Tips for Finding a Reliable Used Car 

Buying a used car can be one of the smartest financial decisions you make if you know what to look for. Whether you’re shopping for your first vehicle, upgrading your daily driver, or searching for something dependable for your teen, the key is finding the right mix of value, quality, and peace of mind.

At Ontario Auto Center, we understand that purchasing a pre-owned vehicle is a big decision. With so many options and dealerships to choose from, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together some simple and practical tips to help you find a used car that’s not only affordable, but reliable for years to come. 

Start With a Realistic Budget

Before you start test-driving, take some time to figure out how much you can comfortably afford. A good guideline is to keep your total car expenses around 20% of your monthly take-home pay. That includes things like the car payment, insurance, fuel, and maintenance.

Once you have that number in mind, stick to it. Having a clear budget helps you focus your search and avoid getting drawn into cars that are outside your range. Keep in mind that buying used means you can often get a higher trim level or extra features for less money than buying new.

Research Reliable Makes and Models

Not all cars age the same. Some brands and models are known for long-term dependability, while others might require more maintenance as they get older. Spend a little time researching which vehicles are known for reliability.

Websites like Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and J.D. Power release annual reliability scores and owner satisfaction reports. You can also check online forums or talk to friends and family who have owned the same car you’re considering.

At Ontario Auto Center, we carry a wide range of used vehicles from trusted brands like Honda, Toyota, Ford, Nissan, and Volkswagen, Fiat, Jeep, BMW, Hyundai, Lexus, Volvo, MINI, Subaru, Dodge, Chrysler, and Ram. You’ll also find Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles that come with manufacturer-backed warranties, giving you extra peace of mind.

Always Check the Vehicle History Report

A vehicle’s history can tell you more than meets the eye. Before making any decisions, ask for a vehicle history report from services like Carfax or AutoCheck. This report includes important details such as:

• Previous owners

• Accident and repair history

• Service and maintenance records

• Title status (clean, salvage, or rebuilt)

At Ontario Auto Center, every pre-owned vehicle comes with a full history report. That way, you can see exactly what kind of care the car has received and feel confident about your purchase.

Inspect and Test Drive the Car Thoroughly

A visual inspection and test drive can reveal a lot about a car’s condition. Even if a vehicle looks great online, you won’t really know how it feels until you’re behind the wheel.

When inspecting a car, check for signs of wear such as rust, dents, or mismatched paint that could indicate past repairs. Inside, look for any tears, stains, or unusual odors. Pay attention to how the car starts, accelerates, and brakes during your test drive.

Listen for any strange noises and make sure all features work properly, including the air conditioning, infotainment system, and safety sensors. If something feels off, don’t be afraid to ask questions. A reputable dealer will be transparent about the car’s condition.

Have a Mechanic Inspect It

Even if you’re buying from a trusted dealership, getting a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic can provide extra reassurance. A professional can check for issues that aren’t visible to the untrained eye, such as engine leaks, worn-out parts, or hidden damage.

Many dealerships, including Ontario Auto Center, perform multi-point inspections before selling any used car. But if you want that second opinion, it’s worth the small investment. A quick inspection could save you from costly repairs later.

Compare Prices and Shop Around

Once you’ve found a few cars you like, take time to compare prices. Check similar listings in your area to see what the average market value is. Tools like Kelley Blue Book’s “Fair Purchase Price” or Edmunds’ “True Market Value” can help you make sure you’re getting a fair deal.

Ontario Auto Center makes comparison shopping easy because all of our dealerships are in one convenient location. You can browse and test drive vehicles from multiple brands in a single visit without having to drive all over town.

Review the Warranty and Return Policy

Before you finalize any deal, review the warranty coverage and return policy. Certified Pre-Owned vehicles often come with extended warranties that cover specific components for a certain number of miles or years.

Even for non-certified cars, many dealerships offer limited warranties or short-term return windows. Understanding what’s covered will give you more peace of mind after the purchase.

Don’t Forget About Financing Options 

Buying used doesn’t mean you have to pay cash. Dealerships like Ontario Auto Center offer flexible financing optionsfor pre-owned vehicles, often with competitive interest rates.

Getting pre-approved for a loan can help you know your budget upfront and streamline the buying process. You can also explore trade-in options to lower your down payment. If you already own a vehicle, our team can provide a fair appraisal so you can apply that value toward your next car.

Look for Signs of Consistent Maintenance

A reliable used car usually comes from an owner who took care of it. When reviewing service records or talking to the dealer, look for consistent oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections. A well-documented maintenance history shows that the car was properly cared for and less likely to have hidden problems. 

At Ontario Auto Center, we carefully inspect all our pre-owned vehicles and ensure that maintenance records are available whenever possible. That transparency is part of what keeps our customers coming back. 

Trust Your Instincts

Finally, trust your gut. If a deal seems too good to be true, or if you feel pressured into buying before you’re ready, take a step back. A reputable dealership will let you take your time, answer your questions honestly, and never rush your decision. 

When you shop at Ontario Auto Center, our goal is to make sure you feel confident and comfortable every step of the way. Whether you’re looking for a compact sedan, a family SUV, or a dependable truck, our friendly sales team is here to help you find a vehicle that fits your needs and budget. 

Find Your Ride at Ontario Auto Center! 

Finding a reliable used car doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little research, a clear budget, and a trustworthy dealership, you can enjoy all the benefits of owning a great pre-owned vehicle.

Visit Ontario Auto Center to explore our wide selection of used and Certified Pre-Owned cars, trucks, and SUVs. We’re proud to serve drivers throughout the Inland Empire, including Ontario, Riverside, Rancho Cucamonga, and beyond. Stop by today or browse our inventory online to start your journey toward a vehicle you can count on.

April is National Car Care Month!

Regular maintenance and car care is an important part of vehicle ownership. Setting time aside for some car care can help keep your vehicle in good running order, identify any trouble areas in advance and even potentially reduce future expenses by taking care of any found issues before they become a bigger problem. Spring cleaning is a time-honored tradition, and it applies to your car as well!

Here Are Some Spring Car Care Tips to Celebrate

Check and replace wiper blades
You might be thinking this is a waste of time, after all, winter is over. Even if it doesn’t rain, having wiper blades that work is important to ensure you always have the best visibility. If something gets on your windshield you need to be able to clean it off for a clear view of the road.

Check lights
Have someone help you confirm that all your lights are in good working order. This includes front headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals.

Check your oil and get an oil change if needed
Pop the hood and check your oil using the dipstick to assess fill level and degree of wear. If needed, be sure to get an oil change. Newer cars will have an oil life monitoring system with a dashboard alert, but for an older vehicle, you may want to keep track of your months and mileage to follow the maker’s recommendation.

Check tire pressure, tread and sidewalls
Making sure your tires are in good shape is an important safety step. You’ll want to check the tire pressure and if they are low, fill them to the proper PSI. Examine tread depth with the penny test. If your tread is below Lincoln’s head, it’s time for new tires. Also, look for any abnormal wear on the tread and sidewalls.

Inspect battery
Pop the hood and do a visual examination of your car’s battery. Make sure there are no signs of corrosion (this can look like white or green foam) and that the connections are tight. Be careful not to touch any corrosion or to connect both terminals. If needed, clean off corrosion safely to make sure you’re getting the best performance out of your battery.

Take a peek under the hood
Since you’re here, take a visual inspection of everything under the hood. Do you see any low fluid levels, leaks or rips/tears in your belts or hoses? If you feel comfortable, you can always top off any fluids on your own. Or, if you see something that you think needs attention, you can take it to your service center for help.

Wash and wax
Now that you’ve checked some of the operational items on your car, it’s time to clean! Your paint job will thank you for a thorough wash and wax. If you feel a lot of impurities in the paint, you can also clay your car before waxing. As long as you’re in a cleaning mood, take time to vacuum your vehicle’s interior and clean your windows inside and out with glass cleaner. There’s definitely a feeling of pride that comes with having a good-looking ride.

Service questions?
If you notice something that needs attention during your spring car care celebration, contact any of our dealerships to learn more about their service departments and how they can help.

What is an Extended Warranty and What Does It Cover?

Whether you’re buying new or used, you’ll most likely have the option of purchasing an extended warranty with your vehicle.

What is an Extended Warranty?

An extended car warranty is a safeguard against unexpected maintenance costs after the manufacturer’s standard warranty is expired. It can be a bit of a gamble depending on if you end up needing the coverage. You pay more upfront or in your monthly payments to get that additional coverage in case something goes wrong. If you do end up with unexpected repairs, it can be quite beneficial to have the extension. You may or may not need the coverage in the end, but an extended warranty provides that safety net upfront just in case.

What Does an Extended Warranty Cover?

Here are some of the different types of coverage you might find with an extended warranty:

OEM parts

Most extended warranties will guarantee the use of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. This means if you purchased a Honda, they will use original Honda parts to make repairs instead of aftermarket parts.

Bumper-To-Bumper

These types of warranties will cover almost anything in the car, not everything, but a lot. Coverage can range from something as complicated as the engine or transmission all the way to interior comforts like seat warmers or navigation.

Years or mileage

Many warranties offer limited coverage based on years or mileage, so an extended warranty could simply be an extension of what was originally offered with the vehicle. Meaning, if your original warranty was like Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain, that means everything in the powertrain would be covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. An extended warranty might just add years or mileage to that original warranty.

Areas Of The Car

Some extended warranties are based on certain areas of the car. For example, you may be able to get an extended powertrain warranty, which will cover things like the engine, transmission, and other areas of the drivetrain. However, this won’t cover other things like interior components, air conditioning, or exterior items like clear coat, paint, and body panels.

Who Should Consider an Extended Warranty?

Here are some points to consider when deciding if you should get an extended warranty:

You drive a lot

If you use your vehicle for work or simply drive a lot, you may want to consider an extended warranty as you’ll likely hit the mileage cap much sooner than other buyers.

You plan on having your car a long time

If you love your new ride and you’re planning on driving it for a long time, it might be worth the peace of mind to invest in the extended warranty.

You’re purchasing used

Depending on the used vehicle you select, there could be the tail end of the manufacturer’s warranty still available, but you might want to spring for the extended warranty just to give yourself some more coverage since you’re just getting the vehicle for yourself.

Warranty questions?

Contact any of our dealerships to learn more about the various extended warranties available for both new and used vehicles.

It’s Safe to Buy a Car – How We’re Protecting Shoppers During COVID

Have you thought about a new car purchase but hesitated due to COVID? Don’t worry! It’s safe to buy a car, and we’re doing everything we can to protect shoppers during this time. Sometimes you can’t wait to purchase your next vehicle, or you might simply want the newest model and features. Either way, we’re here to help and have procedures in place to keep the car shopping experience as safe as possible. Here are just a few of the steps we’ve taken to ensure that both shoppers and dealership staff is safe during this time:

We’re outside – One of the great things about car shopping is that it’s mostly outside. You can feel free to peruse all different makes and models while completely outdoors. With so much natural ventilation you can feel secure as you wander the aisles.

Mask up – We’re asking everyone to wear masks. Both employees and shoppers are asked to properly cover up while on site. That means wearing a mask that fits properly over your nose and under your chin, while also being made of appropriate materials.

Socially distance – While you’re on the lot, we’ll remind everyone to socially distance from other shoppers. Plus, a little space isn’t bad when you’re checking out your new ride and trying to envision yourself on the open road.

We’ll wave – In order to provide a contactless experience, we’re skipping the handshake in favor of a wave, for now. We can’t wait to get back to our normal practices, but until then we’ll say “hello” from six feet away.

Cleaning, cleaning and more cleaning – We’re wiping everything down multiple times a day! From increased bathroom cleanings to making sure every car that’s opened or test-driven is then wiped down, we’re ensuring the cleanest experience possible. This includes all door handles (interior and exterior), steering wheel, radio, seat adjusters, and anything else you’re likely to touch when checking out a car. This also includes frequently touched surfaces in our offices like desks, counters, doorknobs, and even pens!

Test drives on the honor system – That’s right! You can absolutely test drive a car during this time. In fact, we’re simply going to take a copy of your license and proof of insurance and let you head out on your own. There’s no need to pack a sales associate into the vehicle with you, in fact right now it’s safer if we don’t. You’ll breathe easy and enjoy the ride more knowing you’re not in a tight, enclosed space with someone else.

Plexiglass shields – If you do decide to purchase a car, you can do so safely as we’ve installed plexiglass shields at all our employee desks to ensure you’ve got the protection you need while locking in the best deal available.

See you on the lot!

Contact any of our dealerships to learn more about purchasing a new vehicle during COVID.

What to Look for When Purchasing a Used Car

Buying a used car can be very exciting. You get to explore a variety of makes, models, and try and track down the perfect car. When considering how to purchase a used car in Ontario, there are things that can make the process successful. Here are some tips on what to look for when purchasing a used car here in Southern California. 

Do Your Research

Once you know the type of car you’re looking for, do some research. Compare reliability stats and customer reviews on different models. Avoid vehicles with poor reports. Even vehicles with good reliability will likely have in item or two that is known to break or need replacement. Keep these items in mind and ask about them when you look at the car in person.

Inspect the Car Inside and Out

Take a good look at the exterior and interior of the car. Look for rust on the body and underside of the car as well and any evidence of damage. Inside the car, inspect the seats for any holes, tears, or stains. Try operating the radio, the windows, and any other electronic device in the car to make sure everything works.

Take the Used Vehicle Out for a Spin

When you test drive a pre-owned car, you should be able to identify if there are any major mechanical problems. Listen for any unusual noises such as clunks, rattles, or grinding as these can indicate worn or broken components. Feel for vibration from the engine, through the steering wheel, or through the brake pedal as any strange or harsh vibration can indicate that repairs are needed.

Get a Vehicle History Report

A vehicle history report will list any major accidents or repairs the car has been through. It can also verify the number of previous owners and the number of miles on the odometer each time the car changed hands.

Avoid Hassles and Get a Used Car from Ontario Auto Center

If you want to simplify the process of buying a used vehicle near Chino, CA, then visit Ontario Auto Center. We have many used cars for sale near Corona, CA, and we’re committed to selling only the highest quality certified pre-owned vehicles at our Ontario dealerships. Save on your next pre-owned car from Ontario Auto Center and be confident in your next used car purchase!

Post-Road Trip Car Care Checklist

Summer auto service is one of the most overlooked parts of owning a car. Most people know they need to prepare their cars for major road trips. Prepare a car for the winter is also something that isn’t often overlooked. However, if you want to keep your car in optimal running shape you need to take care of it both before and after any long road trips.

Here are some useful tips for post-road trip vehicle maintenance near Chino, CA. 

Check Your Tire Pressure

This is something that you want to always keep an eye on. Sure, you checked your tire pressure before you left, but you will also want to check your tires when you get back home. Tire pressure fluctuates as tires heat up and cool down. For optimal performance and greater fuel efficiency, properly inflated tires is key.

Rotate Your Tires

The more you drive the more wear and tear you are going to put on your tires. To ensure even wear and tear on your tires you want to rotate your tires on a regular basis. Rotating them before you go on a long trip is important, but so is rotating them once you get back. How soon you should rotate your tires after returning from your trip depends on how many miles you drove. Check in with an auto service specialist at one of Ontario dealerships to see whether your tires may need to be rotated.

Check Oil Levels or Change Oil

Long road trips are hard on cars. Just as you should check the fluid levels before you go on a trip, so you should check on them when you return. Oil levels are critical for your vehicle’s performance. Check these levels before, during, and after your road trip to ensure they are always at the correct level for optimal performance. How long your trip is will determine whether you want to change the oil or not. If you have placed more than the recommended miles during your trip, perform an oil change upon your return.

Clean Your Car Inside and Out

The last thing you want is a dirty car. The dirt and bugs from road trips should be washed off as soon as possible to prevent any exterior damage. Grime can slowly etch its way through the clear coat, working its way into your car’s exterior and ruining its paint. Bird droppings, salt, and other road debris causes similar issues. Make sure you thoroughly clean your vehicle’s interior as well to prevent bad odors and to avoid ruining carpet or upholstery.

Check Your Braking System

You want to check the brake fluid levels, as well as the brakes and rotors themselves. When checking the fluid look at not just the level of fluid, but also the color. You want to change the fluid before it begins rusting your brake components. Fluid should be flushed every two to three years or when it turns a maple syrup color. Brake pads and rotors should be checked for wear and changed if necessary.

If you’re looking for a new car this summer, check out the new vehicles for sale near Corona, CA at our Ontario Auto Center dealerships. Need reliable car repair near Pomona, CA? How about affordable auto service in Ontario, CA? Head on into Ontario Auto Center for all your summer car repair needs today! We’ll help you maintain your vehicle before and after your summer trips.

Prepare Your Car for Spring Driving During April National Car Care Month

As welcome as warmer temperatures during spring time are, car owners need to ensure that their vehicles are in excellent health for ensured reliability in spring and summer. The extreme temperatures during winter can put a vehicle through its paces. Almost every part of your vehicle, from engine belts to windscreen wiper blades, are affected by icy temperatures. At Ontario Auto Center, we have qualified mechanics who are highly trained in car maintenance to prepare your car for spring. 

Prevent Breakdowns This Spring with Auto Service

No one likes to face expensive car breakdowns, especially if these could have been prevented. Every expert agrees on one thing – the only way to ensure the reliability of your car is to have it regularly maintained. Car maintenance can be quick and hassle-free if you have your vehicle serviced at a reputable auto service center with qualified professionals.

Here are some car care tips to pay attention to this National Car Care Month:

• Get rid of salt and grime build-up with a professional car wash. Salt can quickly lead to the development of rust and grime build-up can affect the quality of a car’s paint work.

• Maintain correct tire pressure. Temperatures, hot and cold require the air pressure in tires to be adjusted to suit prevalent weather conditions. Not having the correct tire pressure can be very dangerous and may result in a tire blowout.

• Ensure you have the alignment and suspension checked. Winter bears a heavy brunt on road surfaces as well as on your car’s mechanical components. Navigating damaged roads can wreck alignment and suspension systems.

• It is easy to forget components under the hood. Your car’s battery may be out of sight but it should certainly not be out of mind. During winter your car’s battery works extremely hard which is why it must be included in the critical spring checklist.

Taking great care of your car enhances your safety on the road and ensures its longevity. For all your auto service needs this spring or for vehicle repair, visit Ontario Auto Center today! All of our dealerships provide quality car service, and our specialists will take good care of your car. We are dedicated to providing first rate auto service in Ontario, CA. Contact Ontario Auto Center to schedule car service for your vehicle.

Make Old Man Winter Your Car’s Best Friend

Who doesn’t love summer?  Frolicking in the summer sun and splashing in oceans, lakes and swimming pools is always fun. But there is also something special about winter. Festive holidays like Christmas and the New Year bring excitement with friends and family. However, winter can also be a challenging time for your car.

Winter car maintenance is important to ensure that your winter will be safer and happier. How can you make sure that your cars will be winter-ready? By following these winter car maintenance tips:

Your Battery is Your Car’s Heart – Keep it in Good Shape

Your battery is vital to making sure your car starts every time you turn the key. With the drain that our phone charging and portable entertainment systems can put on our battery, they can become weaker much more quickly.

Make sure that your battery isn’t past its recommended replacement date, has plenty of water in the terminals and is free of corrosion this winter. If you’re not sure about your battery, get it tested for free at almost any auto parts store.

Make Sure Your Car Has the Right Winter Traction

Tires are always important on your car, but they become even more important in the winter. When there is rain on the roads, traction can become slippery.

Before winter hits, check your tires to ensure that they have the proper tread depth. If your tires show signs of wear, it might be time to replace them. Also check your tire pressure during winter to make sure that each one is at the PSI recommended by the manufacturer. Properly inflated tires make for a safer winter ride.

Winter Windows Need to be Clear

Windshield wipers also get more of a workout during the winter months. Check your wiper blades to make sure that they are not frayed or worn. Give your heater and defroster a check as well so that you will stay warm and that your windows will be properly defrosted this winter.

Stop by Ontario Auto Center before Old Man Winter hits if you are in the Chino, Corona or Norco, CA, areas to make sure that your winter car maintenance is up to par.

Remember to Make October your Fall Car Care Month!

At Ontario Auto Center in Chino, CA, we know the importance of checking your car well ahead of the winter season. You need to know your car is safe and secure and ready for the winter conditions as we approach the end of the year. You can either do this yourself or take your car to a reputable mechanic to do it for you. If you’re in Corona, CA, you can bring your car to one of our dealerships for the most comprehensive fall maintenance and repair service in the district! 

Let Us Give You Tip-Top Performance from Your Car in Winter

We have some great tips about what you can do to ensure your car is mechanically safe and sound in a fall car care maintenance check. First of all, you need to check the fluids in your car. That means the oil, water, transmission and brake fluids. Make sure all the levels are at maximum capacity to ensure the best performance from your car in the next few months.

You can also check out your tires and see if the air pressure is at the manufacturer’s required level as this will have significant impact on your stability and traction when there are difficult weather conditions. Have a close look at your exhaust system too and ensure that it’s fixed firmly in place and that isn’t leaking and causing emissions and strange noises.

Test your lights and brakes to make sure they’re working perfectly and are responsive to your needs. You want to be sure of complete visibility at night so you can stop safely in a hurry if you have to.

Ontario Auto Center Can Take the Strain Off Your Fall Car Maintenance in Norco, CA

It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to auto safety and fall is the perfect time to make the necessary checks and repairs to tide you over through the winter months. If you bring your car to our local garage, you can rest-assured that the most experienced mechanics will guarantee your car will see the cold season through.

Make this the month you prepare and fix your car for winter and contact us today to schedule your professional Fall Car Care Maintenance service with an Ontario Auto Center dealership!

3 Tips on Preparing Your Vehicle for Summer

Summer has arrived, meaning frequent trips to the beach and endless camping road trips. If you’ll be relying on your trusty vehicle to get you to your summertime destinations, it might be time for a vehicle checkup. You’ll need to update your vehicle maintenance before hitting the roads in the summer heat. For your car to function capably, it’s best to schedule routine maintenance so you can enjoy your summer travels without worrying about the condition of your vehicle. Prepare your car for the Inland Empire heat and have a fun Southern California summer by following these three tips:

1. Inspect Engine Oil and Coolant

Image by Moto "Club4AG" Miwa via Flickr

You don’t want your engine to overheat while you’re heading to your next adventure this summer. Your engine works hard to keep you cool inside your vehicle; as temperatures rise, the engine works even harder. You’ll need to make sure your radiator has the right amount of coolant, and that the hoses are in good working condition. If not, you’ll have to make a few replacements to ensure the coolant and hoses are working properly. You should also take the time to check up on your oil level. Add more oil if you’re running low; get an oil change if your oil is dark in color. Following these simple steps will keep your engine running smoothly when you venture beyond San Bernardino!

2. Keep Your Car Interior Cool

Image by Doug Waldron via Flickr

This may seem obvious, but oftentimes we don’t take the extra steps that could prevent our vehicle from turning into an oven. Simply purchasing a sunshade to put up inside your car can block dangerous UV rays and can retain coolness in your vehicle when there’s no shade to be found. Before you set out on your trip, test your A/C system to make sure it’s working properly. The last thing you want is an unusable A/C system when you’re heading to the deserts east of the Inland Empire. Preventative measures like these are extremely useful when it comes to dealing with driving in the summer heat.

3. Perform a Tire Checkup

Image by Michael Theis via Flickr

Tires are of the utmost importance when it comes to any kind of long-distance driving. Make sure your tires are in tiptop shape before you head out on your road trip. For optimal performance and fuel efficiency, inspect tire pressure and pump tires if they’re underinflated. However, be careful as to not overinflate your tires, since they can make it more difficult to control your vehicle. Make sure your tires aren’t worn down, as you might lose control of your car. Examine tread level to check whether or not you require new tires. If you’re unsure, perform the penny test: insert a penny into the tire tread and see if the top of Lincoln’s head is still visible. If so, it’s time for a tire replacement.

Even if your car is baking under the sun, you can be sure that these tips will help prepare your vehicle to handle the heat. No matter what vehicle you drive away with from our Ontario, CA new car dealership, you can be sure they’re ready for the summer adventures ahead. Check out our array of new vehicles if you’re considering starting off summer with a new car. Ontario Auto Center you safe travels all summer long!