If you need a vehicle, buying a used car is cost-effective. There are many reputable places from which to buy a car, but it's useful to do your research and learn about the seller and the vehicle before making a purchase. We have tips to make this process easier for you and give you confidence in your purchase. Read more to find out how you can buy the perfect used car for yourself.
Tips for Helping You Find the Perfect Used Car
You can get a used car in good condition for under $20,000, but to find the perfect car for you, there are several factors to consider when looking at used vehicles. The following are tips to help you find a great used car, truck, or SUV.
Research the Type of Vehicle You Want
When looking for a used car, you have so many options. Look online and try to take notice of vehicles when you're on the road, to find out what type of vehicle you may want. It's useful to consider several models so that you have a better chance of finding something you like rather than choosing a very specific vehicle.
To help decide what car you want to look for, consider how many seats you need, your primary purpose for getting the car, and where you may be able to buy a used car. We have a great selection of used vehicles at our dealership that you can view online before visiting in person.
Find Financing
When planning to buy a used car, determine what you can afford. When you get a car, you may likely make a payment each month, so try to calculate the amount you want to pay each month to determine the total price of the vehicle you can buy.
You have financing options such as taking a loan or making a payment plan with the dealership. Try out our payment calculator to figure out the monthly payment for a vehicle of a certain price.
Learn About the Seller
When you find a car to buy, research the seller. It's helpful to read reviews from other people who bought a vehicle from the same seller. Look out for scams and poor ratings.
You may find it safer to buy from a dealership rather than an individual seller because it's easier to look up reviews and learn about a dealership's reputation.
Test Drive the Car
If possible, do a test drive with the car before making a purchase. A test drive informs you of how comfortable the car is and if it drives well. You can also listen to the car to detect any possible issues. While test driving, check the controls in the vehicles, such as the radio, windshield wipers, turn signals, air conditioning, and the heater.
Check the Odometer
The odometer tells you how many miles the car has traveled. The lower the number, the more valuable a car is because this means you can drive it for longer. A car with high mileage may not last very long if you plan to drive often.
If you can, it's helpful to get a service record for the vehicle because mechanics record the mileage each time they work on a vehicle. By reviewing these reports, you can ensure the dealer didn't change the odometer reading.
Get a Second Opinion
When buying a car, it's useful to bring someone who knows cars well so that they can give you their opinion on the condition of the vehicle. Since buying a used car is a big decision, it's also helpful to have a second opinion on the vehicle you want to buy. You may choose a friend or family member who has experience in buying a used vehicle, or you can bring someone with a lot of knowledge about cars. They can help you inspect the vehicle and ensure the car is in good condition.
Check the History of the Vehicle
It's useful to look up the model to see if there are any recalls on parts of the vehicle. You can also look at the service record of the particular vehicle you're considering. The history can help you determine if the vehicle is currently in good condition.
Inspect the Vehicle
When you see the car in person, inspect the exterior carefully. Look for evidence of damage or an indication that the vehicle has been in an accident. If it was, then it may be a salvage title or have less noticeable damage. Look for rust and water damage as these can cause long-term issues with the vehicle. For example, flood damage may cause electrical issues that can cost you lots of money later.
Look at the exhaust to tell you how the engine is working. For example, black smoke can mean the emissions system components are bad. Carefully check all the windows too. Cracks or chips can easily become larger fractures that cause you to replace the entire window.
Learn the Title Status
The title is a legal document which states who owns the vehicle. The title can provide information about past damage to the car. This is important because some types of titles may not be eligible for insurance or special funding, such as a loan.
Check the Transmission Fluid
Transmission repairs are costly, so you should check the transmission fluid before buying a used car. The fluid of a transmission in good condition is a pink or reddish color. If the fluid is black, the transmission is likely not functioning properly.
Inspect the Interior
Check the interior of the car for water damage, smells, and trash. These may be signs of a vehicle that's not cared for and may have hidden damage. You can get a clean used car that won't require a lot of work, and you'll be able to drive it when you buy it. Sit in the car to ensure it's comfortable.
If you have questions about buying a used car, contact our dealership online or give us a call at (888) 891-9049. We can help you find your perfect used car.