Make the Most of Your Buy Here Pay Here Car from Quick Auto

Cars at buy here pay here dealerships are better value than ever. In 2022, we saw a reduction in used car pricing, and we expect to see a further drop of around 10 percent during 2023.

Buyers often choose buy here pay here cars because they can get a great deal on a nearly-new vehicle without having to have a stellar credit score. Best of all, the original purchaser has done the hard work of paying all the depreciation, so you get to buy the same car for a fraction of the price.

Unfortunately, choosing a secondhand car means you risk taking on a vehicle that’s already been driven a lot. Thankfully, you can get a significant discount if you purchase an older vehicle with more miles on the clock, but this can potentially limit the number of good years you’ll get out of your used vehicle - unless you’re smart.

You may be surprised how many miles a modern buy here pay here car can do, especially if you take pains to maximize the lifespan of your car.

Choosing a Reliable Used Car at a Buy Here Pay Here Lot

It used to be that buying a vehicle with over 100,000 miles on the clock was risky, but nowadays most models can vastly exceed this mileage on average. Experts performed a study on vehicles over the past 20 years and found seven models that lasted over 250,000 miles. Other buy here pay here cars aren’t far behind in durability, either, as the reliability of cars has greatly improved.

If you’re curious, Toyota models dominated the list of vehicles with the greatest average lifespan, with Chevrolet, GMC, Ford, and Honda also deserving of particular mention.

So, how can you ensure your car follows in these vehicles’ tire treads and lasts up to 300,000 miles?

Follow the Service Schedule for Your Buy Here Pay Here Car

It should go without saying that to keep your vehicle in top shape, you need to follow the regular maintenance schedule as outlined in the owner’s manual, which you can find online or through your used car dealership. Cars make this easier than ever now, with warning lights on the dashboard reminding you it’s time for a service.

Generally, cars need a major service every two to three years and a minor service every year, but this depends on your driving habits. Talk to your mechanic about the type of maintenance your used car will need.

Drive Sympathetically

“Mechanical sympathy” refers to a style of driving that respects the mechanisms in your vehicle. If you can reduce the times you accelerate quickly or slam on the brakes, you’ll cause less stress on your vehicle. Over time, this makes a big difference in how long those parts will last and is a key ingredient in the recipe for used car longevity, so you’ll need to shop at used car dealerships far less frequently.

Perform Simple Checks Yourself on Your Used Car

Don’t assume your buy here pay here car will be fine as long as you get the scheduled maintenance done. Perform your own small checks on the car every two to three weeks.

Refill your fuel, examine your tires, check your oil and coolant, and take a look at the various filters. Make sure all fluids are filled to the expected level.

These small checks will only take a few minutes and ensure you never miss a problem that needs to be fixed sooner than later.

Use High-Quality Parts for Repairs

When you do need to replace parts in your vehicle, use OEM parts whenever possible. OEM parts refers to brands that the car manufacturer would use in the original build of your vehicle.

 If this isn’t possible, go with reputable brands, never discount ones. The same goes for fluids; spending a few extra dollars on your oil, for example, can make a difference in reducing overall wear-and-tear in your engine.

Keep Your Gas Topped Up

If you find yourself driving the streets of South Bend or La Porte when you’re low on fuel, this can result in your fuel pump drawing in debris, air, and sediment into the filters, which in turn causes those elements to function poorly and require faster replacement.

Don’t wait for the gas light to come on; fuel up at a quality gas station.

Avoid Rough Roads and Potholes in Indiana

The roads of Highland, Hammond, and Elkhart have been known to have their fair share of potholes, so keep an eye out for them and avoid them when you can. Going over a pothole causes a number of potential issues to worsen, from shock damage and a misaligned suspension to a damaged catalytic converter or tire sidewall, all of which can cost you money to fix.

Snag a Reliable Ride at Our Buy Here Pay Here Car Lots

These are just some of the common sense guidelines for getting a long life out of buy here pay here cars - especially those from the seven Quick Auto locations in Indiana.

Get in touch today to start purchasing your next new-to-you used car, even if you don’t have perfect credit.