For one unfamiliar with searching for a good used car, the task can be daunting. Making sure you find something that is both within your budget and unquestionably reliable is not something that comes naturally to someone who hasn’t done it before. That said, getting the right used car can be like getting a brand new car for a tiny fraction of the price if you know where to look and have the right guidance. Used cars can be just as reliable as new while being surprisingly high in performance, economy, and even luxury. If you are in Joliet, used cars that you can rely on are not far away. Here at Thomas Nissan of Joliet, we have a massive selection of affordable and reliable used cars for those looking for everything from daily commuters to classic sports cars and many more.
We boast a wide selection of used vehicles from a variety of brands to ensure that any customer who comes to our dealership can find a used car to meet their needs. Whether you need a truck, sedan, van, or SUV, we've got you covered. Here you'll find a wide array of brands, not just Nissans, so there are plenty of options in performance and capability.
As a Nissan dealer, we are proud to offer a selection of both standard pre-owned and Certified Pre-Owned Nissans. Nissan has long been known for both innovation and reliability, and each one we sell can be counted on to be a part of that history. Among the most popular used vehicles in our inventory are the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Altima, and Nissan Versa. These each offer a combination of economy, ease of use, and interior space that make them great everyday cars. More specialized Nissans include the Z series of sports cars, used variants of which now sell for a bargain.
Chevy cars and trucks have been an American fixture for well over a hundred years and appear set to take on yet another century. Such great icons like the Corvette, Camaro, and Silverado fall under the Chevrolet umbrella, and many other vehicles that have passed through Chevy factories have become household names or enthusiast idols. These days, Chevrolet produces a vehicle for every segment of the American automotive landscape, from pickups and exotic sports cars to muscle cars and electric vehicles. Whatever you need, a Chevy has likely been built to do it.
Toyota’s primary claim to fame has always been its pioneering of the fuel-efficiency-focused market. An immense automaker in many ways on par with General Motors and their subsidiaries, Toyota has captured a massive section of the mainstream market by simply building cars that provide reliable capability and outstanding gas mileage. From the reliable Camry and Corolla to the dependable Highlander and Tundra, there is an efficient Toyota for every driver.
Hyundai was, until very recently, an underdog. They have taken great steps to prove themselves and become a force to be reckoned with in the automotive landscape. Hyundais are now respected for their extensive warranties and substantial value proposition. In many cases, Hyundais built after 2010 include more standard features than expensive European luxury cars. And that doesn’t just apply to the higher-end options, but for the smallest and cheapest compacts of the line as well. In a world where many buy a car for the badge on its hood, Hyundai proves that it's what’s inside still matters most.
A consistent beacon of impressive engineering for decade after decade, BMW has long since earned a reputation as a premier automaker. Even their most basic sedans from a few years past are essentially sports cars in commuter car clothing, with explicit attention paid to chassis stiffness, weight balance, and suspension tuning. If you want power and luxury packed into an eye-catching package, BMW is the brand for you.
Subaru has paved the way for itself despite being surrounded by far larger automotive corporations, even as these corporations fight for market share and increasing consolidation. Subaru has done this by offering what other manufacturers do not, both mechanically and culturally. Subaru is an adventurous brand underpinned by a conscientious character not seen in the more boisterous off-road machines produced in the states. Yet when it comes to trudging through mud or scaling a skyscraper-sized dune, more often than not, a near-factory Subaru can embarrass even those big truck owners who both literally and figuratively look down on the brand that originally simply sold vehicles to Japanese farmhands. What sets Subaru apart is that they back up their reputation with simple action, around town, in the mud, on the dunes, and on the rally course.
If you want to talk about vehicles with reliable performance, then Honda is the brand to look at. From the beloved Accord and Civic to the CR-V and Odyssey, Honda is dedicated to providing safe and reliable transportation for you and your family. With plenty of top-notch safety features among all model years and a build that can last you far longer than 100,000 miles, a used Honda is a great choice.
For the buyer with a heart for adventure, the classic Jeep brand is the one for you. From the reliable Compass to the off-roading champion the Wrangler, Jeep has long lived in the hearts of adventure seekers everywhere. We often see Jeeps pass through our lot, and we can assure you that a used Jeep will provide you with plenty of capability and off-roading prowess to make any adventure you take it on more exciting.
Now that you’re more familiar with your options from some of the best-selling brands on the market, how can you choose the right used car for your journey? First of all, it’s advised to do some research. Sit down and figure out what you’re looking for in a car in terms of size, functionality, capabilities, performance, tech, and other features that are important to you. If you’re looking for a family vehicle, chances are space and safety are at the top of your list, while commuters may prioritize efficiency and comfort. Make a list, figure out what your must-have features are, and then get your finances together so that you’re able to set a budget.
You want your vehicle to fit into your budget easily, not cause stress each month when it’s time to make your payment. Knowing what you can afford helps to narrow down your options into what fits into your budget. Speaking of monthly payments, it’s also a good idea to research your financing options prior to beginning the process. Get pre-approved from our website, value your trade, and browse finance plans so that when the time comes to buy, you’re ready. This way, there won’t be any surprises when you begin the process, and you’ll be met with a lineup of cars that fit into this finance plan.
Once you get all of the preliminary tasks out of the way, we advise you to explore your options in person. You may have started out online, browsing our inventory, but it’s always better to get a feel for the list of vehicles that you’re interested in so that you can make the best choice. If you’re not quite certain about which vehicle will work for you, or you have no idea where to even start, our experienced team is there to lead the way. Which brings us to our next point––always have a knowledgeable team to assist you. Professionals who are well-versed in all the different makes and models in the industry will listen to your needs and budget, finding you some of the best options to suit your requirements.
Test drive the cars that you’re interested in to be sure you’re comfortable inside and they’re performing to your standards. Ask questions about the vehicle you like, learn about its maintenance history, and view its vehicle history report to be sure there are no underlying issues that may pop up later. Perform your own visual inspection of the vehicle, checking for rust, dents, chipped paint, and other damage to be sure the vehicle you’re choosing is in the best shape possible. In the end, the key to finding the right used car is to discover what you’re looking for in a vehicle, narrow down your list to options that meet those needs and your budget, and partner with a reputable team.
No matter what brand you choose for your used vehicle, our in-house finance team has your back. Being less reliant on external lenders makes us somewhat more flexible and more capable of providing for a customer's needs. Our financing services are available on every pre-owned vehicle in our inventory and are quick and convenient to start. Our online payment calculator gives you an estimate of what you can expect to pay monthly, and our online trade calculator can give you an accurate assessment of the value of your trade-in. Utilize our easy-to-use tools on our website or give us a call to get the ball rolling with your finances. We want you to get the best deal possible for your new or new-to-you vehicle.
Once you find the right used car, along with a payment plan that fits within your budget, it’s time to set yourself up for success in the future. You want to be sure that your vehicle performs at its best during every mile of every journey, which is why maintenance is one of the most crucial responsibilities of every driver. Failure to keep up with regular maintenance may result in costly repairs, accidents, or being stuck along the side of the road. In maintaining a proper maintenance schedule with your vehicle, you’ll be able to take advantage of maximum performance for years.
Just like the buying experience, it helps to team up with professionals who have your best interests in mind when it comes to your travels. At Thomas Nissan, our service center is equipped to handle all of your vehicle’s needs, from routine maintenance to repairs and more, and we have some tips for success. It’s important to maintain the quality of your engine oil and filter, which is why this is a major service that must be performed regularly. How often will depend on the type of car you’re driving, its age, as well as your driving habits. For those who travel more frequently than others or those who travel on rough terrain, oil changes may need to be performed more often.
Your tires are equally as important and must be checked and rotated regularly. After all, they have a big job to do, providing control and traction on the road, so maintaining their integrity is key. Always be sure that fluid levels are checked regularly, as well as lights, filters, brakes, and the battery. Scheduling maintenance appointments in advance will help you stick to your responsibilities. If, at any time, your car is making a strange noise or there’s a change in its performance, be sure to bring it to our reputable service center so that we can perform diagnostics and check for any underlying issues.
If you choose a respected service center, like our facility, you’ll be able to enjoy peace of mind that your vehicle’s needs are being handled by the elite. Our factory-trained technicians are among the best in the industry, and they’re experienced in working on all makes and models, so no matter which car you choose, we can take care of it. In addition to an all-star team of techs, there are many perks that go along with working with our service center, including a comfortable waiting room with free WiFi, coffee, and entertainment, complimentary car washes, loaner vehicles, towing services, and much more. Not only do we make it easy to stop in for service, but the confidence you can have in our team will be obvious from the moment you step inside our doors.
If you are ready to start the car buying process, or you need service for the vehicle you currently own, we invite you to visit our dealership at 1427 North Larkin Avenue in Joliet. Directly south of Naperville and the Lewis University Airport, we are off I-55, past the Louis Joliet Mall off the Lincoln Highway exit. When Lincoln Highway meets North Larkin Avenue, head south, and Thomas Nissan will be on your right directly across the street from North Ridge Plaza. We look forward to helping you find the car of your dreams at a price you can afford, with service that lasts long after you drive your new car home.