Toyotas are great cars known for being incredibly reliable and requiring little maintenance. On top of that, the brand offers a wide range of vehicles, from subcompact hatchbacks to tough off-road SUVs and rugged trucks and family-friendly minivans. These facts make plenty of car shoppers interested in owning a Toyota. If that’s you, there are several things to consider when buying a used car.

New vs. Used

One of the first questions is whether you should get a new or used vehicle? There are special things to consider when buying a used car versus one that’s brand new, so this is a critical point. While it’s nice to have a new car with zero wear on it, the cost might be more than you want or can afford to take on. It’s a good idea to get prequalified for financing, since it gives you a clear picture of what you can afford.

Safety Features

You also should ask questions about safety. It’s not exactly the most pleasant thought, because nobody buys a car thinking they’ll crash it, but accidents happen. By doing some research online, you can learn quite a bit about how different Toyotas perform in IIHS and NHTSA crash tests. Consider the kinds of active safety features, or systems that help drivers to avoid accidents like ABS brakes or rearview cameras, are included on the different options.

Regular Vehicle Costs

Too many times, even experienced shoppers forget to ask about the costs of ownership. Apart from monthly payments, you need to figure out how much you’ll be spending in gas each week. Contact your insurance carrier to learn what premiums will run, because they can go up or down depending on specific models.

Onboard Technology

For some shoppers, having certain onboard technologies is a factor that will make or break a deal. Even if you don’t care about these features, this is an important consideration, since you might be able to save some money by getting a model without them. The same goes for infotainment systems, roof racks, two hitches, leather upholstery, seat heaters and other amenities. Knowing which extras you want on a vehicle, which you need, and which you don’t care about can make shopping far easier.

Vehicle Usage

What will you be doing with the vehicle? This is one of the most overlooked factors to consider when buying a car. if you need to haul dirt and rocks on a pretty regular basis, a pickup truck is a solid choice. Driving in treacherous weather or on dirt trails often would make getting a four-wheel or all-wheel-drive vehicle of high importance.

If you’ll only be using the vehicle to commute long distances alone, fuel efficiency and low maintenance costs should be your primary focus. Fuel efficiency and low maintenance costs is also great for families, but a larger vehicle may be ideal for summer road trips.

Number of Regular Passengers

How many people will be riding in the Toyota? If you need to regularly transport seven people, opting for a sedan like a Camry simply won’t be a wise choice. Alternatively, if only one or two people will ride in the car, you don’t necessarily need to be looking at something as large as a Sequoia.

Choosing Your Toyota

Once you determine which Toyota you want to buy, you need to learn everything you can about it. Get online and research the different model years, trim levels, optional equipment, reliability ratings, etc. You might find that one specific version of the vehicle is ideal for your needs and wants, so you can better focus your search.

When you’re looking at used vehicles, you need to ask if getting a certified car is important. Certified Toyotas go through a detailed inspection by a qualified technician, addressing many common problem areas to ensure new owners have the best experience possible. At the same time, certified vehicles often cost more. Take some time to look up what items are included in the certification process, so you’ll have a better idea of what you’d be paying for.

You need to ask if you’re willing to buy a used vehicle from a private party. This is one option for potentially saving a significant chunk of money on the transaction, while getting a quality car. If you’re able to get financing through your bank or a local institution, you can explore this path. You might need to leverage the financing options offered by dealers, which can close off this option. It’s best to know this early in the shopping process.

Toyota Repairs at T3 Atlanta

Even vehicles as reliable as Toyota need regular maintenance. Whether it’s time for a regular oil change or more in-depth repairs, bring your Toyota family vehicle to T3 Atlanta. We’ll have you back on the road in no time!