Used Car Buying Tips Near Outer Banks

Looking to find your perfect used car to drive around Kill Devil Hills? Look no further than OBX Chevy with our below tips that can help you get behind the wheel of your next ride. So that you can buy confidently with peace of mind, here are a few things to look for when buying a used or certified pre-owned vehicle.

Inspect Car Exterior and Interior

While the more photos the better on a vehicle listing, it’s always best to go see your potential new (to you) car in person. Thoroughly look over the entire vehicle, checking for any large dings, scrapes or scratches. Just a few things to think about while you are inspecting the vehicle include:

Test Drive

No amount of photos, videos, or even in-person inspections can replace the good, old-fashioned test drive. Take your prospective vehicle for a quick spin, paying close attention to brake/engine noises as you drive on different road surfaces. A vehicle that pulls to the left or right may indicate poor alignment. Put the car through a variety of tests, including both city and highway driving, and parallel parking if possible.

Check the Mileage

One major factor that separates a new car from a used one is mileage. Some high mileage cars may be in better shape than low mileage cars, depending on a variety of factors. But typically, a low mileage car is the way to go as they usually require less maintenance and will have a higher resale value in the long run. However, a low mileage car that is an older model year may not be ideal. When it comes to mileage on a used car, there’s no simple formula since the way the vehicle was maintained and driven may be just as important as the odometer reading.

Review the Vehicle History Report

The more information you have about a used car, the better, and you’ll be hard pressed to find a better source of information than a Carfax report, which can quickly tell you a car’s service history, any previous accidents, and ownership history. We proudly offer a few Carfax report on all our used vehicles. Simply click the Carfax icon on any of our used vehicles pages.

Carfax Vehicle History Report

Consider Certified
Want even more assurance before you buy a used car? Then consider certified pre-owned vehicles (CPO), which are top-notch, inspected, pre-owned vehicles backed by manufacturer limited warranties that have usually been reconditioned as well. Reconditioning can include brake repair/replacement, headlight restoration, paint repair, fixing dents/dings, tire balancing, fluid exchanges, and so on. CPO vehicles also have to meet certain manufacturer guidelines, which can include passing thorough inspections, having fewer than 80,000 miles, and being 6 model years or newer.

Car Doc Peace of Mind

Did you know that all our used cars include a 90-Day/3,000-Mile Warranty and 2 Years of Complimentary Oil Changes and Tire Rotations? And for even more peace of mind, consider joining our Car Doc program for as low as $25/mo, which can save you thousands on maintenance services over the life of your vehicle and potentially increase the residual value or resale value of your car. Learn more about our exclusive Car Doc Maintenance and Membership Program by clicking here.

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Summer’s here, which means summer road trips are in full swing from coast-to-coast. But before you load up the family SUV, minivan, car, or truck, be sure to read these quick and easy summer driving tips to spare you from dealing with the consequences of a breakdown later.

Get Your Car Serviced

Regular vehicle maintenance can help prevent any major breakdowns or issues down the road, which is the last thing anyone wants, especially on those long road trips far from home. Adhering to your car’s maintenance schedule is the best way to keep your car on the road and service costs down. Been a long time since your last oil change or tune-up? Schedule a preventive maintenance checkup and we’ll make sure your car is ready for anything this summer.

Check for Recalls

It’s always a good idea to check and see if there are any outstanding safety recalls for your vehicles, especially before that long summer road trip. And it’s easy to do – search for any open recalls here: NHTSA.gov/Recalls. And if you do have any recalls, please schedule a recall work service appointment and we’ll get you back on the road in no time.

A/C Check

A poor performing air conditioning system isn’t a big deal in December, but it can make for a very uncomfortable summer of driving. Not only that, but lack of A/C can affect people who are in poor health or who are sensitive to heat, such as children and older adults. So be sure to get your A/C checked out if it feels like it’s not blowing cold air.

Tire Safety

Your tires are the only part of your car that makes contact with the road, so it’s important that they’re all functioning properly. Make sure each tire is filled to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure, which is located on a placard located on the driver’s side door frame. Also be sure to check your tires’ tread as uneven wear or insufficient tread can create unsafe driving conditions, especially in inclement weather. If it’s time to replace one or more of your tires, please schedule a service appointment at your earliest convenience.

Keep the Kids and Animals Safe

While it’s tempting to leave children or pets in the car while to run inside a store for a quick errand, it’s not a great idea especially in the warmer summer months. Vehicles can quickly heat up to deadly levels in just a few minutes, even with the windows rolled down, causing heatstroke or worse, so be sure to not leave baby or Buster in the backseat.

Need more on summer driving tips? Schedule summer auto service today where our factory-trained technicians who know your car best will make sure your vehicle is summer-ready with a free multi-point inspection.

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