Buying a Used Vehicle Doesn't Have to Be Stressful

Buying a used vehicle is a fantastic way to save money while driving a vehicle that you love. However, used vehicles sometimes get a bad reputation due to many shoppers’ fear of buying a highly problematic vehicle. However, with a little due diligence, you can take home a quality used vehicle that will give you total peace of mind and last for many years to come!

At Hilltop Ford, we feature a wide variety of quality pre-owned vehicles that offer total peace of mind. Whether you're reading through our complimentary vehicle history reports, or you're taking solace in a certified pre-owned vehicle, peace of mind comes with every used vehicle on our lot. Come with us as we take a look at the benefits of buying a used vehicle, then find out what to look for in a used vehicle so you can shop with peace of mind.

Our Recommendations on Shopping For a Used Car

When buying a used car, it's important to do research on the vehicle you're interested in to make sure you're buying something that you'll be happy with. Here are a few tips that we recommend when buying a used car from a private party:

Check the Vehicle History Report
A large portion of a used vehicle's performance and reliability will largely hinge on how well it was maintained by its previous owner. A vehicle history report will give you insight on a vehicle's life with its previous owner or owners. Using a used car’s vehicle identification number (VIN), you'll be able to view important details such as previous accident history, current title status, and even previous maintenance services.

Take a Test Drive
No matter what type of used vehicle you are purchasing, we recommend that you perform a test drive – especially if you are buying from a private seller. During the test drive, you want to make sure that all of the features work, and that the vehicle runs smoothly. As you test drive the car, you want to be especially attentive to its performance. This means that there should be no hesitation during acceleration, no exhaust smoke, and the engine should idle smoothly.

Get a Mechanic’s Opinion
Even if a vehicle seems to perform well on a test drive, private party sellers are seldom honest about the vehicle's maintenance and repair needs. We recommend taking the vehicle to a trusted mechanic to get the car inspected by a professional.

Consider Certified Pre-Owned

Ford certified pre-owned vehicles offer complete peace of mind thanks to extensive vetting, as well as strict age and mileage limits. Each Ford certified pre-owned vehicle has surpassed a 172-point inspection, and is less than six years old. Additionally, each CPO car has less than 80,000 miles on its odometer.

Ford CPO vehicles also come with additional perks such as additional powertrain coverage, and 24-hour roadside assistance.

Drive Home in a Quality Used Car from Hilltop Ford Today!

Whether you choose to buy a used or certified pre-owned vehicle, we welcome you to browse our inventory at Hilltop Ford. We feature a wide selection of quality used vehicles for you to choose from, as well as fantastic deals that help you save money. Our Finance Center offers flexible financing so you can even enjoy a low monthly payment. Whether you live here in Richmond, CA, or in nearby Berkeley, CA or Oakland, CA, we welcome you to come in and test drive your favorite used vehicle today!