Buying a used car should feel manageable, not stressful. Whether you live in North Charleston, Summerville, Goose Creek or elsewhere in the Lowcountry, the same simple steps will help you end up with a vehicle you can trust at a price you can afford. Here is a checklist you can follow from start to finish.
1. Decide on your real budget
Start with the total you can comfortably spend, not just the sticker price. Plan for the purchase price, taxes and fees, insurance, fuel and routine maintenance. A lower-priced car with higher running costs can end up costing more than a slightly pricier one, so think about the whole picture.
2. Match the vehicle to your life
Think about what you actually do every day. A long commute on I-26 points toward good fuel economy. A growing family may need an SUV or minivan. Hauling gear or towing points toward a truck. Write down your must-haves before you start browsing so you do not get distracted by features you will never use.
3. Browse inventory online first
Look through a dealer’s listings before you visit. Good listings show the year, make, model, mileage and asking price, along with plenty of photos. You can start with our cars for sale, or narrow things down with our pages for used cars under $5,000, used SUVs and used trucks and minivans.
4. Ask the right questions
- Does the car have a clean title, and can I see the vehicle history report?
- Are there any known mechanical issues or recent repairs?
- Do you have service records?
- What is the total price including tax, title and dealer fees?
- Can I take it for a test drive, and can I have it inspected by my own mechanic?
5. Take a proper test drive
Drive the car on roads you know: city streets, a stretch of highway and a few turns. Listen for unusual noises, feel for vibration in the steering wheel, test the brakes, and try every button, window and the air conditioning. In South Carolina summers, a weak A/C is worth noticing.
6. Inspect before you commit
Look over the exterior and interior, check the tires, and look underneath for leaks or rust. For a deeper check, a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic is inexpensive peace of mind. Our used car inspection checklist walks through what to look for.
7. Understand the numbers
Ask for an out-the-door price that includes all taxes and fees so there are no surprises. If you are financing, compare the interest rate, term and monthly payment, not just the payment alone. Third-party financing is available at Lamar Auto Sales if you need it.
8. Read before you sign
Check that the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the paperwork matches the car, that the price matches what you agreed to, and that every fee is listed. Keep copies of everything you sign.
9. Plan for after the purchase
Arrange insurance before you drive away, and remember to handle your title and registration with the South Carolina DMV. Schedule an oil change and a general check-up soon after purchase so you start with a clear maintenance baseline.
Frequently asked questions
How long does buying a used car usually take?
If you have done your research, the visit itself can take a couple of hours, including the test drive and paperwork. Give yourself extra time if you plan to have a mechanic inspect the car or arrange financing.
Should I bring a trade-in?
If you have a vehicle to trade, bring it along with the title or loan information so it can be appraised. You can also compare that offer with selling privately.
What should I bring to a dealership?
Bring your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and, if you plan to finance, proof of income and residence. A list of your must-haves also helps keep the visit focused.
Shop with a family-owned dealer
Lamar Auto Sales is a family-owned used car dealer serving North Charleston and the surrounding area. If you would like help finding the right vehicle, we are glad to talk through your options. Visit Lamar Auto Sales at 4380 Dorchester Road in North Charleston, SC 29405, call us at (843) 800-0306, or browse our current inventory. We’re open Monday to Friday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and closed on Sunday.
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