Used Cars Near Durham, NC

Car manufacturers use a lot of advertising to convince buyers that new cars are the best choice. While a new car can be great, it’s not a very good financial decision. Buying a new car isn’t an asset that will gain value over time, like a home purchase. In fact, a car actually loses value over time, from the moment you drive it off the dealership lot. That's why you should look for used cars near Durham, NC.

Most individuals and families need vehicles in order to get to work and go about daily life activities. Buying used can save you a lot of money, and you can still have a modern car with all the exciting comforts and conveniences you want. While new cars are exciting, there are a lot of benefits to buying used cars.

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Trade-Ins and Getting Approved for Loans

While car buying can be expensive, trading in your existing vehicle can greatly help lower the overall cost of your purchase. Our trade-in process is simple, and we will offer you a good price for your current vehicle. To trade in a car you already own, you can use our simple online calculator to give you an estimate of what your vehicle may be worth, or you can come to the dealership and have one of our friendly staff help you. After that, your vehicle will receive an official appraisal at the dealership to determine how much your car is worth based on our criteria. Then, once the deal is done, you can put the money you get back on from your trade-in towards your new purchase.

Once you decide on a new vehicle, we can help you finance it with competitive rates on a loan. Our finance team is fantastic and can cater to your specific financial situation. For convenience, we have several tools on our website to help calculate payments and get pre-approved for a loan before you even come to the dealership if you want to make your in-person transaction go quicker. Of course, if you prefer to come in person or speak to someone over the phone, our finance team is ready to help you in any way you prefer. We have a simple process for loan approval and financing that will fit your budget, even if you still owe on your current car.

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Our Extensive Inventory

Just because you’re looking for a used car doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality. We have vehicles of all makes and models on our dealership lot, with features and options spanning a wide range of budgets and needs. If you have a larger budget and want to purchase a vehicle that’s only a year or two old, we have SUVs, trucks, sedans, economy cars, and even luxury models available. Whether you’re seeking a vehicle that will save on gas or will tow a trailer, we have choices for you.

If you need a vehicle for a low price, you can search through our vehicles in the under $10K section to find the perfect car for your budget. Need a vehicle with modern smartphone connectivity? We have those, too. All the options you want in a used vehicle are searchable on our website using the tool we provide in the sidebar, or you can simply look at the entire inventory listed on the pages.

We have vehicles in every brand on our lot. This is where car shopping gets fun. If you need something a little bit cheaper, either due to budgetary restrictions or you simply don't drive that much, then you will find a great selection of used vehicles from Chevy, Nissan, Ford, Dodge, Jeep, and Toyota. If you want to have a little bit of luxury on your daily commute to work, check out our vehicles from brands like BMW, Lexus, Infiniti, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Cadillac. If you are a truck fan, you can also find a wide variety of beloved truck models from Ford, Ram, Chevy, and more. All these brands and more are constantly coming through our lot.

Our dealership near Durham is packed with used models to appeal to any buyer. For our Durham families, we offer tons of SUV and sedan options to choose from. If you are environmentally conscious, we are seeing more and more electric and hybrid cars pass through every day. If you live in the heart of the city, there are plenty of subcompact options for you as well. Our inventory has hundreds of cars available, and new vehicles are listed regularly. So, if you are looking for a specific brand or model, we can help you find it.

A salesman is showing a woman used cars in Durham, NC.

We Have Models for Every Durham Resident

Durham residents, when you’re ready to buy your next used car, we are here for you. Come to visit our dealership and browse the vehicles on our lot, or use our website to see what we have available. Are you searching for a luxury car you really want but can’t afford to buy new? Well, buying a used luxury model from us is the perfect solution. When you buy used, you can find a high-end model for a low-end price, giving you that taste of luxury you have been craving without breaking the bank.

Considering purchasing a vehicle that can tow your new camper so you can enjoy the outdoors away from home? Both SUVs and trucks can have tow ratings high enough for small campers. Depending on the weight of your camper, a truck will probably be your best bet. We have trucks already prepped for towing to make your transition into recreation easier. Then again, you may be more interested in exploring the outdoors with a vehicle that can go off-road. Whether you want an off-road truck, Jeep, or SUV, our inventory has a vehicle for everyone. We know Durham has off-road trails and lots of exploring for outdoor lovers, and we have the vehicles to help you get there.

How about a new sports car for a little pep in your day? From Mustangs to Challengers and Mazdas to Acuras, if you want a vehicle that brings excitement to your daily drive, we have plenty of sports cars in store for you. Get behind the wheel of a muscle-bound Camaro and hear the engine roar, or enjoy the more refined experience of an Audi when it crisply corners and hugs every curve in the road. Or, if you just want a fuel-efficient car for driving back and forth to work, we have lots of small sedans, economy cars, and small SUVs that cost less to fill the tank.

Tips for Picking the Right Model

Millions of used vehicles are sold each year, which means you have plenty of options to choose from as you start your search. Our extensive inventory is replete with models that fit a variety of driving and budget needs, from newer pre-owned trucks and spacious SUVs to older model sedans that still have a lot of life left in them. So, how do you narrow down your options? It all starts with asking yourself a few questions.

#1 How Much Do I Want to Spend?

Picking the right model starts by setting your budget and knowing exactly how much you’re willing to spend. This sets the parameters of your search and takes the guesswork out of what you can afford each month if you plan to finance or what you’re willing to spend upfront if you buy the vehicle outright. In doing this, you can eliminate models that are outside of your budget and focus only on the models that you know you can afford.

#2 How Will I Use the Vehicle?

Think about how you plan to use the vehicle. Will you use it primarily for your commute and running errands around town? Do you need a larger vehicle to haul your growing family, or are you looking for a workhorse that can tow heavy loads and manage your weekend projects around the house? These questions can help you narrow your search by pointing you toward efficient sedans and crossovers, larger SUVs, or more capable trucks.

#3 How Much Do I Value Age and Mileage?

It’s no secret that older model cars are priced lower than newer models. The same is often true for vehicles with higher mileage. However, advancements in the automotive industry mean that vehicles are capable of logging hundreds of thousands of miles with ease, which means age and mileage might not be the biggest factor in your search. Instead, it may be a consideration but only in terms of safety features and technology, which leads us to our next question.

#4 How Much Do I Value Safety and Technology Features?

Newer models are usually equipped with the latest safety and technology features. How much value do you place on smartphone integration, a WiFi hotspot, and driver-assist tools like adaptive cruise control? Once you answer this question, you’ll be able to narrow your search even further.

A person is smiling as they sit in a car after finding used cars in Durham NC.

Features You Should Look for in a Used Vehicle

Shopping for a used vehicle doesn’t mean that you won’t get to enjoy some of the latest safety and connectivity features. The automotive industry is constantly advancing, and with the growing demand for used cars, this means you’ll find newer pre-owned models with plenty of bells and whistles. Here are some of the top features you should look for in a used vehicle.

Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Alert

Every vehicle comes equipped with airbags and a suite of passive safety tools, but you’ll have even more confidence on the road if you find a vehicle equipped with automatic emergency braking and a forward collision alert. Forward collision alert keeps an eye on the traffic and road ahead to notify you of potential collisions so that you have enough time to stop before impact. Automatic emergency braking typically works in conjunction with forward collision alert and can bring the vehicle to an emergency stop or enhance your hard braking when a collision is imminent.

Adaptive Cruise Control

Adaptive cruise control replaces traditional cruise control and makes your time on the road much easier. Think about how you use traditional cruise control and the constant need to reset your speed based on the flow of traffic. Adaptive cruise control eliminates a lot of this stress by monitoring the flow of traffic and adjusting the vehicle’s cruising speed as needed to maintain a safe speed and distance.

Stability Control

Known as StabiliTrak on GMC, Chevrolet, Buick, and Cadillac models, electronic stability control was standardized in 2012, but many automakers were already equipping models with the tool many years prior. So, why is it important? Stability control prevents your vehicle from sliding or skidding out of control in slippery conditions or in situations where you have to stop quickly or veer to avoid hitting someone or another vehicle. By stabilizing the vehicle, the system reduces your risk of rolling over or losing control of your car, truck, or SUV.

Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa

Smartphone integration is one of the most recent additions to automotive technology, and it’s truly ingenious. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow you to sync your smartphone with the vehicle, giving you access to your favorite apps on your phone. Even newer tools, like Amazon Alexa, equip the vehicle with a virtual assistant that can make phone calls, respond to text messages, navigate your route, stream music, and more with a simple voice command.

Automatic High Beams

Automatic high beams are another feature to look for as you shop for a used car. Traditional headlamps usually require you to brighten or dim the lights based on oncoming traffic. Drivers often get sidetracked and forget to dim their lights, blinding oncoming traffic and creating a potentially hazardous situation. Automatic high beams remedy this by automatically adjusting the brightness based on traffic.

A person is inspecting the exterior of a used car in durham NC.

Great Models to Start Your Search

Buick Encore

Buick has a stellar reputation in the automotive industry for offering exceptional luxury at an affordable price. This is especially true when you’re shopping for a used Buick Encore. Although it’s the smallest crossover in Buick’s SUV-exclusive lineup, it’s capable, fun to drive, and loaded with innovative features like StabiliTrak stability control and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Ford Explorer

The Explorer has been a staple in the Ford lineup for decades, and for a good reason. Offering seating for up to seven, the Explorer is a smart purchase for those looking for an SUV that’s spacious enough to comfortably haul passengers and cargo. Add in features like Ford’s infotainment system, and it’s easy to see why the Explorer is a top seller.

Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 pioneered the compact crossover segment with its debut and continues to make waves with each new generation. The RAV4 is one of the best compact crossovers you can buy because of its ability to mix comfort and innovation with capability, versatility, and the reliability of the Toyota name. It’s appealing to drivers of all ages and walks of life.

Honda Accord

If you’re not interested in an SUV or truck, an efficient sedan like the Honda Accord should be at the top of your list. As one of the best-selling sedans in America, the Accord has a rich history in Honda’s lineup and has built its reputation for its reliability. Accords are known for logging hundreds of thousands of miles with ease, which makes them an outstanding find on the used lot with minimal mileage and loads of features.

Toyota Tacoma

If you’re looking for capability both on and off the pavement, look no further than the Toyota Tacoma. Affectionately known as the “Taco,” the Tacoma is a staple in Toyota’s fleet and continues to prove its outstanding value. Toyota’s reputation for delivering rugged and capable vehicles pushes the Tacoma’s value even higher, which means the Taco holds its value even with high mileage. This is great to consider as it makes the Tacoma an even smarter investment for your future.

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