The idea of buying a brand new car is always attractive until you realize how that car quickly loses value and depreciates in just a few years. On the other hand, shopping around for a used car isn’t as easy as buying a new one. It takes more than research to be satisfied with the car you are buying.
The good news is that there is you can use the internet, a tool that has made shopping for almost everything easy and straightforward. Also, making use of tools such as Facebook, Carfax, Kelley Blue Book can make shopping for a used car easier. Though buying a used car will always be more complicated than buying a new one, there are ways to make it less burdensome.
Before you get lost in the process of searching for the right used car, let us help you. There are certain steps you can take that will help the process go more smoothly. Let’s find out more ways you can get a good deal buying a used car.
Set a Budget
The first thing you should do, whether you are buying a used car or a new one is to set a budget. You will have two options, either to pay cash or take out a loan for your car. If you are paying cash, good for you! Just make sure to shop within your limit. If you are taking a loan, keep in mind that you will have to pay a certain amount per month; are you prepared for that? It is more costly paying a car loan than paying in cash because of the interests you will be paying.
Be Specific
What kind of car do you want? What make do you want? Don’t fall for anything only because it looks beautiful on the outside, stick to specific brands that have stood the test of time, and have minimal maintenance issues. You should take note of how many miles the car you want has. This is because when they go past a specific mileage, they tend to have so maintenance and mechanical problems.
Choose Who to Buy From
Thanks to modern technology, searching for a car online has never been easier. You can check out Facebook, Craigslist ads, Carfax, and other online market places. Note that if you are using online platforms like Facebook, you will be dealing directly with the owner. This kind of arrangement might not favor you, especially if you are planning to get a loan.
If you are buying from a dealership, it’s easy to get a loan through a credit union, bank, or any other lender. Moreover, dealerships usually provide warranty for their cars as opposed to dealing with a private seller.
What is the Vehicle’s History?
It’s quite easy to identify a car’s history. Get the vehicle identification/registration number into an Auto Check. Experts usually advise buyers to stay away from cars that have a “salvage title,” saying this is issued by an insurance company when the car was involved in an accident.
Other reports will also show if that car has had regular maintenance and from where. It also shows if the miles on the odometer were changed or not. You will also get to know if the car was inspected, when, and how often. You will need all these details before you zero down on a particular vehicle to buy.
Test Drive the Car
Once you are satisfied with the details, it’s time to contact the seller and test drive the car. Be sure to drive on rough roads, hills, curves, and the highway. Experts also advise switching off the radio so that you listen to any weird noise that the car might make.
Also Read: 5 Tips To Make Money From The Car Auction
Negotiate the Price and Close the Deal
You can use Carfax to determine how much a car is worth. What condition is the car? Will it need some repairs? Offer money keeping all this in mind. If they don’t take your offer, ask them to repair the car before you can buy it. Do not forget to complete all the paperwork and transferring the vehicle’s title to your name before you go. Once all this is said and done, you can now drive your car home.
