7 tips for buying a used car
Shopping for a used car is a lot like shopping for a new car. You want to avoid many of the same pitfalls and seek out the same perks. There are some differences, though.
Whereas you’ll almost definitely buy a new car from a dealership, a used car can either be purchased at a dealership or via a private sale. You may also pursue a used vehicle through online aggregations, like Auto Trader.
And while the premise of the pursuit is the same; get as much quality for as little money possible, the method has to be amended when selecting a used vehicle. Keep these tips in mind for when you look for a new vehicle.
Know your budget
This one is obvious, but is especially important to keep in mind when choosing a used vehicle. Because used vehicles are cheaper than new ones, sometimes it’s easy to see the money you’re saving without the context of value.
Sure, a used model at $7,000 is less than the new comparable car at $20,000, but that doesn’t ensure that the used car is actually worth $7,000. It also doesn’t mean that the $13,000 you save is justification for spending $7,000, when you only have a budget of $5,000. Even though used is cheaper than new, used vehicles are not invariably cheap or a good deal.
Know the car
Any time you make a large investment you want to have some security. This is true of any new car, but especially so for a used one. Given that used cars are, well, used, the chance of mechanical issues springing up are ever greater.
Before committing to a used vehicle, research its reputation for durability. If there is a swath of complaints that the A/C breaks down every three years, and the model you’re looking at is three years old, that’s not a good sign.
Know the seller
Just like you should gather information about the car, you should gather information about the dealer. It’s a difficult task if you’re buying from an individual, but a used car lot will have past customers that can leave reviews and speak to the honesty of the sales people.
Even still, formulating an accurate estimation of the dealership can be tricky. But uniform negativity should be enough to warn you off of a commitment.
Know your needs
Assess your needs and determine the vehicle that best suits them. If you need a car for long, tough drives, getting the cheapest vehicle possible probably isn’t the best move. If you plan to use the car only sparingly, then save where you can. Understanding why you need a car and how you will use it is a key factor in determining the necessary condition and features of the vehicle.
Take it for a test drive
Taking the vehicle for a test drive is a must. You’d do it with a new car and it’s even more crucial for a used one. Because used cars can come with existing issues, trying them out for yourself can help you identify obvious defects.
The test drive isn’t the be-all, end-all for determining a car’s quality, but it is one of the more useful tools at your disposal, and one you'd be silly not to use.
Know the history
New cars come without baggage. Used cars don’t. Used cars may have had work done or been in accidents, and it’s important to know about these events. Some might be innocuous, but others can be red flags. If nothing else, a chequered past can be used to negotiate a lower price. At most, it can be the determining factor for passing on the deal.
Go online
This is the culminating action of some previous tips, but is a good place to finish off. Get online to find reviews. Check for information about both car and dealer. Look into forums where others discuss their experiences. Read up on professional opinions about the model you’re considering.
There are so many easily accessible resources that will allow you to make an informed decision. Don’t ignore them. Use them to make the best decision possible.