Step One: Locate the Car

It's time to identify what you want. When you shop used, you'll have a sea of vehicles at your disposal. And it can be easy to get overwhelmed. Especially if you type "used cars near me" in a Google search. You'll get flooded with pages of vehicles-and if you don't know what you want, you'll spend days trying to figure it out.

So, boil it down. Which brand do you prefer? If you're looking for muscle, then you probably want to head to Dodge, Ford, or Chevy. If you need interior space, then you'll probably want a used SUV. So on, and so forth. Make a shortlist. After you decide which car you want, then it's time to locate a dealership that has it.

Take your time. The internet is your friend. There's many videos on YouTube that offer reviews for particular models. Check out what people have to say about the vehicle in question. Many times, there's also POV videos for those same models. You can get a better idea of what you're getting into-and if it's something you want to explore further.

Step Two: The Dealership

There's dozens of dealerships in Grand Rapids and Lansing. You probably can't go three full blocks without seeing at least one nearby. After you find the car you want, you probably want to locate an official dealership of the brand. If you're looking for a used Toyota, check for Toyota dealerships, etc. The only concern with that is they don't prioritize their used inventory. Not like we do.

We specialize in selling used cars. And here, they are our number one priority. Even with that, it can be a little tricky trying to find a dealership you can trust. And if you can't trust the dealership, then there's no way you should trust the inventory. Especially when your hard-earned cash is at stake.

Check the Google reviews. There's hardly any business in Grand Rapids that won't have any reviews. Let your peers keep you in the loop. Unbiased dealership reviews are key to choosing the right place to shop. But don't limit yourself to Google. There's several websites that offer reviews for particular dealerships. Check them before you visit.

Step Three: The Test Drive

Once you've identified the vehicle you want and the dealership you want to shop at, it's time to schedule a test drive. The last thing you want to do is buy a car without testing it out. And don't limit yourself to just one test drive. Look at your shortlist and drive one or two of them. Or test them all out. There's no cost to test drive. And if you're going to spend your cash on a car, it may as well be exactly the one you want.

Turn the music down during the test drive and try to keep things quiet. This is because you want to hear everything. If the vehicle makes a funny noise, question it. If the breaks squeal, ask about maintenance. You want all of your senses in tune with the car so you can make the best decision.