Your lease is almost up. What are you going to do? Of course, you can turn it in. Sometimes it’s almost as easy as just handing over the keys. But sometimes you may owe money for mileage overages, wear and tear or accidental damage. Did you know that you might have another option? Have you ever considered buying out your lease? Most lease contracts allow you to purchase your leased vehicle for a pre-specified buyout price. Just like buying a used car, you can often finance that amount or simply pay it in full, in cash. But should you? There are several things to consider before making that decision.
Read the rest of this entryCategory Archives: Pre-Owned Inventory
How Kelley Blue Book Gets Used Car Values…
Ever wonder how Kelley Blue Book gets used car values and why we even trust those values to be the standard of the industry? The Folsom Auto Mall has those answers for you.
Read the rest of this entry10 Common Myths About Buying Used Cars (Busted!)
Let’s be honest—buying a used car can feel intimidating. Between horror stories from your uncle’s neighbor and outdated advice floating around online, it’s no wonder so many Northern California drivers hesitate when they see a great deal on a pre-owned vehicle. But here’s the thing: most of what you’ve heard probably isn’t true anymore.
At Folsom Auto Mall, we talk to hesitant buyers every day who are surprised to learn just how much the used car market has evolved. So let’s clear the air and bust some of these persistent myths once and for all.
Read the rest of this entryHow to Check the History of a Used Vehicle Before You Buy
Every used car has a story, and the last thing you want is a surprise ending. That’s why at Folsom Auto Mall, we make it easy to understand exactly what you’re getting before you sign anything. Whether you’re shopping for your first car, upgrading the family SUV, or hunting for a reliable commuter for the drive down Highway 50, knowing a vehicle’s history is one of the smartest steps you can take.
Step 1: Locate the VIN
Before you can dig into a car’s past, you’ll need its VIN—short for Vehicle Identification Number. Luckily, it’s not a scavenger hunt. You can usually spot it on the dashboard near the windshield, on the driver’s side door frame, or on paperwork like insurance cards or registration slips. If you’re walking the lot at Folsom Auto Mall, our team can point it out for you in seconds.
Step 2: Run a Vehicle History Report
Once you have the VIN, the real story begins. At Folsom Auto Mall, we take the guesswork out of this step by providing a free Carfax or AutoCheck history report for every used and Certified Pre-Owned vehicle—no need to pay extra or track one down yourself. These reports lay out the details you actually care about: past accidents, title status, number of previous owners, and whether the odometer readings line up. Think of it like checking the background of a house before you buy it. You want to know what’s happened over the years so you can feel confident about what you’re driving home.
Step 3: Look for Red Flags
While most used cars have pretty straightforward histories, there are a few things worth watching for. Salvage or rebuilt title: This usually means an insurance company once declared the vehicle a total loss. Not always a deal breaker, but definitely something to understand before moving forward. Major accident history: A fender bender isn’t typically a big deal, but multiple big collisions might be a sign to slow down and ask more questions. Odometer inconsistencies: Mileage should go up, not jump around. Any odd readings may indicate tampering or reporting errors. Our team is happy to walk through the report with you if anything looks confusing—no pressure, just real answers.
Step 4: Confirm With an Inspection
A history report is one piece of the puzzle. An inspection is the other. At Folsom Auto Mall, every used car goes through a multipoint inspection by our service technicians, so you’re not left wondering what’s going on under the hood. If you prefer, you can also bring your own mechanic for a second look. Many shoppers do, and we’re happy to help coordinate it.
FAQ
Do all cars at Folsom Auto Mall include a history report?
Yes. Every used and CPO vehicle on our lot comes with a free Carfax or AutoCheck report.
What does a salvage title mean?
It means the car was once declared a total loss by insurance, usually after major damage. It doesn’t automatically make the car “bad,” but it’s something to consider carefully.
Conclusion
Buying used doesn’t have to feel risky. Between free history reports, thorough inspections, and a huge lineup of vehicles across our dealerships, Folsom Auto Mall gives you peace of mind from the minute you start browsing to the moment you drive off. When you know the history, you can feel good about the future.
Certified Pre-Owned vs. Used Cars: What’s the Difference?
Introduction
At Folsom Auto Mall, shoppers often ask: “Should I buy a certified pre-owned (CPO) car or a regular used car?” The answer depends on your priorities for price, warranty, and peace of mind.
The Complete Guide to Buying a Used Car in Folsom, CA (Folsom Auto Mall)
Looking to buy a quality used car in Northern California? At Folsom Auto Mall, you’ll find a wide range of makes (Ford, Buick, GMC, Kia, Nissan, Toyota, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Fisker, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep & RAM) distributed across nine dealerships. We offer extensive used and Certified Pre‑Owned (CPO) inventory, transparent pricing, low or zero‑down financing, and trusted service—all designed to make your car-buying journey smooth, local, and informed.
1. Why Choose Folsom Auto Mall for Your Used Car Purchase?
– One‑Stop Shopping: Browse hundreds of used cars across 13 top-selling brands in one location off Highway 50.
– CPO & Bargain Options: Shop both Certified Pre-Owned models for peace of mind or filter by “under $15K” for budget-friendly deals.
– Local Advantage: With service centers, financing experts, OEM parts, and collision repair onsite, you’re backed even after you drive off.
2. Step-by-Step: How to Buy a Used Car at Folsom Auto Mall
Step 1: Research & Browse Online
Filter inventory by price, mileage, body style, or brand. Look for specific models with the equipment you need. Check out bargain models starting under $15,000 (plus, tax, tag and title fees).
Step 2: Get Pre‑Approved & Calculate Trade‑In Value
Use the secure online finance application to get pre‑approved for competitive used-car financing or apply onsite with the in-house finance team.
Get your trade value in minutes at one of our convenient locations.
Step 3: Schedule a Test Drive
Pick multiple models for side-by-side comparisons. Evaluate ride comfort, electronics, alignment, and mechanical condition.
Step 4: Secure Vehicle History & CPO Benefits
Most vehicles come with a free vehicle history report (Carfax or AutoCheck) so you can check title status, accidents, and mileage.
CPO models include factory-backed inspections and warranties—great for added assurance.
Step 5: Finalize Financing & Drive Home
Choose low APR or $0 down deals with your approved credit. Payments are personalized by expert finance teams.
Complete paperwork and drive home with confidence.
3. Local Insights & Tips for Folsom Buyers
– Location Advantage: A convenient location near Sacramento, Roseville, Rancho Cordova, and Elk Grove makes it easy to shop and service in one trip.
– Seasonal Specials: Watch for monthly Auto Mall Specials and used vehicle promotions to get extra value or reduced financing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do Folsom Auto Mall used cars include a history report?
A: Yes — most used vehicles includes a free Carfax or AutoCheck report so you know what you’re buying.
Q: Can I finance a used car at a Folsom Auto Mall dealership with no money down?
A: Yes! Folsom Auto Mall dealers offer “$0 down” and low-APR financing options tailored to used vehicle buyers – all you need is approved credit.
Q: What are the benefits of Certified Pre-Owned vehicles here?
A: CPO vehicles undergo thorough inspections, include OEM-backed warranties, and often provide great value, low finance rates and additional perks compared to standard used cars.
Q: Is the inventory updated frequently?
A: Yes — the inventory is live, featuring hundreds of models, including “bargain” options under $15K and newly listed CPO vehicles.
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for a used car in Northern California, Folsom Auto Mall stands out as your complete, trusted local destination. Whether you’re hunting for a budget-friendly bargain, evaluating CPO benefits across brands, or financing with flexible payment options, this is where selection, service, transparency, and local expertise come together.