Whether you’re buying a car for the first time or you’ve never bought a used car before, it can be a stressful situation. With all the places to go and options to buy, where do you even start? Below are ten tips to help your used car buying experience go a little smoother.
- Pick a Style
It is important to know what kind of vehicle you are looking for before you start looking. If you have kids or transport many people, you will want something with enough seats. Also, take into account how many miles per year you will probably drive and whether most of that is in-city or highway. This will help determine what MPG your vehicle needs to have. There are plenty of websites that ask you what you need out of a vehicle to help you determine your perfect fit.
- What Can You Afford?
Deciding how much you can afford is a huge factor. If you are not in a position to pay the whole amount up front, you should be thinking about a monthly car payment. This will help you figure out the cost range you should be looking to spend on your potential vehicle.
- Research Insurance
Depending on the type of vehicle you get and the insurance company you go through, the amount you will pay on insurance can change drastically. It is imperative to shop around so that you aren’t paying more than you should.
To make sure you are going with the most cost-efficient insurance, check reviews for major insurance providers, like the Endurance warranty review at CarWarrantyGuru.com. These reviews are a quick way to check out the details of a given insurance company and also to compare their perks to other insurance providers, so you get the best value for your money.
- Save for a Deposit
Setting money aside for a deposit can not only help you lower your car payments, but it can also allow you to pay your car off as soon as possible. Needing to finance as little money as possible will save you money in the long run because of the extra fees you will pay for interest.
- Private Sellers vs. Dealerships
Buying from a dealership versus a private seller is drastically different. Cars from a dealership usually come from trade-ins whereas private sellers are most likely selling their own cars. The dealership will have a higher price because of add-ons and the goal of getting higher profit margins. Private sellers can be dishonest about the condition of the car or its history. Either way, know the risks and test drive the car no matter where you buy it. You can search dealerships in Spokane that have devoted themselves to helping and serving our customers to the best of their ability and offer the highest quality and ideal for your life needs.
- Find the Right Car
This step is the simplest of all. Now that you know your price point, what style you are looking for, and who you will get it from, you can search high and low for your perfect car.
- Check Car History
When you find your dream car, you must make sure to check what history it has. Has it been in a wreck? What repairs has it needed? Have there been any recalls on the model and year? These questions are important to know if the car is in good condition and if it will last.
- Decide the Right Price
No matter where you buy a car, there is a chance of getting ripped off. Going online to find the average price of your specific car can help you decide if you are getting a decent deal. Negotiating is a huge part of car buying, so if the price isn’t right, ask to go lower. You’ll have proof that your demands are justified!
- Finance Smartly
In case you do need to finance some of the cost, find an institution that will give you the best interest rate. Car lots might rush you into financing through their companies, but you are likely to find a better deal elsewhere.
Buying a used car is not something that should be done on a whim. Make sure to take time to find what best suits you and your lifestyle.
