Deciding to buy a car is exciting. There are also plenty of factors to consider when you begin the process. To help you get started, New Holland Auto Group has put together this guide to buying certified pre-owned (CPO) and used cars for New Holland, Lancaster, and Lititz, Pennsylvania, drivers. We hope that it helps you through the car-buying process.  

Step One: Make a Budget

The first thing you need to do is make a budget. You'll need to consider your monthly payments and the overall cost of the vehicle. However, budgets go beyond just monthly car payments. With a car, you may also need to consider insurance, gas, repairs, and parking costs.

Most people opt for financing, which you can do through our dealership. Regardless of the path you choose, having an estimate of what you can afford per month will help narrow down your vehicle options and keep you on a good financial track. This also can work if you plan to lease the car instead.

A good rule of thumb is that when making a budget, make sure your total auto expenses aren't more than 20% of your monthly take-home pay.

Step Two: Figure Out the Type of Vehicle You Need

The next step is to figure out the type of car you need. Are you someone who tows a lot for work or fun? Maybe a truck is a good option for you. Do you want room for the whole family or a good amount of cargo space? Perhaps an SUV is the right choice.

Making a list of must-have features can help you stay on track while looking at all of the used cars available within your budget. You'll also benefit from remembering what you don't like and dismissing any features that you know you'll never use.

Think about what your friends and relatives drive, too. Did any of their cars appeal to you? If a car that your sister drives has the features you like, ask her how she likes the car and what its strengths and weaknesses are.

Step Three: Start Looking for a Vehicle

Time to start your research! You can typically look at an online inventory or explore in person at various dealerships to find plenty of used cars-our dealership included.

Sources such as Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book provide plenty of helpful information. You'll find prices, reviews, stats, and a list of competitors for each car. That way you can examine what could work for you. U.S. News & World Report features a car section that covers all types of vehicles and offers comparisons.

We offer plenty of used and certified pre-owned vehicles for you to choose from. Our CPO vehicles have met specific manufacturer criteria and often come with limited warranties. Our service department puts them through strict inspections that check every part of the car to ensure they're up to scratch.

At our dealership, we offer a look at our used and CPO cars on offer through our website. You can check out vehicle pages, explore vehicle histories, and even schedule a test drive. It's also possible to embark on a search. This can help you narrow down the prospects to a select few that you'd like to learn more about.

Step Four: Test Drive the Cars You're Interested In

Have a few cars you'd like to take out for a spin? Schedule test drives to see how they feel. Whether or not you enjoy driving the vehicle matters because you should enjoy getting into your car for your daily drives.

A test drive is also a good way to test various features like the AC or the radio to make sure everything is working properly. You'll want to test the car's overall condition and see how it feels to sit in the driver's seat. Remember that good visibility and comfort goes a long way when you're going the distance.

Step Five: Apply for Financing

If you've found a vehicle you like, it's time to apply for financing. Our dealership has an on-site finance center where you can meet with a team member and go over all of your options. They're available to field any questions you may have about monthly payments or trading in an older car.

As mentioned previously, you can apply for financing online ahead of time, so you can have an idea of your options before you come by for a test drive. Doing so speeds up the process of driving off the lot on your next adventure and lets you concentrate on shopping.

Trading in an older car can help you apply its value towards your next down payment. To find out how much you could get for your car, fill out the Kelley Blue Book Instant Cash Offer. It gives you the latest estimate on your car, so that you know what to expect when you trade it in or sell it to us.

By trading in or selling your car, you'll gain a satisfying down payment and relieve yourself of the paperwork. Since we handle this type of paperwork on a daily basis, we're able to quickly put it together and submit it to the Pennsylvania DMV.

Step Six: Negotiate a Deal and Finalize It

Time to negotiate your deal. You can do some research to discover what options you have and find the one that best fits your budget.

If both parties agree on a particular estimate, go over the paperwork and finalize the deal. Then, all that's left to do is drive away in your car!

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Find Your Next Car at New Holland Auto Group

We at New Holland Auto Group have plenty of CPO vehicles and used cars for you to choose from. Our team is happy to work with drivers from New Holland, Lancaster, and Lititz, PA, and get them behind the wheel of their favorite used car. We also can provide your car with expert service when you need a tune-up.

Contact us to get started today!

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Contact

New Holland Auto Group

508 W Main St
Directions New Holland, PA 17557

  • Sales: 717-351-7639
  • Service: 717-354-2900
  • Parts: 717-354-4907

Hours

  • Monday 9AM-8PM
  • Tuesday 9AM-8PM
  • Wednesday 9AM-8PM
  • Thursday 9AM-8PM
  • Friday 9AM-8PM
  • Saturday 9AM-5PM
  • Sunday Closed