Lithia Springs Ford

Do's & Don'ts of Buying a Used Car in Lithia Springs, GA


Do's & Don'ts of Buying a Used Car in Lithia Springs, GA

If you’re ready to upgrade your ride, Lithia Springs Ford is the place to be. While we offer an impressive selection of new Ford models, you don’t have to buy a brand-new car to get a vehicle that’s trustworthy, stylish and safe. Simply take a look at our selection of used sedans, SUVs, pickups and minivans and you’ll see that it’s possible to drive a like-new model without breaking the bank. Before you start scrolling through our online inventory and scheduling test drives, check out our recommendations for what to do — and what not to do — when buying a used car from us here at Lithia Springs Ford.

If you aren’t sure exactly what you need from your next vehicle, you might find it overwhelming to search through our entire inventory of used cars. Before you start browsing, make a list of things you want in your vehicle (in other words, what you want it to be able to do for you). For example, if you own a trailer, you’ll want a used vehicle that has towing capabilities, or if you have a growing family, you’ll want a large SUV or minivan with plenty of seating. Once you’ve decided on the features and body style for you, stick to those criteria when you search our inventory.

Want to see how much you can expect to pay for your vehicle upgrade? We recommend checking out third-party sites like Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book®. Just search for your preferred makes and models and you’ll see their current estimated values (based on what they’ve been selling for recently). Once you get a good feel for the market values of the cars you’re interested in, you’ll be better prepared to negotiate with our finance team.

It’s crucial to enter the car-buying process with a budget in mind. In general, we recommend purchasing a model with a payment that’s less than 15% of your monthly take-home pay. Don’t forget to budget for insurance, taxes, dealer and registration fees, maintenance and parking costs (if applicable). Make a large down payment if possible, as this can reduce your monthly payments or reduce your term overall.

Looking to trade in your current car when you buy a used one from our lot? That’s great! You can save big on your purchase when you trade in a car; however, don’t plan on trading if you owe more on your current car than what it’s worth. This situation is called negative equity, and it can lead to debt that follows you from loan to loan. Wait and pay off your vehicle first before trading it in. Want to find out how much your car is worth? Get your trade appraisal on our site now.

Finally — it’s time for a test drive! This is one of the best parts of the car-buying process, so don’t rush it. Take your time and get a feel for each vehicle you test-drive. Think about what it would be like to drive each vehicle as part of your daily routine. Test each car’s functions and make sure you’re comfortable in the driver’s seat. And don’t worry: If you have any questions along the way, our team will be ready to answer them for you!

If you have any questions about what you need to do before buying a used car or would like to test-drive any of our quality used cars, please feel free to contact us or stop by Lithia Springs Ford at 870 Thornton Road, Lithia Springs, GA 30122. We look forward to serving our customers from Atlanta, Dallas, Douglasville and Smyrna.