How to Find the Right Used Ford for You

According to research from Statista.com, sales of lightly used vehicles in the US during 2017 came to approximately $42.7 million. An average of 40 million used cars are bought and sold each year. Deciding to buy a used car is a big decision and many factors come into play. If you are looking to buy a used Ford, consider the following factors to find the right one that is best suited to your current driving needs and lifestyle.

Set Your Budget

Don’t even start to look for a used Ford unless you have reviewed your finances and set a strict budget so you won’t have buyer’s remorse if you ended up paying more than you could afford. You may be paying cash for the car, so the budget is not as important if you’ll be using a set amount from your savings account. However, if you will be applying for a loan on a used vehicle, a budget for the car payment is necessary. In addition to the car payment, fuel, and regular maintenance, you need to consider any unexpected mechanical expenses that you’ll incur—which may be more than if you purchased a new vehicle. Used cars don’t usually come with warranties like new cars so you need to keep your own funds set aside for any emergencies.

Make Your List

The next step is to make a list of what type of used Ford you are looking for that will suit your daily driving needs. It’s good to make a list prior to visiting a dealership so you know that you decide on the right one and it wasn’t an in-the-moment decision. Take a look at these popular used Ford vehicles.

1. 2009 Ford Ranger – does not have a spacious cabin with seating options for multiple adults however it is perfect if you’re looking for superior utility and great horsepower. It has a 4.0-liter V6 engine delivering 207 horsepower and 238 lb.-ft. of torque.
2. 2010 Ford Expedition – this full-size SUV is ideal if you need to easily transport people and or cargo safely. You and your passengers will be very comfortable in the roomy interior. It also delivers 9,200 pounds of towing capacity.
3. 2011 Ford Taurus – the Taurus has a 30-year track record of excellence so you can trust this very reliable vehicle. The 2011 edition has a spacious interior, provides a smooth driving experience, and features the Sync Infotainment system. This model comes in front-wheel or all-wheel drive and delivers 263 horsepower with the V6 engine.
4. 2010 Ford Fusion – With the redesigned 2010 Fusion, there are four different engine options delivering between 175 and 265 horsepower. It has excellent gripping capacity with its all-wheel drive making it great for all sorts of weather conditions.
5. 2010 Ford Mustang – if you want a sporty driving experience then this used Ford is perfect for you. It has been popular for over 50 years. This 2010 Mustang has made the list from US News as the number one used sports car and “best pre-owned car regardless of classification.”

One thing to consider is purchasing a used Ford that is certified pre-owned (CPO) if you are interested in a vehicle that is less than five years old. With these CPO cars, you will receive a warranty from the automotive manufacturer and the dealership.

Research Vehicle History

You are making a used Ford purchase and need to ensure that you are buying a vehicle that is reliable and will get you where you need to go. One important question about the vehicle is whether or not it was well maintained. Some drivers take very good care of their vehicles. Others don’t and that can be bad for you if you are trying to buy a used car.

The dealership may not have all of the mechanical records for the used Ford that you want to buy. If they do have the information regarding regular maintenance, oil changes, and tire rotations and alignment, they may not all be agreeable to giving out this data due to privacy concerns. However, if you really want to get this information and that is contingent on your purchasing from their dealership they may decide to provide the records and redact the previous owner’s personal information. Keep in mind that they will only have information from any service appointments from their service center. If the previous owner took the vehicle to another facility for servicing, the dealership won’t have this information, unless it was freely provided to them by the owner.

Most dealerships will be understanding about your concerns and will be interested in making the sale to you for the used Ford. So, simply be polite and that will open more doors for you to actually get the vehicle history information that can put your mind at ease prior to purchasing it.

Vehicle Test Drive

The most enjoyable part of this process for buying your used Ford is to go to the dealership and test drive the vehicle. Don’t make this a quick process. It is important to ascertain whether or not this is the right vehicle for you and your current lifestyle. Make a list of questions you want to ask the sale associate prior to the test drive so you don’t forget to learn all you can about the vehicle. Consider some of the following things to look for when going for the test drive.

• What is the condition of the exterior?
• Does the inside of the vehicle look clean? Are there any odors?
• How comfortable do you feel inside in the driver seat? In the other seats?
• Will you and your passengers feel comfortable with enough leg and head room?
• How much storage space is in the trunk or cargo area, if it’s a truck or hatchback?
• Did you see if the check engine light is on? That can be a sign of mechanical issues.
• When driving, how well did the brakes work in all braking incidences?
• Do the tires look like they’re in good condition, and have enough tread left?
• Does the heat and air conditioning work? Are there any bad smells?
• Are all the lights working both inside and outside the vehicle?

There are so many things you need to look for when going for the test drive; especially since you are buying a used car rather than a new one. You may want to consider bringing along a friend or family member to make sure they can catch anything on your list that slipped by you. It’s better to have as much support as possible since this is an exciting moment for you buying this used Ford. You want to make sure you make the right decision.

Inspection and Negotiation

When buying a used car there is generally more room for negotiating about the sticker price. Remember, you already have your set budget in mind. If possible, try to negotiate a lower price. However, always make sure that you are comporting yourself in a friendly manner. The sales person is your friend, not your enemy.

Most dealerships want to keep their customers happy. Generally the used cars they are selling have been inspected prior to being available for sale. The DMV.org lists the following items that should be inspected in a comprehensive vehicle inspection:

• Brakes
• Battery
• Frame
• Tires
• Lights
• Radiator
• Glass
• Hoses
• Fluids
• Belts
• Body

Dealerships with superior customer satisfaction guarantees will often complete a computerized engine analysis and road test in the inspection process.

Finding the right used Ford can be a fun process if you lessen the stress factor by following the basic steps discussed here. Always set you budget in the beginning of the process. Make a list of used Fords that you are interested in and what will best fit your lifestyle. Research the vehicle history and go for a test drive so you know you are not buying a lemon. Be smart when negotiating and check on any inspection results.