Used Car Shopping Tips in Fort Wayne, IN

Have you been struggling with your used vehicle search? Or maybe you are just getting started and want to make the process as easy as possible. Here at Bart’s Car Store we’ve put together a few of our top tips to help. Plus, our team is here for you six days a week for assistance, so don’t hesitate to stop by or give us a call. 

Create a Priority Checklist

One of the main reasons that used car shopping can feel more overwhelming compared to new car shopping is the array of options. Looking at used cars opens up a wide range of makes, models, and conditions. Even if you know you want a specific model, you’ll have numerous different years available, along with trim levels, packages, manufacturer certified, and more. That’s why we suggest making a list of your key criteria. Depending on your transportation needs this could include the passenger capacity, drivetrain, cargo space, or accessories, such as tow kits. This is particularly important if you don’t have a specific vehicle in mind. You can also include secondary features that are not essential but would be nice to have, like heated seats or a sunroof. These can be helpful when narrowing down your top contenders.
Understand Used Vehicle Categories

Along with the checklist mentioned above, it’s important to understand the different types of used vehicles. One of the popular distinctions are one-owner used cars. A one-owner vehicle could be any make, model, or year, but it has to only have changed hands from the original dealer to the first owner and then from that first owner to us or the auction where we have purchased the vehicle. Although a one-owner car can be a little more expensive compared to a vehicle that is the same model and year with multiple owners, you will likely be looking at a vehicle that has been well-maintained and has consistent service records. Another type of used car is one that is manufacturer certified. This means it has passed the standards set by that program and has passed the manufacturer’s multi-point inspection. In many cases these are newer models and are also backed by warranty coverage. 

Set Your Budget

With this knowledge in mind, our final piece of advice is to be specific with your budget. Since used vehicles can vary greatly in price, depending on factors such as the trim level, year, mileage, and type, you want to be able to quickly rule out a potential used car if it’s beyond your budget. We’ve even made the budgeting process simple by providing an online Payment Calculator. In just a few seconds this tool can let you know your estimated buying power, also known as your purchasing power. Or, use it to break down the sticker price of the used vehicle you’ve found into estimated monthly payments. The good news is that all of our pre-owned cars are competitively priced and dependable, so you’ll get the most for your money. 

Now you’ve read through our used car shopping tips in Fort Wayne, IN, start exploring our inventory! Bart’s Car Store has a convenient location in Fort Wayne and one in Columbia City, IN.