Buying A Secondhand Car: Where To Shop, What To Buy, What To Ask

Secondhand cars give people from all walks of life the opportunity to enjoy modern technology, comfortable cabins, and high-performing engines at a fraction of a new vehicle's price. If you're curious about what to check when buying a secondhand car, questions you should ask before purchase, or which makes and models are most reliable, Used Car Superstore has the answers you need. This is where we shine, after all!

Our multi-OEM auto center works hard to be your best place to buy secondhand cars. We equip our shoppers to make smart choices, and we carry low-mileage used cars from the most popular brands, including secondhand EV models, demo vehicles, and certified secondhand cars. Some of our inventory even includes used 2025 vehicles! Say goodbye to limited pre-owned inventory at dealerships; shop secondhand cars at our superstore instead and drive home in a vehicle you love.

What Are Secondhand Cars?

Wondering about the meaning of "secondhand vehicle"? There's no difference between a pre-owned vs. secondhand vs. used car; all three titles refer to previously loved automobiles that have had one or more owners. You can determine how many people have owned a vehicle by referencing a vehicle history report. This page will focus primarily on one-owner car options to reflect the typical inventory at our Used Car Superstore showroom.

Types of Secondhand Cars

Some people may turn up their noses at the thought of shopping secondhand, but buyers in the know understand that a well-maintained pre-owned trim can be just as comfortable, safe, and reliable as a brand-new variant. It's also a common misconception that secondhand cars always come with high mileage, extreme wear and tear, subpar features, or obsolete electronics. In fact, when you shop at a trusted used vehicle location, this couldn't be further from the truth.

Secondhand cars can be quality investments, and they are typically available in three key categories: like-new cars, certified secondhand cars, and for-sale demo vehicles. No matter where you tour and test-drive, you should inquire about all three of these types of used models to give yourself the biggest possible selection.

• Like-New Cars: Pre-owned vehicles that have been reconditioned to look and feel like new automobiles. They typically have low mileage and minimal wear and tear. An example of a like-new car at our superstore would be a 2024 Honda Civic with fewer than 5,000 miles, no visible exterior damage, and no mechanical issues.
• Certified Secondhand Cars: Certified pre-owned models have passed rigorous multipoint inspections to earn their CPO status. A CPO vehicle may have higher mileage than a like-new car, but it will also likely come with a warranty. A certified pre-owned car at our Used Car Superstore could include a 2022 Kia Seltos with only 54,000 miles.
• Demo Vehicles: Cars that dealerships use for customer test drives and other demonstrations, then sell at discounted prices. Demo vehicles usually have very low mileage and hardly any wear and tear. At our retailer, you can always inquire about retired demo models that are now available for purchase!

Should I Buy a New or Secondhand Car?

Every vehicle comes with benefits and challenges, regardless of whether it's brand-new or secondhand. An SUV mint off the production line could break down after only 30,000 miles, while a used sedan could give you 20 years of dependable daily driving. You can't always predict how a vehicle will behave, but you do deserve to be aware of every factor before making your decision. If you've been asking yourself, "Should I buy a new or secondhand car?" here's a quick pros and cons checklist you can use to weigh your options.

Secondhand Car vs. New: Pros

• New cars, trucks, and SUVs depreciate anywhere from 20% to 40% in their first three years; buy secondhand cars, and you'll likely avoid such steep depreciation losses.
• Last year, 2.5 times the number of secondhand cars vs. new vehicles were sold in the U.S.¹
• On average, secondhand cars can cost between 25% and 50% less than new models, leading to significant savings.
• Thanks to their lower price tags, secondhand cars often have lower down payments.
• Secondhand cars can also be financed and come with lower monthly payments than a new vehicle.
• Drivers with almost any credit score can qualify for a used-car loan; new vehicle financing terms at dealerships often turn away people with below-average credit.
• Secondhand cars give drivers access to higher-spec models, so you'll have more opportunities to enjoy amenities like leather seats, larger touchscreens, and advanced driver-assistance technology.

Secondhand Car vs. New: Cons

• Your secondhand car interest rate may be higher than if you financed a new vehicle.
• Some used cars are less dependable than new options because of increased wear and tear.
• Unless you shop at a dedicated secondhand car dealer like Used Car Superstore, your selection of pre-owned vehicles may be limited.
• Most used cars don't come with warranties, though certified secondhand cars often do.

Where Can I Buy a Secondhand Car?

Once you've decided between secondhand cars vs. new vehicles, it's time to narrow your search to a few automotive locations – and there are definitely pitfalls to avoid. Even if you don't choose to visit our Used Car Superstore, we're here to equip you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision about where to shop.

First, it's important to know that every dealership will promote their used car inventory to draw customers to their showrooms, but their sales teams are trained to push new models and upsell package add-ons. Secondly, dealerships often hide their secondhand cars in back rows, and even their most recent model years might come with odometers reading over 150,000 miles. So, where can you buy reliable secondhand cars? Your best bet will be a dedicated used car center.

Benefits of a Used Car Superstore

• Used car centers only stock and sell pre-owned and CPO vehicles.
• Dedicated secondhand retailers often carry one-owner cars.
• Low-mileage options and demo vehicles are more common at used car superstores.

What To Check When Buying a Secondhand Car?

It's easy to get caught up in a vehicle's aesthetics when shopping for pre-owned variants; after all, the paint job and upholstery create your first impressions, and it's tempting to take home the first option that fulfills your visual wish list. However, if you really want to get the best possible deal, you'll need to take much more than a vehicle's exterior and cabin into consideration.

Arm yourself with a comprehensive list of what to check when buying a secondhand car by using our outline below. Feel free to screenshot or save the following section and take it with you on your next shopping expedition.

• Normal Wear & Tear: An example of secondhand vehicle wear and tear that's normal is a small scratch in the paint or minor dings in lower body panels.
• CPO Warranties: A CPO vehicle should typically come with some type of warranty, and it will have passed a multipoint inspection.
• Title Status: Every automotive retailer should provide information about a car's title. Know the difference between a clean title and a title with a lien before making your purchase.
• Low Accident Record: Not only does a low accident record typically equate to a nicer-looking exterior, but it also means a vehicle's internal systems are more likely to be preserved. The same applies to flood damage and other natural accidents.
• Functional Technology: Take any used car you're considering on a test drive to check for working heat and air conditioning, touchscreens, and safety systems.
• Normal Driving Behavior: While you're behind the wheel, check for a firm brake pedal, quiet engine, and responsive acceleration.
• Healthy Engine & Transmission: Before buying any vehicle, request to drive it to a trusted off-site mechanic for a complete engine and transmission check.

If you notice extreme signs of wear, such as exterior rust or torn upholstery, unusual engine performance like knocking or shaking, or dashboard lights indicating problems, you might want to pass on that particular vehicle.

What Is the Best Secondhand Car to Buy?

The best secondhand cars to buy or finance are the makes and models that fit your needs. That answer may sound trite, but it's true: The pre-owned vehicle that meets your budget, performance, technology, and mileage needs will be your best option. However, we also know you're reading this page to gain an overview of the best secondhand cars, so here are our professional opinions:

• One-owner cars are usually in better shape and have fewer accidents than multi-owner vehicles. Ask for a CARFAX® 1-Owner report to confirm.
• Automakers known for their reliability are great choices.
• Used vehicles with high resale values are also good investments.

At our Used Car Superstore, we get multiple customer requests for Kia secondhand cars. The Kia brand has made great strides in recent model years to supply sedans and SUVs with the latest technology and style, leading many drivers to visit our showroom in search of a Kia Sportage or Forte. We also receive multiple calls from customers who want a secondhand EV like a Mercedes-Benz EQS or a secondhand small SUV with hybrid capabilities like an Audi Q5. A secondhand Kia Sorento Hybrid is also one of our top sellers because it helps offset emissions and fuel costs.

Shop Secondhand Cars at Used Car Superstore

Call off your search for the best place to buy secondhand cars. The premium inventory at our showroom is full of low-mileage models. We carry pre-owned and certified pre-owned single-owner options, including gas, hybrid, and EV designs. Shop secondhand cars at Used Car Superstore to leverage ultimate buying power.

Although Used Car Superstore is a nationwide establishment, our location in Long Island is perfect for New York drivers who appreciate the best possible deals on good secondhand cars. Shop our secondhand car dealer online now or visit us soon to find nearly new vehicles from the most popular automotive brands.

¹Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.statista.com/statistics/183713/value-of-us-passenger-cas-sales-and-leases-since-1990/#:~:text=Sales%20of%20used%20light%20vehicles,and%20automobiles%20were%20sold%20here.