The Used Car Buying Guide
John Howerton Honda’s Used Car Buying Guide
Not sure how to go about purchasing a used vehicle?
While we love our new inventory here at John Howerton Honda, our used inventory is full of fantastic, affordable options given the current car market. Our pre-owned models promise quality and reliability for every customer. This is simply because a rigorous inspection is conducted on every vehicle by our very own technicians at our service department. Curious about the best approach you can take to buying your next pre-owned car? Keep scrolling to learn more!
Calculate the Value
After you nail down the type of car you’re looking for, it’s time to conduct research into the current market. This industry is always fluctuating month over month, so staying up-to-date on pricing is key. Utilize reliable sources such as Kelley Blue Book® and Edmunds to gather accurate estimates on the value of the vehicle you’re eyeing. In addition, we also provide a user-friendly trade-in estimator you can use to calculate the value of your current ride. Then, you can save on your next purchase by trading in your car for a new one.
Determine the Vehicle’s History
No matter what, if you’re considering a used car, you need to request a CARFAX® Vehicle History Report™ on the vehicle. Once you get this information, you’ll unlock a comprehensive view of the car’s maintenance history, number of previous owners and mileage discrepancies (if there are any). Luckily for you, we provide this report upfront in our online used inventory. Simply find the model you’re interested in and click on the CARFAX® logo below it to get the in-depth report.
Look Under the Hood
Now it’s time to put the vehicle to the test after all the research you’ve completed. When you visit us to shop, feel free to look under the hood of the car you’re considering for additional peace of mind. Plus, for extra reassurance, one of our technicians can walk you through the inspection they performed on that particular model. In general, our experts keep an eye out for any abnormal noises or vibrations, bad smells (like burning or fermenting) and undesirable sights (like leaky batteries or oil dripping underneath the car).
Take a Long Test Drive
Ready to have some fun? Feel free to take a long test drive to get a feel for the vehicle you're about to take home. Before you sign the dotted line, make sure you like how the car drives and that it includes the features you desire. Don’t sweat it if you have additional questions — one of our team members will accompany you during your test drive and will have your back for any concerns you may have along the way!
If you have any questions about the used car-buying process or would like to test-drive our used vehicles, stop by John Howerton Honda at 252 Auto Plaza Drive, Beckley, WV 25801 or give us a call to set up your appointment. We look forward to serving customers from Lewisburg, White Sulphur Springs and Summersville.




