Looking for a used car in Medford, Oregon? You’ve got options! The used car market in Medford can be a great place to find reliable transportation that fits your budget.
This guide will help you navigate the Medford used car scene, from figuring out financing to choosing the right dealership, and highlighting the most important things to consider before you buy.
Buying used can save you serious money compared to buying a new car, but it’s important to do your homework and make smart choices. Your credit history, the type of vehicle you need, and your budget all play a big part in the process.
Dealership options and inventory in Medford
Medford has a good selection of dealerships, from independent used car lots to franchise dealers such as Crater Lake Ford and Lithia Toyota of Medford. The different dealerships offer different vehicles and services.
To maximize your choices, it’s a good idea to check out both large dealerships and the smaller, local options. You may find that smaller dealerships offer more personalized service or a niche inventory of vehicles.
The used car inventory in Medford includes a wide range of cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans from various manufacturers. For example, Lithia Toyota of Medford carries brands like Chevrolet, Hyundai, Nissan, GMC, Honda, and, of course, Toyota.
Crater Lake Ford emphasizes Ford models, but they also carry other brands, such as Hyundai, Subaru, Mercedes-Benz, and Chrysler. The variety of vehicles available means you’re more likely to find the used car that fits your specific needs and preferences.
Keep in mind that used car inventories can change quickly. It’s a good idea to check dealership websites often or call them directly to ask about specific models. And if you find a vehicle you like, act quickly.
Financing Options: Addressing Different Credit Situations
Finding the right financing is a key part of buying a used car. Fortunately, dealerships in Medford offer a range of options to fit different credit situations.
Traditional Financing
Many dealerships, like Crater Lake Ford and Lithia Toyota of Medford, work with banks and credit unions to offer traditional financing. These options usually require a decent credit score.
If you want to get a head start, Lithia Toyota of Medford and other dealerships offer online tools to help you get pre-approved, calculate loan payments, and estimate the value of your trade-in. Pre-approval can make the car-buying process much smoother.
Buy Here Pay Here (BHPH) Financing
If your credit isn’t great, Buy Here Pay Here dealerships like World Famous Autos might be a good option. BHPH dealerships let you make your car payments directly to them.
These dealerships often focus more on your ability to pay and your financial stability than on your credit score. They might consider factors like your employment history and how long you’ve lived at your current address.
Building or Rebuilding Credit
An added bonus: BHPH dealerships like World Famous Autos often report your payments to credit bureaus, which can help you build or rebuild your credit. Making consistent, on-time payments is essential for improving your credit score.
These dealerships may also be willing to work with you to tailor a financing plan to your specific needs.
Key considerations before you buy
As you shop for a used car in Medford, OR, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Here are the most important.
Vehicle inspection and history
Make sure any used car you’re considering has been thoroughly inspected for quality and reliability. Ask to see the documentation from the inspection.
You’ll also want to get a vehicle history report from Carfax or AutoCheck. The report can show you if the car has been in any accidents, and whether there are any title issues or other problems.
Test drive and evaluation
Never buy a car without taking it for a test drive first! Pay attention to the engine, transmission, brakes, and how the car handles in general.
If you’re seriously considering buying the car, have a trusted mechanic inspect it for any problems that might not be obvious during a test drive. A pre-purchase inspection could save you money and trouble down the road.
Legal and financial awareness
Remember to factor in all the applicable taxes and fees, like the Oregon Corporate Activity Tax and title/registration processing fees. These can add a significant amount to the price of the car.
Check the vehicle’s VIN at safercar.gov to see if there are any open safety recalls. It’s important to address any recalls to keep yourself and your passengers safe.
Putting It All Together
Buying a used car in Medford, Oregon, means carefully considering your dealership options, your financing, and the condition of any vehicle you’re thinking about buying.
By comparing dealerships and financing options, you can find a car that fits both your needs and your budget. Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you inspect the car thoroughly, take it for a test drive, and understand all the associated costs.
Making informed decisions is the best way to ensure you’ll have a safe, reliable vehicle for years to come.