Choosing the Best Pre-Owned Vehicle for Your Needs

When it comes time to upgrade your current vehicle or add a new one to your personal inventory, you’re faced with a number of choices, including if you want to buy new or pre-owned. While both offer benefits, more and more drivers are choosing used options these days. Our team at Ryan Chevrolet has a wide range of used cars for sale, along with a friendly and knowledgeable team who is ready to help you find your best match.

You can view our inventory online or stop by and see it in person. Either way, our goal is to make your shopping experience stress- and hassle-free, just like we’ve done for countless customers over the last few years. In fact, it’s that commitment that has many of them returning time and again. To help in your quest for a pre-owned vehicle, keep reading to find out what features you should look for when shopping.

Technology Must-Haves

Modern vehicles are jam-packed with technology intended to make driving easier, safer, and more enjoyable. For instance, many newer second-hand cars include touchscreen infotainment systems that put everything you need right at your fingertips. Look for models that provide seamless smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, as well as Bluetooth and USB ports. These features let you use navigation, stream music, and make hands-free calls. Of course, one of the main reasons to choose a pre-owned vehicle is to find a top-tiered model with all the bells and whistles for a price that fits within your budget. With that in mind, you might also consider one with built-in navigation, especially if you travel in areas with poor mobile reception.

Safety Features and Ratings

Safety has been a high priority for many automotive manufacturers in the past few years, with many of them offering a suite of standard features throughout their lineup. That focus is hard to miss as you look at our used inventory. For your peace of mind, some of the driver assist safety features to look for include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping aids, and automatic emergency braking. While these technologies were once limited to high-end cars, they are now standard in many of the vehicles you’ll find on our lot. Additionally, our team is ready and willing to explore each safety feature with you to ensure you get what you’re looking for.

Another safety feature that is more commonplace than not, especially if the vehicle you’re looking at was manufactured after 2018, is the backup camera. This camera is a game changer when navigating in tight situations. Bonus features that also assist, especially when parking, are the front and rear parking sensors you’ll find on some used vehicles. Additionally, while front airbags are mandatory and have been for many years, side-bag airbags are not. With this in mind, you’ll need to decide if this is a must-have for you when shopping.

Beyond driver assist technologies, there are a few other things to consider when safety is the focus. For instance, it’s a good idea to pay attention to crash test ratings from organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These organizations provide crucial information on how well the car performs in various collision scenarios.

Power and Performance

While you might think power and performance only matter when you’re looking at a performance car or a truck that can be used for both work and play, there’s more to this category than you might think. In truth, power and performance have much more to do with how much you enjoy the ride.

If you routinely drive long distances, you may prefer a more powerful engine for more comfortable highway cruising. In contrast, a smaller, more efficient engine may be better for city driving. Of course, this also plays into fuel efficiency. However, many manufacturers have made significant improvements over the years, and most newer vehicles are able to go further than ever before.

Another thing to consider is handling and suspension. It’s no secret that each car you drive will offer something different. For instance, a sedan may seem smoother and more comfortable, whereas a sports hatchback or coupe may offer sharper handling and a more responsive ride. It’s important to pay attention to this during the test drive to see whether the suspension and ride quality match your requirements.

Comfort and Capacity

The bottom line is that your car should meet your lifestyle, which includes adequate space for people, cargo, and comfort during extended rides. When shopping for a pre-owned vehicle, consider how many passengers you often transport. A compact car may be adequate for single drivers or couples, but growing families would most certainly want additional space. Also, be sure to check the legroom, headroom, and seating of both the front and back seats to ensure that everyone can sit comfortably.

Most drivers these days also need room for their things, whether it’s the kids’ soccer gear, equipment for your side hustle, or something in between. Hatchbacks and SUVs often have more versatile cargo capacity than sedans, and many have foldable rear seats for added convenience. There are a few sedans with ample trunks, however, so if you’re searching for a sedan, let our team know you’re looking for one that can hold all your things.

On the comfort side of things, easy-to-use climate control, adjustable seats, and noise insulation all have a significant impact on your driving experience. Additionally, you might enjoy heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a remote start for chillier mornings. Other comfort features to consider include lumbar support and power-adjustable front seats.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency was mentioned above, but it’s important enough that it gets its own section, especially since many drivers commute on a daily basis. With this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the advancements that have been made in recent years to increase SUV fuel efficiency. First, many manufacturers have implemented turbocharging and direct fuel injection technologies, which increase power while decreasing fuel consumption.

Additionally, advances in transmission technology, such as the incorporation of continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), have improved fuel efficiency under a variety of driving circumstances. Another change involves the exterior of SUVs, as revised designs have successfully reduced drag, resulting in better fuel economy without sacrificing the overall look. Additionally, the use of lighter materials reduces vehicle weight, allowing for greater efficiency. These developments have resulted in considerable increases in fuel efficiency, making modern SUVs more inexpensive and ecologically friendly while retaining versatility and performance.

Check Out Our Used Inventory Today

Shopping for a used vehicle is an important decision, but it does not have to be stressful. By focusing on a few—or all—of the essential factors noted above and working with a committed team like ours at Ryan Chevrolet, you’ll find the right used vehicle for you in no time at all. If you’re shopping our inventory online, you can set the filters to quickly help you find the used options you’re looking for. Or, you can stop by and talk with a member of our team about what features you’re interested in most, and we can quickly narrow down the selection for you. Either way, we promise you’ll get exceptional customer service every step of the way. If you’re ready to upgrade your current vehicle or add to your personal inventory, take the first step today by shopping online or stopping by our dealership and talking with a member of our team.