How to Pick The Right Used Car
When you are in the market for a newer vehicle, but you don’t have the funds to afford the newest and brightest edition, there are lots of options out there. Buying a used car can be a great way to save money, but it’s important to go through the process and find the right one! We’ll give you some great tips for buying the right car in 2015, and how to spot issues you’ll want to avoid. Read on!Â
Getting Started: Preparation is Key!
- Get pre-approved for a vehicle loan to see what your budget looks like.
- List what you want and need in a newer car. This will help keep you grounded during the search process.
- Read reviews for vehicles you are interested in to learn about what their faults and issues could be.
- Consider Certified Pre-Owned vehicles. These have been thoroughly inspected and are likely to spend less time in the shop after you purchase.
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Check the Vehicle History: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You!
- Ask the vehicle seller for a history report. This will show any major repairs and maintenance done at a service center for your vehicle throughout its life.
- Check for open recalls on the vehicle, and ask the dealership whether the repair has been performed.
Test Drive and Inspect: Hidden Issues Can Be Dangerous
- Make a check list of the features and options you want to test in the specific vehicle model you are test driving.
- Look over the vehicle before taking it for a drive. Ask the seller about anything that doesn’t look normal or any rust issues. Those escalate quickly.
- Test everything. Lights, air conditioner, heater and all controls. (for newer vehicles, test the Bluetooth and other high-tech features as well!)
- Check the tires! If they are old and need to be replaced, it can mean hundreds of dollars after the vehicle purchase. Take that into account when discussing the price.
- Test drive with the radio off. You want to be able to hear and feel any issues with the way the vehicle drives without distraction.
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Buying From a Dealership
- Get as much of the buying process done online and then go in to finish everything up on a weekday when the dealership is less busy. This can make things go more quickly!
- If you are trading-in a vehicle, bring an estimated trade-in price from online along to the negotiation. It might help you to get a better deal!
Those are our tips for buying a used car this year. If you have any questions or concerns, give us a call or leave a comment in the comments section below. We love helping our customers drive home in the perfect car! We’re here to help!
