Back to all

What to Do After You Buy a Used Vehicle in Fort Wayne

October 13, 2022

So you've bought a used vehicle in the Fort Wayne area. Do you know what you're getting? It is hard to know what you're getting because people in the Fort Wayne area sell vehicles for different reasons. Think about why you've sold vehicles. Did you just want something new or were there problems that you wanted to run away from? Maybe it was a little of both.

Used vehicles in IN with 25,000 to 35,000 miles/40,000 to 55,000 km on them are often lease returns, corporate program cars or rental fleet vehicles. Most Fort Wayne buyers feel pretty confident about these because they're newer and may still be under warranty. But how well have they been maintained?

Fort Wayne drivers who are planning to own a vehicle for a long time will keep up on auto maintenance so that they can avoid repairs down the road. But, if you know you're only going to have the vehicle for two or three years, you may not be so committed to maintenance. It would be easy to think that skipping an oil change here and there wouldn't ruin a brand new engine. Then it'll be someone else's problem when it comes time to pay for the damage.

It is very tempting for Fort Wayne drivers to skip the 30,000 mile/50,000 km service if they know they'll be turning in their leased vehicle in a couple of months.

If the vehicle didn't come with maintenance records, Fort Wayne used vehicle buyers need to assume the worst. Most likely the coolant system and transmission have never been serviced. The cabin air filter has probably not been changed and a fuel system cleaning at Tuffy Fort Wayne - Dupont Rd. may be in order.

You'll want Tuffy Fort Wayne - Dupont Rd. to check the A/C, battery, engine air filter, serpentine belt and hoses. A used vehicle inspection at Tuffy Fort Wayne - Dupont Rd. is well worth the cost.

And if your “new” used vehicle has been driven an even longer distance, an inspection is even more important. Check your owner's manual or talk with your service advisor at Tuffy Fort Wayne - Dupont Rd. about what should have been done. Please don't forget the timing belt; that can be very expensive if it fails.

Tuffy Fort Wayne - Dupont Rd. will help you with a plan to take care of services and get the rest caught up. If your budget won't allow you to take care of everything right away, we can help you prioritize your needs and get it taken care of over the next several months. And remember to keep your maintenance records. They'll help you get top dollar on the IN used vehicle market when it's time for you to sell.

Tuffy Fort Wayne - Dupont Rd.
1910 W. Dupont Rd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46818
260.489.4800

More articles from Tuffy Fort Wayne (Dupont Rd.)

Mercury Rising (Hot Weather Vehicle Concerns)

July 27, 2025

The heat is on, and your vehicle takes a beating when it is. Several of your vehicle's systems are under extra stress in hot weather, so here are a few to make sure are getting the care and maintenance they need. It makes sense that the cooling system is one to make sure is in top shape. Vehicl... More

When Your Tires are Tired (Tire Replacement)

July 20, 2025

Tires are so reliable these days that few drivers pay much attention to them. But tires wear out. They have a tough job since they are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road. They have to get your vehicle going from a stop, keep it going, make sure it is headed in the dire... More

Flat Tire? Three?s the Charm (Tire Repair)

July 13, 2025

For most drivers, at some point youre going to have a flat tire. Depending on how it was damaged, it may have to be replaced. But sometimes, a repair will do the trick, as long as the puncture isnt on the sidewall and the hole is smaller than inch/6.35mm in diameter. Here are the three common w... More