Let's face it: Shopping for a pre-owned vehicle in Chillicothe is a lot harder than it should be these days. We'd explain why, but everyone has heard the words "chip shortage" and "market adjustments" plenty by now. What we're here to do is tell you what to look out for when shopping for a pre-owned vehicle.

There are a lot of best practices for shopping at a used car lot or dealership. In this post, we are going to focus on three main items that can help Ohio drivers get the best buying & ownership experience. Whether you're shopping for a lightly used pickup truck, a pre-owned sports car or a family SUV, don't let "market conditions" dictate your shopping. With Your Hometown Auto in Chillicothe, you're in the driver's seat.

The Price (Yes, Really)

Chances are, after you've googled a few models of interest, you'll have a price range in mind. But where you're getting the prices from matters. With limited inventory at many dealerships, Americans are seeing record high prices on pre-owned vehicles. That can put you in the position of settling for a lower trim level or overpaying for what you want.

We recommend choosing a used car dealer that has ignored the market trend of overpricing their vehicles. A good dealership prioritizes their relationship with their customers. If a dealer is marking up their vehicles by thousands of dollars, they might not be the right choice long-term.

The other reason price is the most important thing to consider, is that it has a lot to do with how much you enjoy your pre-owned sedan or SUV. It can be easy to go over-budget for a vehicle you love. But if you have a financial plan, it's best to stick to it. A good salesperson will listen to your needs and help you find the vehicle that works for you.

Service & Reliability

When you're shopping for a used car in Chillicothe, OH, the word 'reliability' usually refers to the car itself. But what about the local team behind it? A lot of Ohio used car dealers lack their own service centers, and available warranty coverage can vary widely. At Your Hometown Auto, we work to set the standard when it comes to after-sales service.

Every pre-owned car, truck & SUV we sell comes with the Hometown Advantage Warranty. This 10-Year/100,000-Mile warranty covers your entire powertrain. Not only that, it also comes with four free oil changes, two free tire rotations, and a year of 24/7 Roadside Assistance.

Driving off the lot in a new-to-you vehicle is a special feeling. And when you choose a dealer that has your back, you know you're covered for a long time to come.

Vehicle History & Condition

One of the reasons our local customers are skeptical of online sellers, is they know that not all cars are the same. Another, is they know not all owners are the same. We know you want a pre-owned vehicle you can count on, and that starts with an accurate vehicle history.

Companies like Carfax keep records of owners, rental use, accidents, and service visits. Did the previous owner change their fluids when they were supposed to? Were warranty repairs made? You shouldn't roll the dice on such important factors when buying a used car. Reputable dealers will have Carfax, AutoCheck, or another recognized vehicle history service. And if they try to make you pay for the vehicle history, that is a big red flag.

But not all parts of a vehicle's condition show up in a report. Chillicothe car shoppers will want to check whether the AC is charged, that powered doors & accessories work, and other quality of life items. When you combine vehicle history, your own testing, and a warranty like the Hometown Advantage, you get great peace of mind.

Your Hometown Pre-Owned Dealership

Your Hometown Auto in Chillicothe, OH should be your first stop when shopping for a pre-owned car, truck or SUV near you. We not only have a great inventory to suit all budgets, we also have the service our customers count on. From your initial vehicle search to years after you've driven home, you have a team you can count on in Your Hometown.

Questions about our pre-owned vehicles? Want to get a trade-in value or finance pre-approval? You can start right here on our website, or call us directly.