A Guide to Buying a Used Car: Advice, Tips, and Things to Consider
Buying a used car is something that an increasing number of people are considering today. There is no doubt that it is a more cost effective option and price is perhaps the main reason for people choosing to buy a used car in the first place.
The new versus used debate has gone on for years. In most cases, a person’s decision to buy used has to do with their current situation and preference. Buying a used car is very different than buying new, especially with the popularity of buying cars online.
Benefits of Buying a Used Car
People buy used cars because of the many benefits. Benefits of used cars include:
- It is more cost effective
- You don’t have to worry about a drastic depreciation in value
- There is lot of selection – you can get virtually any car that you want
- Auto insurance rates tend to be more affordable
- Many are certified pre owned vehicles – meaning they a safety and performance tested
- Many are only a few years old and still have a few years of warranty left
Things to Consider When Buying Used
There is a lot more to consider than just price and look of a car when buying used. Here are some things to consider when buying used:
- Will you have to put more money into the car in the near future?
- Is there work that needs to be done on the car?
- How many kilometers are on the car?
- How much will the car cost to insure?
- Is the make and manufacturer dependable? Is the car known for lasting?
- Is there reasonable wear and tear on the car considering its age?
- Is the interior in good shape?
- What is under the hood? Has a lot of work been done? Have there been issues in the past?
- How many years do you think you can reasonable get out of the car? Is it worth the investment?
Tips for Buying a Used Car
- Check the vehicle history:Inquire about repairs, accidents, and the history of a vehicle. If something looks suspect, make sure you ask about it.
- Request the original registration:Always check to make sure the plate matches the registration and all the paper work is in order with the vehicle.
- Check the VIN:To avoid any issues, make sure the VIN number is visible and has not been messed with. If there are signs of tampering, the car could be stolen.
- Test drive it:It is important to test drive the car for two reasons: You need to make sure it runs properly and you need to make sure that you are comfortable and enjoy driving the car.
- Get the car inspected:Have the car inspected by your mechanic before you agree to buy it. Never skip this step or you could come to regret it.
- Be careful if you are buying online:If you are looking for a used car online, it is essential that you see it in person before money exchanges hands. Always inspect the car in person before closing a deal. There are many used car scams online. Don’t be the next victim.
- Buy from a reputable source:You can avoid much of the hassle and potential issues that are associated with buying a used car if you simply buy from a reputable source.
- Barter on price:The value and asking price of a car is not set in stone. Make sure that you barter on the price to save even more money.
- Talk with your insurance broker:If you are serious about a used car, it’s a good idea to talk with your insurance broker about the cost to insure the vehicle.
What is your preference? New or used? If you buy used, what is the main reason for choosing this option?