Tips for Choosing the Right Used Vehicle in Staunton, VA

Consider your needs - now and tomorrow

The first place you should start when considering a pre-owned vehicle is thinking about how you'll use it. If you don't think you'll ever need to tow a trailer, for example, you may not need a large SUV or pickup truck. If you're thinking about growing a family in the next few years, it might be best to consider crossovers and SUVs with lots of passenger and cargo space even if it's currently just you and your partner.

Other points to consider are how often you'll drive it, whether you want better fuel economy with an electrified powertrain, and if you'd like to have all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive for better control in the winter in Virginia.

Budget, budget, budget

Once you have a vehicle type in mind, you'll want to start thinking about how much money you're able to spend. When creating a budget for a vehicle purchase, you'll want to limit your expenses to 10%-15% of your income. That includes everything from your monthly loan payment to auto insurance to fuel and maintenance costs. Having a realistic budget before you get serious about shopping can help you avoid disappointment.

There is a wide range of factors that will affect vehicle price, including age, mileage, condition, and market value. If you're able to spend a bit more money for a better value, you may want to consider a Ford Blue Advantage certified pre-owned vehicle, which comes complete with warranty coverage and roadside assistance.

Feeling burdened by the wealth of options? Let Paul Obaugh Ford be your guide. Contact our sales team and tell us what you want and need in your next vehicle. We'll help you pare down your options and have a test drive so that you can make sure you get exactly what you need.

Signs That You're Buying a Quality Used Car in Staunton, VA

You want to be confident when you purchase a pre-owned vehicle from our car dealership in Staunton, Virginia. We at Paul Obaugh Ford want you know what signs indicate that you're buying a high-quality used car. That way you can drive away with the certainty that you've made a smart investment that will last for years - and miles - to come.

Clean vehicle history report

One of the best guarantors of quality with a pre-owned vehicle is knowing where it comes from. When you shop for a pre-owned vehicle at Paul Obaugh Ford, you'll be able to look at a free CARFAX® Vehicle History Report™. This will confirm the mileage, show you whether a vehicle has been involved in an accident, and reveal if the previous owner(s) maintained it well.

Fewer owners, lower mileage

It may seem obvious, but it's worth us saying that the more a vehicle has been driven, the more wear and tear it has endured. Even with consistent service, an older vehicle with higher mileage may not last as long as something newer that's been driven less. It's also a good sign if a vehicle had only one prior owner rather than a slew of 2-3 owners over just a few years.

Try before you buy

A great way to be sure that a pre-owned vehicle meets your expectations is to try it out firsthand. Taking a vehicle for a test drive in Staunton is an essential part of smart researching because it can reveal issues that you may not have considered. If you don't feel comfortable at the wheel or don't like the infotainment interface of a specific model, you may want to look at a different model or brand to see if it's a better fit. Plus, taking a test drive lets you inspect a pre-owned vehicle for issues like rust, interior wear and tear, or other signs of damage.

Shopping for a used vehicle at Paul Obaugh Ford is also a surefire indicator that you're on the path to finding a great used vehicle. We thoroughly inspect every used vehicle that we acquire or trade for and use only high-quality OEM parts to perform repairs and refurbishments. Check out our selection of pre-owned vehicles online, then contact us to schedule a visit so you can test drive the cars, trucks, or SUVs that catch your eye.