Many drivers in the Albuquerque, New Mexico area are searching for a dependable, stylish, and affordable car. You'll be impressed at our pre-owned inventory of cars at Chalmers Ford with a sticker price of under $25K, which includes everything from compact sedans to roomy SUVs. Here, we'll take a closer look at what our Ford dealership in Albuquerque, NM, has to offer drivers who are on a budget. 

Benefits of Used Cars Over New

There's a certain appeal to buying a new car straight from the factory, but used cars are often just as reliable and comfortable. If you still need convincing that purchasing a used car is the way to go, keep reading to discover some advantages of buying a used vehicle.

Lower Purchase Price

A big advantage of purchasing a used vehicle is the lower price tag. If you're on a tight budget, you can get a nice car with more features if you buy it used versus new. Dealerships are more willing to negotiate the price of used vehicles, which means you can often save even more.

Less Depreciation

Depreciation is a decline in your car's value, and it's the key factor responsible for the lower price tag on used vehicles. Your car suffers the greatest depreciation right after purchase, meaning that as soon as you drive away, your new car has already lost a big portion of its value. The depreciation curve gets less steep over time, so a used car will maintain its value for longer. 

Larger Selection of Inventory to Choose From

There are more used cars in the market than new ones. By tapping into our extensive used car inventory here at Chalmers Ford, you can search for vehicles with the specific features you're most interested in rather than settling for whatever limited number of new cars are available at any given time.

Why Buy a Used Car at a Dealership

It's common for people to purchase used cars from both private sellers and dealerships. While buying from a private seller might be tempting, there are several reasons why it's best to stick to a trusted dealership when searching for your next car.

For starters, if you plan on financing your vehicle, many banks won't provide loans for cars purchased through private parties. Banks consider these loans high risk because the seller may not have disclosed all the vehicle's potential problems. 

Car dealerships know their reputation is on the line with every purchase. Our service technicians inspect every car we sell to ensure nothing is awry. Our certified pre-owned vehicles have passed a rigorous inspection process to ensure they're in peak condition. A private seller has nothing to lose by passing off a less-than-stellar car and is more likely to cover up known problems rather than fix them.

What To Look For in a Used Car Under $20k

When purchasing a used car, you want to do your due diligence to make sure you're getting a bargain. Here are some things to look out for if you're shopping for a used car under $20k:

Number of Previous Owners

If the car has only had one owner in the past, there's a good chance that you'll be able to find out a lot about the vehicle's history. However, if it's had multiple owners, it's much easier for any less-than-ideal details to be concealed or overlooked.

Availability of Maintenance Records 

It's a well-known fact that the best way to preserve the life of a car is to keep it properly maintained. If the used car you're looking at has maintenance records available and they appear up-to-date, that's a good indication that the previous owners took good care of it while it was in their possession. 

Accident History

If the car has only been in a minor accident, it's not likely to be a big deal. However, if the car you're looking at has a major accident in its history, the integrity of the frame of that vehicle may have been compromised. It always helps to look up the car's full history using a company like CARFAX before making your purchase.

Used Car Test Drive Tips

One of the most important parts of buying a used car is the test drive. You should never feel rushed when performing the test drive, so be sure to take full advantage of this time to inspect the car before making your final decision. Here are some of the top things to do when taking a test drive:

Thoroughly Inspect the Exterior

Take a walk around the entire vehicle, looking for all noticeable dings and dents. Look closely at the paint color, making sure each panel matches, as slightly different shades may indicate a replacement. Check under the car for any drips or dangling pieces.

Test the Interior Features

When you take a seat, be sure to check all the seat adjustment controls to ensure they're working properly. Take the time to adjust mirrors and inspect any cameras. Check interior lighting, radio and audio controls, and even the functionality of any charging ports. Don't forget to try out both the air conditioning and heat controls. 

Use Your Senses During the Drive

Once you hit the road, be sure to inspect the car during your drive. Use your eyes to check for any warning indicators on the dash. Use your ears to listen for any rattles or whistles that might indicate an issue. Smell the air coming from the vents to make sure nothing smells musty or like gasoline leaks. Feel the car's responsiveness to steering and braking.

Book a Test Drive Today

At our Ford dealership, we're proud of our used car inventory under $25K. For drivers shopping on a tight budget, our team is here to help match you to a car that meets all of your needs. Stop by to take a look at our inventory in person or book a test drive for an in-depth look at one of our outstanding vehicles.