Five Attributes To Look For In A Pre-Owned Vehicle

Searching for a new car can be overwhelming at times. There are so many factors to include from price all the way down to upholstery. At times, all of those considerations can make it hard to see the forest for the trees. At Thompson Sales, we like to make it easy for you. Today, we are going to look at five key attributes to look for in your pre-owned vehicle. 

1. A Good Warranty

This isn’t all that uncommon today. Certified pre-owned vehicles are known for their comprehensive warranties. The warranty is such an important part of your search for a pre-owned vehicle because it isn’t a new car. Most likely, your vehicle has had some sort of maintenance or service done in its life. Having a good warranty is crucial to your peace of mind as a car owner. 

If at all possible, try to find a vehicle that has a manufacturer-backed warranty. These warranties carry more weight than factory warranties and also give credibility to the vehicle itself. Investing in a CPO warranty beyond the original warranty can add to your peace of mind.

2. Fuel Economy

Among the attributes to look for in pre-owned vehicles, few will save you as much money as good fuel economy. Let’s look at an example. Car A has an overall miles per gallon (MPG) of 28, while Car B has an overall MPG of 18. Using the average price per gallon of $2.59 and assuming that both cars will drive 13,000 miles annually, Car A will save $668 annually. If you’re doing the math at home, that’s $3,340 in savings over five years. That’s a nice breath of fresh air for your wallet. 

3. Comfort Amenities

Arguably the most polarizing attribute for future pre-owned car owners is comfortability. Some people couldn’t care less, while others are only concerned with their cup holders keeping their coffee hot. While you shouldn’t go overboard on the niceties, they also should be completely forgotten. Nothing will make you hate your pre-owned car more than uncomfortable seats or an air conditioner that isn’t good at conditioning air. 

4. Bluetooth Capabilities

This might seem like a non-essential attribute of a vehicle, but as far as safety goes, Bluetooth capabilities can play a big role. Having Bluetooth allows you to connect phone calls and even control music with your voice, keeping your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. This is especially important if you are buying a pre-owned vehicle for your child who is new to this driving business. Bluetooth will help keep them safe. 

5. Five-Star Safety

When it comes to buying a pre-owned vehicle, nothing is more important than safety. As you search, make sure that all safety features are up to snuff, such as airbags. In newer pre-owned vehicles, you can also look for cameras and sensor features that will keep you and your family safe. Any vehicle in the 2017 model year or later has some sort of advanced safety features, like lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, or back-up cameras.

Thompson Sales Has Your Next Pre-Owned Vehicle

Finding a reliable dealer is essential in your search for a pre-owned vehicle and Thompson Sales is that dealer. For more information, give us a call at (417) 763-6811 or visit our dealerships today.