loan approved before you shop can save you cash¹². It lets you see what different lenders are offering and might help you get better loan terms¹². The APR shows the yearly interest cost¹². Putting money down upfront can lower what you pay in the end.

Car dealers can also help you with financing, but a pre-approved loan often beats their offers¹². If you run into issues with dealer loans, you should tell the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)¹². Used car loans usually last for about 60 months¹².

Know what affects used car prices and check out different ways to finance. This will help you pick the right used car wisely¹²¹³¹¹.

“Buying a used car can be a savvy financial decision, but it’s important to do your research and understand all the costs involved.”

Best Times to Buy a Used Vehicle

Timing is key when buying a used car. The best deals often come with certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles. These cars are low-mileage, checked thoroughly, and have warranties from the manufacturer (CPO). This gives buyers more confidence.

Experts say the best time to buy is from October to January. December is especially good for big discounts and offers. Dealers want to clear old stock for the new year during this time¹⁴.

Certified pre-owned cars are best bought when new models are rolling out. Usually, this happens post summer for local brands and in late fall for imports. This information can help you find better deals¹⁴.

Choosing the right day to buy is also important. Mondays and Tuesdays are usually quieter at dealerships. This means you get more attention and faster service¹⁵.

Preparing your finances ahead of time is smart. Getting financing sorted early can help in negotiations. Knowing about current trends, like high used-car loan rates, can also be beneficial¹⁴¹⁶.

By being well-informed, you can make the most of your used car purchase. Whether you’re looking at a luxury CPO or a more affordable option, timing and financial readiness matter¹⁴¹⁵.

“The best time to buy a car is when you need one and can afford it, not when the dealership or the calendar says it’s the right time.” – Edmunds

Evaluating Used Cars

Choosing a pre-owned car means you should look closely. It’s key to check that it’s both right for you and fits your pocket. This means you check its state, its story, and what it’s worth.

Start by thinking about how much it’s been driven each year, usually 10,000 to 12,000 miles¹⁷. This helps figure out if it’s seen a lot of use. You should also get a vehicle history report, using services like CARFAX. It shows if there were big issues or recalls, helping you to pick wisely¹⁷.

Thorough checks are vital. Look for signs of wear and tear inside and out. It’s smart to have a mechanic you trust look at it too. Paying for their check-up can save you from buying a lemon¹⁷.

Reading what experts say in places like Consumer Reports is also a smart move. They often note common problems or praise certain models. But, knowing your local used car market is important too. If it’s booming, prices might be higher¹⁷.

Looking at these things will help you choose well. It lets you match your needs with a good car that’s affordable. This way, you get a used car that does what you need and is dependable¹⁷.

Best Used Cars to Buy

Looking for a top used car involves checking its reliability, safety, and looks. Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) cars are a great pick. They’re low-mileage vehicles that passed many inspections and come with solid warranties¹⁸. These cars often come from lease ends, dealer fleets, or company fleets. That gives buyers a chance to grab high-quality, well-cared-for cars¹⁹.

It’s key to know a car’s repair and service history. Databases like Carfax and AutoCheck shed light on a car’s past¹⁸. Looking into brands that last long with little repair can also save you money when choosing a used car¹⁸.

1. The Nissan Altima was voted the best used car under $15,000 by Carmax’s 2019 survey¹⁸.
2. You might find a pre-owned Toyota Sienna for under $5,000 when shopping older models for a family vehicle¹⁸.
3. Ford Focus cars from 2008-2011 often sell for under $5,000, suggests AutoTrader.com¹⁸.
4. Late model Honda Fits won first place in Car Gurus’ subcompact category for best-used cars¹⁸.
5. Car Gurus marks the Volvo XC90 as a top used SUV pick, keeping over 40% of its value after 12 years¹⁸.

But, look out for some used car models. Business Insider advises against Suzuki and Saab due to high repair costs and part availability¹⁸. U.S. News & World Report discourages buying a Chevrolet Spark and Dodge Grand Caravan. The Spark got poor ratings for reliability, and the Grand Caravan’s safety scores and interior quality stand low¹⁸.

Thinking about a used car’s reliability, safety, and how it looks is smart. Also, exploring the certified pre-owned market can improve your car buying experience¹⁸¹⁹²⁰. This way, you can find a great used car that fits your needs and budget¹⁸

Used Car Buying Guide

A good guide is crucial when looking to buy a used car. It offers tips and tools to help in the car buying process. This is for those wanting a luxury car or a good used car at a fair price.

Buying a used car has its perks. Used cars cost less than new ones and have lower depreciation.²¹ This means you can get a better deal on a well-kept used car.

This guide is packed with advice on buying a used car. It covers where to find them and how to pay for them. The top picks in each category come from lots of research and personal testing²².

While personal taste and a great offer matter, checking our top picks first is wise².

1. Know what different options offer, be it new luxury cars or top-notch used vehicles.
2. Consider the benefits of certified pre-owned cars, which come with extra checks and coverage.
3. Look into the car’s past with reports and maintenance records for a smart buy.
4. Understanding the warranties and protection can help save money in the long run.
5. Find out the best times to buy and what to look for in a car.
6. Get familiar with the buying steps, such as haggling over price and financing.

Following our advice will make buying a used car easier and more satisfying. It’s for anyone searching for a luxury used car or a dependable one, offering confidence throughout the process.

“Buying a used car can be a big challenge, but this guide can simplify everything.” – Jane Doe, Automotive Enthusiast

To succeed in buying a used car, research is key. Mix careful checking with these tips to find the right used car for you, which fits your budget and lifestyle²¹²²².

Negotiating the Price and Making Your Purchase

Buying a used car involves key negotiation skills to snag a great deal. Many dealers don’t budge on prices, but your research and negotiation tactics can often get you a lower price²³. Remember, the value of a new car drops quickly. It’s worth only about 40% of its original price after five years. This fact is to your advantage when haggling over a used car’s price.

To start negotiating, gather as much info as you can. Research what similar cars are selling for, factoring in things like how many miles it has and its condition²⁴. Websites like iSeeCars and Kelley Blue Book can show you what’s a fair price. Knowing this info will help you negotiate better.

When you’re ready to talk money, stay cool and collected. Try starting with a lower price, maybe 15-25% less than you’re willing to spend²⁵. Slowly up your offer to find a price that works for both of you. But don’t hesitate to leave if they won’t make a good deal²⁵.

Also, it’s good to know how you’ll pay. Having a loan lined up can make sellers view you more seriously. Watch out for places that focus on monthly payments — that might not be in your best interest²⁵.

Your aim is to land a good used car at a solid price. If you do your research, stand your ground during talks, and understand the market, you’ll likely come out on top²³²⁵²⁴.

Conclusion

By the end of this guide, you’ll be a pro at picking new luxury rides, top-notch used cars, and Certified Pre-Owned rides. You’ll know all about checking quality and warranty stuff. Plus, digging into the car’s past and getting a good deal²⁶²⁷²⁸.

It’s key to look at all choices and see why Certified Pre-Owned is great. Checking the car’s history and knowing about warranties is very important. And don’t forget to haggle for a good price²⁶²⁷²⁸.

Buying a used car can be a happy time. We’ve given you everything you need to pick well and be happy with your choice²⁶²⁷²⁸.,, Now, with this guide, you’re all set to find a great used car. It’ll match your life and save you money for years.

Source Links

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