1. Consider Your Budget

How much money you're able to spend on your vehicle will make a big difference in your choices and, if you're looking to take out a loan to pay for your vehicle, then the car payment shouldn't be more than 20% of your take-home pay to ensure you can afford it. The tighter your budget, of course, the smaller the percentage. Also, remember that just because a used vehicle may be more affordable initially, it will still require repairs, maintenance, insurance, and fuel costs just like any other vehicle.

2. Make a Target List of Used Vehicles You Like

Some automakers' vehicles may be known for their increased longevity and reliability, but these vehicles will also be more expensive initially than comparable vehicles from the competition. It's a good idea to create a list of vehicles you're interested in from various automakers. Even a short list of three vehicles that meet your needs and fit your budget is a good start.

If you're interested and able to afford a vehicle that's less than 5 years old, our selection of certified used vehicles is most certainly worth your time as well. Having to pass a strict multi-point inspection and coming with a unique warranty, you'll get more for your money.

3. Talk to Us and Take a Test Drive

Once you've narrowed down your choices to a couple vehicles, come out to our Wilmington, DE dealership and talk with our experts! They'll give you the details of the vehicle and answer any questions you have; if you're still interested, ask about a test drive and get some hands-on experience behind the wheel. Here are some things to consider while test driving:

• Can you get in and out of the cabin easily?
• Is there enough room in the seats to get comfortable? Don't forget about the back seats.
• How is the driving position? Too low? Too high? Just right? Can you adjust he steering wheel to help?
• How well can you see from the driver's seat? Do you have a clear line of sight to your blind spot, can you check your mirrors easily, and can you back up without a problem?
• How do the tires look? Do they have good tread?
• Do the brakes stop the vehicle at an acceptable rate? Do they squeak?
• Check under the hood. Does everything look clean and in working order?
• Check the vehicle's functions and features. Does the air conditioning work? The heat? The headlights? The wiper fluid? Leave no button unpressed, no switch unswitched.
• Give the cabin a sniff. This may seem like a minor detail but make sure you don't smell anything that offends your nose.

4. Get the Paperwork Done

While you're signing the paperwork to purchase your used vehicle, you can also take advantage of warranties and anti-theft devices, pre-paid service plans, fabric protections, and more. Consider each item carefully and decide if it's something you know you'll need, something you want for the peace of mind, or something you're positive you don't need at all. It never hurts to have more protection but, if your budget is tight, picking the right ones for your lifestyle is important.

If you're ready to get started on the car-buying process, go ahead and explore our lineup of used vehicles at your leisure! Filter by mileage, price, make, and more to find the vehicles that meet your budget and comfort needs, and then come out to see us here at Kia of Wilmington. We hope to see you soon!