So, you’re in the market for a car. Exciting times, indeed. It’s probably one of the most memorable things you’ll ever do in your life, like moving into a new home, getting engaged, among other things. There’s nothing more liberating than hitting the wide, open road in your very own set of wheels.
However, shopping for a used car is easier said than done. You need to invest a lot of time and effort in looking for the best used car finance deals, and that’s just the beginning. And the last thing you want to happen is to end up with a vehicle that will break down and give you a lot of grief in the long run.
So, if you want to spare yourself from hefty repair costs and such, here’s a quick guide for buying a used car.
Create a checklist
Since you already have your heart set on buying a car, it’s time to ask yourself some essential questions.
• What type of car are you looking for? Is it a compact car, a sedan, an SUV?
• What features do you want it to have?
• How many passengers do you want it to accommodate?
• How much money are you willing to pay for it each month? This should also include other things like budget for petrol, car maintenance, parking fees, insurance, etc.
Once you’ve got a clear view, it’s easier to start researching, which is your next move. If you don’t do your homework, you’re setting yourself up for disaster. On the other hand, if you have the right information, the higher the chance you’ll find the best suitable car for you.
Here are some items you need to include in your research:
• Know the previous owner(s).
• Check out sites like car forums or car review sites.
• Ask car owners you may know.
• Visit car manufacturers’ websites.
Compare prices
There are literally hundreds of sites where you can find used cars on sale. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the options at hand. To make your comparison price shopping go smoothly, create a simple spreadsheet. List make and model of the car you want to buy, as well as other details such as specs, mileage, and others.
Check the mileage
One important rule of thumb when it comes to buying used is the mileage of the car. Keep in mind that the more miles on the car, the higher the possibility more parts will need replacing. From most car owners experience, car parts start wearing down at roughly 60,000 to 70,000 miles.
But don’t get stressed out. Most likely these parts that will need replacing won’t be costly. Among them would be inexpensive parts like fuel filters or brake pads.
But if you’re not careful, you could also spend a lot more on things like a new radiator, A/C compressor or even need a transmission overhaul. So, be sure you have a copy of the vehicle’s maintenance schedule to know exactly what to expect.
Check the car’s history
There are several points about the car’s history you need to investigate. Look for signs of accidental damage. The car might have been involved in a crash or may have been damaged in flood, for example.
Also, check the odometer for signs of tampering. Some dodgy car owners may have dialed back the miles to make it seem like the car hasn’t been driven to the ground. More importantly, you’ll also want to check if the vehicle is totally legit. The last thing you want is to end up buying a hot car.
Test drive it thoroughly
The best way to check the reliability of a vehicle is by taking it out for a test drive. If you have a friend or relative who is more knowledgeable about cars than you do, make sure you bring them along. They might able to spot something like a red flag you might have, otherwise, overlooked.
Negotiate the price
Once you’re done making a thorough inspection of the vehicle, it’s time to get a good deal. You can do this by comparing the seller’s asking price with the average market price of the car. Make a reasonable offer and be willing to meet the seller halfway. If you feel like you’re getting a bum deal, don’t be afraid to walk away.
Have you purchased a used car recently? How was your experience? We’d love to know. Please share some of your own tips and tricks in shopping for a used vehicle by leaving a comment.
