Buying a used car can save you a lot of money and be a fun experience–if you go about it wisely and do some thorough research first.
Here are five things to avoid when you’re on the pre-owned car hunt.
Not Planning out Financing Beforehand
Before you even start searching for used cars, it’s important to know exactly how much you can afford. What’s your monthly income? How much do you have in savings for a possible down payment? Do you have enough cash to buy a vehicle outright? Then you need to decide how best to pay for the car -dealer-offered financing, a third-party loan, or cash. This way, when you find a car you like, at a dealership or through a private seller, you know exactly where you stand and can negotiate accordingly. If you don’t know your limits then you may get into a situation you can’t really afford. So plan ahead!
Being in a Rush to Buy
Just because it seems like the perfect car for you – the right make and model, right year, right color, right price –does not always mean it’s a good deal. Always take your time when you’re searching for a used car, rushing into something could be a costly mistake. And whatever you do, don’t get excited by a vehicle for sale by the side of the road and hand over money to a private seller without doing any investigations. There’s no recourse when you deal with an individual, so it’s up to you as a buyer to always beware! You don’t want to end up with a lemon in your driveway!
Skimping on Research
And speaking of research make sure you do your due diligence and find out everything you can about different makes and models. Which cars have the best safety features, which vehicles are most reliable, and what best suits your particular needs?
Skipping on an Expert’s Opinion
Many people want to test drive a used car before purchasing and will do a thorough examination of any glaring problems. But so many skips having a trained mechanic inspect the vehicle they’re just about to spend a ton of money on! Before finalizing a deal on a used car, please have an experienced mechanic check it out. You’ll probably have to pay for this but it’s worth it in the long run.
Skipping a Vehicle History Report
And finally, don’t skip out on running a vehicle history report. Through a vehicle history report, you can check for any prior accidents, title status, mileage, any problems with the car, and the history of ownership. At a dealership, this may be covered, but if you’re buying from an independent seller, it’s up to you to foot the bill. The best-known vehicle history reports services are CARFAX and Autocheck.
This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning a commission is given should you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no cost to you. All products shown are researched and tested to give an accurate review for you.
