5 Things to Know About Buying a Used Car

 

Before you race out to buy a used car, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Here are 5 things to check before buying your used vehicle.

 

 

The costs are high, and there's rarely any going back. It's no wonder why buying a car can cause so much stress for shoppers!

 

If you want to avoid that stress, a used car is a great way to find good value. You don't have to worry about paying top dollar or the immediate value depreciation that comes with a new car. 

 

Buying used helps you avoid asking "what if?" in an arena notorious for buyer's remorse. But although you are saving money, you're also buying the unknown in many cases. Discovering a sordid repair history or mechanical defects after you drive away is another opportunity for regret.

 

How do you shop with confidence and drive away feeling good about your used car?

 

Avoid the stress of shopping and the pain of regret by following these five tips to buying your next used vehicle.

 

Figure Out What You Need

 

Setting foot in a used auto dealership without a clear understanding of your needs makes you an easy target for savvy salespeople. They'll run with uncertainty and start educating you on why you need a more expensive car. It's hard to blame them, but it still sets you up for a bad post-purchase experience.

 

List out the key, non-negotiable features before going to your used car dealer. Think about what you need and what makes sense for who uses your car and how they use it.

 

Do you have kids and need a certain amount of seating? Or a dog who sheds in the car, making leather a must-have feature? Do you drive it long distances for work every day and need good gas mileage?

 

Thinking about the car this way will ensure you only choose options that fit your life. Going a step further, you can think about how it works in the environment. For instance, heated seats are a fantastic feature, but why pay for them when you live in Georgia?

 

Without your list of key features, it's easy to get sidetracked by bells and whistles. Take your priorities to your research and the auto dealer so you can make sure the car will work for your purposes.

 

Set Your Budget

 

Figure out the total price and monthly payment that you're comfortable with before going to the dealer. Try to keep this to yourself because dealers may try to manipulate the purchase if they know what you're willing to spend.

 

Instead, get the price of the car first and stay true to yourself on what is manageable. Don't give the dealer any ammunition by telling them about your trade-in, loan offers from your bank, or what you can do for a down payment.

 

When it comes to your budget, don't forget that the cost doesn't stop at the car. Estimate your monthly insurance, property tax, and other secondary costs to make sure you can afford owning the car.

 

Do Your Research

 

Like any high involvement purchase, it's critical to put in the time to shop around. Fortunately, there are countless resources online to make used car research simple and convenient.

 

To find the right dealer, research local used car dealers for options that fit your needs. Read the Google, Yelp, and Facebook reviews on dealers to see what shoppers think of their prices, financing options, and post-purchase support. Check the Better Business Bureau rating and see if there are any noteworthy complaints.

 

When deciding between buying new or used, you have to remember that you're trading cost for variables, so you need to do more in-depth research. Value can change based on mileage, condition, and other used car factors.

 

Check out the Kelley Blue Book value with what you know about the car you're considering. It's an easy way to verify that you're getting a good deal, especially if you're buying from a private party. You should also check out information on the vehicle model on the manufacturer's website for important benefits and drawbacks.

 

With all of the ways that sellers can manipulate the process, it's critical to do thorough research when buying a used car. Avoid scams and bad deals by knowing the value you're receiving.

 

Assess the Condition and Test Drive

 

There are so many different ways that poor value can sneak into used cars. You need to be comprehensive in inspecting the interior, exterior, and especially what's under the hood.

 

Check the exterior for dents, scratches, chips, and paint defects. Inspect the outside and underside for signs of rust, a serious drawback that can potentially grow and damage your car's frame.

 

Look under the hood for signs of corrosion, rust, and leaks. If you notice corrosion on the battery, the car may have been sitting unused for a long time. Inspect the fluid levels as well, making sure the oil, transmission fluid, and coolants are fresh and filled.

 

The test drive is crucial. When you start up the car, pay close attention to the warning lights on the dash, making sure they all light up and all go off. If any light fails to light up when you start it or fails to turn off after a few seconds, make sure you know why.

 

While you're driving, try to take it on routes that effectively test the handling, braking, and acceleration. Get it up to highway speed on the test drive to make sure you don't encounter any unexpected driving trouble after buying. While driving, also test the following functions:

 

• Windshield wipers
• Blinkers
• Air conditioner
• Head lights
• Window rollers
• Entertainment/navigation console features
• Side view mirrors

You should also check anything you use regularly like optional third row seats  or even the sun visor to make sure everything is functional. An excellent way to make sure everything is in good condition is to bring a mechanically-inclined friend to offer their insight.

 

Check Maintenance and Repair Records

 

If you're buying a used car, invest in the maintenance and accident records. Finding out what issues your car has seen can give you leverage for a better deal and set more reasonable expectations for its performance. Don't just rely on the seller's word, as they have plenty of motivation to downplay past service history.

 

Get a vehicle history report from a service like CarFax or AutoCheck for reliable records. It may not show everything, only those repairs reported to insurance, but it's an important starting point. You may even be able to get these for free from a dealer.

 

Buy Your Next Used Car With Confidence

 

Following these five tips will ensure you drive away happy after buying your used car.

 

Are you ready to start the used car conversation? Our team at Taylor Hyundai is ready to work with you, supplying the knowledge, deals, and financing to make your next purchase a success. Contact us today to learn more about our used car lineup and special deals.