What to Know Before Buying a Used Hyundai SUV

Studies show that between 35 and 40 million used cars are sold every year. With vehicles as expensive as they are, buying a used car is a much more affordable option.

But what risks should you have in mind when you go to buy a used Hyundai SUV? When you're exploring your SUV options, knowing how to inspect a used vehicle is a critical skill.

If you're curious about how to get a good deal on a used vehicle, we're here to help guide you. Read on to learn more about purchasing a used Hyundai SUV and how to make sure you aren't getting scammed.

Previous History

The first thing to look at is the previous history of your vehicle.

Any used vehicle will inherently have a history. However, some may have much less of a history than others.

Many used car dealerships get their vehicles at a low cost when they get into a minor accident. Others may have the vehicle after it was repossessed or auctioned off.

As such, you can find "used" vehicles that have barely been driven. On the other end of the spectrum, you can find plenty of used Hyundai models that are nearing the end of their usable mileage.

Here are three factors to look into when checking the previous history of your used car.

Accidents

One of the most important things about a used vehicle is whether it's been in an accident.

Once a vehicle has been in a collision, its value drops dramatically. A common occurrence at dealerships is for a rental company to sell them a car at a low price after the car was in an accident. These cars often are lightly used but will sell for a much lower cost.

But why does it matter if the vehicle was in an accident?

Accidents can make vehicles more prone to future damage. For example, a collision can warp or bend the frame of a vehicle. Frame damage is difficult to repair, expensive, and can sometimes lead to needing a new vehicle.

The vehicle may have also needed aftermarket replacements. Depending on what the mechanics or dealership used as the replacements, these components may be of lower quality.

Inquire on whether the vehicle was in any accidents and what those accidents were. Minor fender-benders will rarely lead to significant problems.

Mileage

Another crucial factor to look into is the mileage of the used vehicle.

The mileage of a vehicle is how many miles the vehicle has driven. Typically speaking, vehicles have a rough estimate of how many miles they can drive before wear and tear becomes too much.

A vehicle with a high mileage may need more frequent maintenance. It could have worse fuel efficiency or be prone to issues, particularly in the engine or transmission.

The mileage range of Hyundai models can have some variance but is generally similar. Most outlets will advise you not to purchase a used car with 100,000 miles or more.

Primarily, this is because the average "lifespan" of a vehicle is about 200,000-250,000 miles. With modern advancements in automobile technology, vehicles can often make it past this range with proper maintenance.

Maintenance

Speaking of proper maintenance, how well was the used vehicle cared for?

Maintenance is an important part of any vehicle, used or not. The older the vehicle, the more maintenance it's likely to need.

Similarly, if the vehicle has gone too long without maintenance, you may be inheriting some future problems.

For example, oil changes are a frequent maintenance service. If the used car is several thousand miles overdue, the engine is likely strained. As a result, your used vehicle is teetering on the edge of needing major maintenance on the engine.

Another common maintenance service is rotating the tires. Rotating the tires helps them wear down at a similar rate so that none of them fail too soon. If the tires aren't rotated, they could be dangerously close to wearing out.

Look into what sort of maintenance the vehicle needs and has recently received. A well-maintained used vehicle will often cost more.

Checking Your Used Hyundai SUV

Now that we understand what to look for in a used car, how can you find a good dealership?

With CardinaleWay Hyundai-Glendora, you can trust us to have high-quality and well-maintained Hyundai models. Our certified pre-owned vehicles take the guesswork and worry out of finding your used vehicle.

Research the Seller

Your first step is to research the seller. Look into what sort of experiences others have had with the dealership or vendor.

If possible, look for reviews or speak to previous customers. See if they had a positive experience or if there's anything you should concern yourself with.

If you feel like a company isn't trustworthy, avoid them. There are plenty of dealerships that are happy to help you explore your SUV options.

Assess the Vehicle

Once you've found the Hyundai model you want, give it a cursory examination. You can often find many issues on a cosmetic level.

Look for mismatched paint or parts that don't line up. Another important place to look is the interior and the weather stripping along the doors.

Ask to see an accident report or any other paperwork on the car. If they're unable to produce such documents, it might be better to explore your options elsewhere.

Ask to Test Drive

Finally, the test drive is a crucial part of searching for any vehicle, new or used.

The test drive can help you see if there are any underlying issues. Listen carefully to the engine and feel how the interior amenities function. Test the radio, air conditioning, windshield wipers, and everything else you can think to test.

If any of these parts are non-functional, it could be a deal breaker. 

Buying a Used Vehicle

Finding the best used Hyundai SUV may take some searching. Always remain patient and don't rush into a purchase just to have a used vehicle faster. Trust in reliable dealerships like CardinaleWay Hyundai Glendora to deliver a high-quality used car.

Interested in exploring different Hyundai models and types of SUVs? Be sure to contact us at CardinaleWay Hyundai Glendora for more information.