Used Car Buyer's Guide

As you search for your next vehicle to take on the Corona roads, you’ll have two main inventory options: new and used. While buying a new car is relatively straightforward, not every driver has it in their budget to purchase a new BMW. But, if you plan on sticking with a pre-owned model, more research and time may be required. 

BMW of Murrieta is here to help you navigate buying a used car in Murrieta with our Used Car Buyer’s Guide! In this guide, we’ll answer everything from “Is it better to buy a new or used car?” to “What is considered good mileage for a used car?” so you can confidently start your search. Learn everything you need to know about what to look for when buying a used car with BMW of Murrieta!

Is it Better to Buy a New or Used Car?

One of the first questions many drivers ask themselves is, “Is it better to buy a new or used car?” Both new and used vehicles have advantages and disadvantages, so choosing which is better will depend on your unique situation. Compare the new vs. used pros and cons below to see which kind of vehicle works best for your budget and Riverside lifestyle:

New Car Advantages

• Modern Technology: When buying or leasing a new vehicle, drivers gain access to some of the most advanced technology on the market, ensuring easy smartphone integration and premium comfort features for all your daily drives.

• Better Fuel Efficiency: The electric market is booming, and traditional gas engines are doing their best to keep up. No matter what kind of new vehicle you buy, you’ll likely get better fuel economy than any pre-owned model.

• Full Warranty Coverage: All new vehicles, whether leased or financed, come with a new vehicle warranty that provides bumper-to-bumper coverage for several years.

New Car Disadvantages

• More Expensive: Though new vehicles have several advantages, all their perks come at a cost. New vehicles are much more expensive to purchase than used or certified pre-owned models, and once the warranty runs out, the advanced technologies will be more costly to maintain and repair. 

Used Car Advantages

• More Cost-Effective: One of the biggest advantages of buying a used car is the price. Used and CPO vehicles come with significantly lower price tags to start and offer further savings by costing less on taxes, insurance, and registration, giving drivers plenty of room in their budgets.

• Slower Depreciation: New cars begin a steep depreciation period once they drive off the dealer’s lot, losing a large part of their value in a few short years. Used cars, however, have likely already undergone the worst depreciation period, leading to your vehicle retaining its value over a longer period of time.

• Less Chance for Negative Equity: Thanks to the low prices and slow depreciation of used vehicles, drivers who opt for a pre-owned model rarely have to worry about negative equity or being “upside down” on their used car loan.

Used Car Disadvantages

• Higher Interest Rates: Lenders tend to charge higher interest rates on loans used for pre-owned cars than on new cars, leading to higher monthly payments. That said, used car loans are usually for lower amounts and can be paid off in a shorter timeframe.

What to Look for When Buying a Used Car

If you’ve decided that a used car makes the most sense for your budget and Ontario transportation needs, it’s time to dive into what to look for when buying a used car! When you go to buy a used car from a dealership, you’ll want to follow these steps to narrow your search and complete the process:

• Set Your Budget: A key factor in any car purchase is your budget. You’ll want to estimate how much money you’ll spend on your vehicle each month, including everything from the monthly payment to the maintenance or repairs your vehicle may need. It’s recommended that these expenses don’t exceed 10% of your monthly income. 

• Find the Right Used Car: After you’ve settled on a budget that makes sense for your situation, begin researching pre-owned models that fit your price range on reputable sites such as Cars.com, Kelley Blue Book, and Edmunds. There, you’ll find lists of features, safety ratings, reliability ratings, and reviews from drivers and experts so you can feel confident in your decision.

• Test Drive & Inspect Models: If you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s time to search local used car dealerships, like BMW of Murrieta, for the models you’re interested in. Once you find a few models you like, make an appointment to perform an on-lot inspection and a test drive. If possible, ask the dealer if they’d let you take the vehicle to a trusted mechanic for an inspection.

• Explore Used Car Financing & Warranty Options: Ready to sign on the dotted line and bring your new-to-you car home to San Diego? Talk to the finance team at BMW of Murrieta to go over all your financing options, available warranty coverages, and potential incentives or tax breaks your pre-owned model may be eligible for.

What to Ask When Buying a Used Car

Not everything you need to know about a used car can be ascertained from an on-lot inspection and test drive. Before purchasing a used car, be sure to ask the seller these questions to get a more complete understanding of the vehicle’s condition:

• Are there any current recalls on the vehicle?
• What is the ownership history?
• Do you have the title in hand?
• Is the vehicle history report available?
• Is there a history of maintenance?
• What is the vehicle’s mileage?
• Do the amenities and features work like they’re supposed to?
• Is the car as is, or is it under warranty?
• Can I take the car to a mechanic for an inspection?
• How was the vehicle priced?
• Does this vehicle affect your insurance premiums?

What Is Good Mileage for a Used Car?

Several factors go into determining whether or not a used car is the right model for you, such as age, trim, manufacturer, and what features you need for your Fallbrook drives. But, one of the most important considerations is mileage. What is good mileage for a used car? While most would suggest you stay away from vehicles with 100,000 miles or more, there is no magic number that is considered “good” for a used car. 

Instead, drivers should consider mileage in conjunction with several other factors to get a better idea of the car’s general condition. Some of these factors include:

• Usage: A car with 70,000 miles driven in stop-and-go traffic will have more wear and tear than a car driven 70,000 miles on the highway. See if you can determine the previous owner’s driving history before judging the mileage on its own.

• Location: Vehicles driven in warm, dry climates tend to undergo less stress than models driven in cold, wet climates, so it’s helpful to know where the vehicle originated. 

• Maintenance: Always ask about the maintenance history of a used vehicle before purchasing. A vehicle with a documented history of regular maintenance and repair will be in much better condition than a vehicle with a spotty or unknown service record.

• Condition: If you can, have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle you’re interested in for any mechanical or aging issues. This inspection can be a great indicator of its condition, regardless of the odometer.

Mileage vs. Age

One of the best ways to determine if the vehicle you’re interested in has good mileage for a used car is to look at its age. Typically, drivers will put up to 12,000 miles per year on their vehicles, so if your vehicle has significantly more or significantly less mileage than the average mileage per year, you can form an idea of how the car was driven. For instance:

• A car with 20,000 miles may seem like a good deal, but if it’s 10 years old, it may have been kept in a garage or rarely driven. Used cars with long periods of disuse will have higher repair bills and issues with rubber seals, gaskets, and more. 
• A car with 72,000 miles may seem like a risk, but if the car is only six or seven years old and has a history of routine maintenance, it may be more reliable and last longer than some low-mileage models. 

Take These Steps After Buying a Used Car

After following all the steps above, you’re ready to purchase your pre-owned vehicle! But the fun doesn’t stop there– there are still a few steps after buying a used car that you’ll want to take to ensure you’re ready for the Murrieta roads:

• Get Insurance: If you’ve just received the keys to your pre-owned vehicle, don’t leave the lot just yet! Driving without insurance is illegal, so be sure you and your car are covered before driving home. 
• Transfer the Title & Register the Car: Buying a new or certified pre-owned vehicle at BMW of Murrieta lets you skip this step, as our finance experts handle the paperwork for you. If you buy from a private seller, you have to make an appointment with your local DMV to update the title and registration.
• Check for Recalls: All vehicles are subject to recalls. Research your vehicle and see if any recalls have occurred since its production.
• Choose a Mechanic You Trust & Schedule Service: Are you looking for a recall service or just need to get started on your used vehicle’s maintenance needs? You can’t go wrong with BMW of Murrieta’s service team! Our certified technicians will keep your pre-owned model on the Corona roads for years to come. Schedule service online and make sure your new-to-you vehicle is ready to roll. 
• Review the Owner’s Manual: The easiest way to familiarize yourself with your new ride is to read the owner’s manual. Inside, you’ll find all the information you need to keep your vehicle properly maintained, as well as some tips and tricks on using the features in your car to their fullest. 

Shop for Used & Certified Pre-Owned Cars for Sale at BMW of Murrieta!

Now that you know what steps to take after buying a used car and how to shop for one in Riverside, you’re ready to get started with BMW of Murrieta! Browse our inventory online to find a used car for sale in Murrieta that fits your needs and budget, and then contact us when you’re ready for a test drive! Our team is eager to put you in the driver’s seat of a reliable used car, so stop by BMW of Murrieta today.