So, you want a car that says you are a person of style, luxury and function. You want a car that comes in a beautiful package but packs an unprecedented amount of power under the hood. Naturally, you might opt for an Audi. While purchasing a used vehicle is a nice way to save money and still get the style you need, there are some things you should think about before buying.
Why Audi?
Aside from being one of the world’s premier luxury car brands and a beacon of style and class, Audi is notorious for their top-notch functionality. They basically invented all-wheel drive for passenger cars. Therefore, you need not fear abnormal road conditions like ice or snow-and you can arrive in style.
Audi also puts comfort and convenience at the forefront of their vehicles, so driving and riding inside the car will be a real pleasure each and every time. Features like heated and cooled seats and Bluetooth come standard with most used Audis. Let’s examine some of the top models.
Hey Car, Where Ya from?
You should strongly consider where you are buying the car. Is the dealership you are buying it from an all-brands dealership? If so, perhaps consider going elsewhere. You want a sales rep that can tell you all you need to know about your soon to be car.
An Audi sales rep is trained to answer all you need to know about the car. He or she really knows what’s up. If you purchase from a private seller, make sure to ask for receipts about maintenance done on the car and when he or she got it done. This way you can track when work was completed and see average maintenance costs.
Can You Hear This?
The sound system is important in your Audi. After all it is a system of great quality and sound, and unless the previous owner modified the system, it should feature a system manufactured by Bang & Olufson. If this is not present, speak with your seller right away to determine what happened.
You might even bring along a CD or use the AUX to test the sound by playing a song on your cell phone. Listen for a crackling sound as you listen. If you hear that, speak with the seller right away to get the speakers fixed as they likely need repair or are aftermarket.
Our Top Reason: 2013 Audi A3
Consider this sweet and powerful ride when buying! Here is a hatchback that just looks so sporty and yet is comfortable for all passengers. The turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is powered by 140-200 horsepower, and we liked how it handled. It was a real pleasure to drive and felt comfortable.
You can seat five people in here, and you will also enjoy a large cargo space given the size of the car. The front featured great headroom and legroom, but we did encounter a bit of a cramped legroom situation while in the back. You still get the same great leather interior, ten speakers, and climate control. This car was rated #7 in 2013 small luxury cars by U.S. News & World Report.
Our friends from Big Motoring World, an online source for used cars, have a great selection of used Audi A3 that you can check out.
Safety in Luxury: Audi Certification Program
You may have found your dream Audi from a private seller. However, buying from a private seller has its own set of risks different from that of a dealer.
A genuine Audi dealer participates in the Audi Certified Pre-Owned program, which offers a 300-point inspection for its cars, a requirement to be no less than 5 model years old and have less than 60,000 miles. You get the remainder of the warranty from the previous vehicle, and you get roadside assistance and Audi assist. There is no warranty deductible.
Stay Safe: Additional tips & Conclusion
Be sure to use good judgement when buying any used car, even a luxury one.
- Ask your dealer to provide slips for maintenance and repairs. Or, ask the private seller for this info. See to it that work was done on the car in a timely fashion and use this to see how much maintenance will cost.
- Order a vehicle history report, using Carfax, for instance.
- Research and ask drivers of your prospective car what they think.
- Compare your prices. Go online and see what cars are available in your area. See what the going price is. Check outside of your area-go even 100 miles away. Prices can really change.
- Go on a test drive. Do not be afraid to ask your dealer to take you on a test drive first. Remember, you have to drive this everywhere!
- Take the car to an Audi mechanic before buying to ensure you are not buying a headache.
All in all, we look forward to seeing you in your pre-owned Audi. Happy shopping and good luck!
