Buying a used car has many upsides, including getting the most for your money. New cars lose their value the moment they leave the sale lot, so buying used saves you that monetary loss. You need to look out for and think about a few items when buying a used vehicle.
1. Figure out which vehicle you are looking for
Cars, Trucks, SUVs, and minivans all maintain their own values. They also all serve different purposes. Evaluate what you are going to use your car for before purchasing. Think about gas mileage, how much you will use it, two-door vs. four-door, the number of seats, can it tow if needed.
2. Check out Kelley Bluebook value on the vehicle you are looking at. It will tell you what the cost of the car will be if it’s new, used, in good condition, etc.
3. Check the local dealers
The internet is so handy now, and you can view what’s on dealership lots from your computer. Take a look at what your local dealers have in their inventory and what dealers may have around you.
4. View the local advertisements and online sales
Once you have an idea of what’s around you, check out advertisements online, internet car companies, and easy one-price online stores. This is not just for picking a car but for doing your research. You may also find a local person selling the vehicle you want at a great price.
5. Once you have picked your vehicle and feel the price is appropriate, you need to check out mileage. You will want to make sure the mileage in the vehicle isn’t too high. If it is higher, find out about the car and its maintenance.
6. Maintenance
Find out if the vehicle you are buying has a record of maintenance. Were the tires rotated, the oil changed regularly, and the car looked over every 3,000 miles?
7. Get it looked over
Have a trusted mechanic look over your new vehicle and test it. They may find the transmission is going, or there is an imbalance in the tires. Check the electronics in the car while you are doing this as well.
8. Make a deal
Go to the seller with all of this information and make a deal for the vehicle. Ask to get things fixed if there is anything noticeably wrong.
9. Warranty
If you are buying this car at a used dealership, you may be able to get a warranty should anything go wrong or need to be worked on.
10. There are many great deals on used vehicles, and it is a great way to save money. Once you have your vehicle, do its routine care, so you have a starting point.
