Shop Online for Gently Used Cars in Cincinnati, OH

Explore Kings Toyota's bargain selection of used cars under $10,000, available here in Cincinnati.

Buying a used car can be a great option when you want a quality vehicle that doesn't come with the price tag of a new car. Although used cars, especially used Toyota vehicles, are a great way to get value, there are some things to consider before you commit. Let's take a closer look at how to find a quality used car under $10,000 here at Kings Toyota in Cincinnati, OH. Questions? Give us a dial.

Avoid Love At First Sight

This might be the single most difficult thing to do, but you must try. Everyone has pictured their dream vehicle to some degree. Many people have this vehicle down to the year, make, model, and color. If this sounds like you, you must resist the temptation to stop your search when you see your perfect vehicle. There are too many factors you need to consider that have nothing to do with your love affair with a particular vehicle.

That's because the year, make, model, and color have little to do with how good the vehicle actually is. So you must check off a number of items on your list before you negotiate your deal.

Inspect the Pre-Owned Vehicle

Put yourself in the dealership's position for a minute and imagine you are inspecting a car being traded-in. Walk around the vehicle and don't be afraid to take notes with pen and paper. That's what they do and so should you. Make a list of everything you see or suspect. If you're inspecting a truck, make sure to take a peek at the bed.

Don't forget to look underneath the vehicle, also. There could be loose or dangling parts that need repair. There might also be leaking fluid like brake fluid, anti-freeze, or oil, all of which are bad signs. When you're done with the exterior, climb inside and inspect the interior as well. 

A good tip is to sit in every seat. Most buyers only sit in the driver's seat, which is the most important view because you'll be doing the driving after all. But, your friends and family will be riding with you. How comfortable are the seats? Is it difficult to get in and out of the rear seat? Used cars will have wear and tear on the inside too. By sitting in every seat you might see defects you wouldn't normally see from the driver's seat. 

Go for a Test Drive

Everyone should take a car they are seriously considering for a test drive, whether it's used or brand new. Never assume the vehicle is in tip-top condition. You need to know how it handles. You want to be sure you are comfortable with the power, braking, steering, and suspension. Pay close attention to the sounds you hear. Listen for unusual engine noise like tapping or clicking. Make certain when shifting gears the transmission does so smoothly. 

If the brakes squeal or grind they could need some work. If the vehicle pulls to one side when braking or drifts it might need a simple alignment, or it could be a symptom of something more serious.

While you are test driving a vehicle, you need to turn everything on. You need to make sure the air conditioner and heater work properly. Does the radio work? How about the infotainment hub? Test out the touch screen and see its functionality. 

Check the Vehicle History Report

There are a number of places to find a vehicle history report. All you need is the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Some dealerships will have this report ready for you to view because they know savvy buyers will ask. These reports will give you any accident history and insurance claims. A vehicle that was involved in a flood won't come up as an accident but will show up as an insurance claim. 

Many dealerships offer quality used cars that were turned in after a lease term. They often have low mileage and are in excellent condition. The real benefit here is that the dealership will have a maintenance report on the vehicle too. 

Just because a vehicle has low miles doesn't automatically make it a good buy. If the vehicle hasn't been driven that often it might actually have more problems. You should begin looking at cars with a good resale value instead, like the Toyota Camry, Corolla, RAV4, or Tacoma. You might pay a little more, but they hold their value for a reason. They are well-made and hold up over time, which means if you do decide to sell or trade it down the road you'll get more in return.

Know the Vehicle's Value

You don't want to spend more than the vehicle is worth. It's bad business. Kelley Blue Book (KBB) is the industry standard for valuing vehicles for trade and resale. Every dealership knows this and uses it to set a price. KBB is free and fast. You can pull up the website from your smartphone and enter either the VIN or the vehicle's details. In a few minutes, you'll have the value for resale.

You should know that mileage and condition can impact the value KBB arrives at. If you misinterpret the condition of the vehicle you could end up paying more. One plus to the KBB valuation is it will give you the trade value as well. This is likely what the dealership paid out in trade, which can help you negotiate.

Find a Used Vehicle Under $10K in Cincinnati Today!

At Kings Toyota, we have an expansive inventory of used vehicles in Cincinnati, OH. You can browse our inventory online or come visit our dealership. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff will be happy to help you find the perfect used vehicle to fit your budget and lifestyle. Questions? Contact us by phone at (513) 683-5440 or through our website's contact form.