Central City Toyota

  • Lifetime Pennsylvania State Safety Inspections
  • 2 Convenient Locations
  • Timely Transactions
  • Toyota Certified Pre-Owned Protection
  • We'll Buy Your Car Even if You Don't Buy Ours
  • Financing at Competitive Rates
  • Live Market Pricing
  • Community Focused Since 1968
Apr 30, 2021
featured image for article titled Find Safe and Reliable Used Cars in Philadelphia, PA

Is it possible to find a safe and reliable used car under 10k? Continue reading for some tips to help you find what you’re looking for at a price that suits your budget.

Shopping for a Used Car Under 10K

Rely on the Vehicle History Report

The way a vehicle was maintained will tell you more about the quality of a car than its age or mileage. Detailed vehicle history reports such as CARFAX® will be invaluable in helping you make an informed decision about buying any car, but especially one whose current value is listed under $10k. 

Once you request your report, there are a few factors to look for. Generally, a car that has had fewer owners is likely to have a more complete vehicle history. Likewise, be sure to look for those critical maintenance appointments which should occur at specific mileage points in the car’s life. Research the recommended car maintenance schedule for the make and model of your car and make sure those maintenance tasks were taken care of.

Do Your Research

The average life of a well maintained car has extended dramatically in recent years. While a used car with 100,000 miles on it may have been close to the end of its life ten years ago, advances in technology allow many models to extend well into the 200,000-mile range. 

Finding a used car that has over 100,000 miles on it could be the key to finding a reliable car in your price range. Do a little research to see the average expected lifetime of the make and model you’d like to consider. Toyota cars and trucks in particular are known for being the longest-lasting vehicles on the road. With a little due diligence, you could find yourself with a car that has many years of reliability ahead at a fraction of the price of a newer model. 

Invest in an Inspection

Even with a vehicle history report and some independent research, it is always recommended to invest in an inspection before making your final decision. Hiring a trained professional who is knowledgeable about the make of your car will enlighten you to potential surprises you may encounter down the road. This is especially important if the warranty of your car has expired or if you don’t intend to invest in an extended warranty. 

Find a Used car In Philadelphia, PA

The best tip for shopping for a used car under $10k is to find a trusted dealership like Central City Toyota. We have a growing inventory of used cars for sale in Philadelphia, PA. Contact us today or schedule a test drive.