Buying a used car can involve jumping through many hurdles to complete the process. While there are many factors to consider, purchasing a great used car doesn’t need to involve great hassles. Here’s our quick guide to buying a pre-loved vehicle.
Set a Budget
Once you have evaluated your finances it is vital to stick to a budget. Factor in monthly expenses and payments towards loans when coming up with this figure. Keep in mind that taxes and fees could increase the final cost of the car.
Research and Choose
Once you have defined what you expect from your car, get online, and scour through comparison websites to understand the pros and cons of your chosen car.
Look Up the Value
Generally used cars from dealers tend to be of certified value to meet standards of warranties sold along with the vehicle. Be aware that private sellers aren’t bound to maintain any standards and often inflate the car’s value. AutoCheck Record check is a great way to ensure you don’t end up paying more than it’s worth.
Check the Car’s History
Protect yourself from fraud by comparing the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that is usually located on the top of the instrument panel with the company stickers in different parts of the car. If the VINs don’t match, it raises a red flag. The VIN also helps to get a detailed AutoCheck Vehicle History Report.
Assess the Mechanics
Take your time and examine all parts of the car inside and out. A genuine seller should have no problem in allowing you to bring in a qualified third party to ensure that the car is mechanically fit.
Test Drive
Take the car on a test drive and look out for unusual sounds and vibrations. Spend time evaluating how the car drives, and what the interior is like.
Negotiate
When it comes to car sales there’s almost always room for negotiation. While private sellers may be enticed to lower their prices if you are willing to pay cash, this may not work with dealerships.
A good used car could last you many years and will still manage to bring you a decent resale value at a later date so choose wisely.