There are nearly forty million used cars that are sold and purchased every year. That’s a massive number and you need to find the one that’s right for you.
With the plethora of choices that you can make to find the car that makes sense when you’re ready to get behind the wheel and take a drive, you need to know how to shop the right way. Follow some useful tips and you’ll be able to have the right used car for your driving experience on the roads on a daily basis.
Step by Step Shopping Tips for Buying a Used Car
Step 1: Set Your Budget
The amount of money you can afford to spend on the used car that you want to drive should be determined by your budget. If you spend more than 20 percent of the amount of money you take home on the car you drive, you’re overspending. Figure this amount out and you have the maximum monthly payment you can make for the car you want to drive.
Step 2: Build Your List of Used Cars
You need to figure out which used cars are the right ones for you to choose for your drive. There are many great names to choose from and some that offer you a reputation of reliability while others make it easy for you to have the features you’re looking for when it’s time to get behind the wheel.
Step 3: Check Prices
Prices will vary from place to place when you shop for the right used vehicle for your drive. Whether you choose to drive a model that offers you a certified pre-owned extended warranty or you choose a small dealership versus a large one will have an effect on the price that you have to pay for the drive.
Step 4: Locate the Right Used Car
Find the car that’s right for you in your area. You don’t want to drive a long distance to find the next vehicle that will be the one you choose for your daily ride unless it’s the perfect model. With the number of vehicles offered in your area, you’ll likely be able to find the right car for your driving experience every day.
Step 5: History of the Vehicle
Using the VIN, you can check the vehicle history report and learn more about the vehicle you want to choose as the right model to drive. If you see accidents, gaps in maintenance, or that the vehicle was given a totaled report, you will likely want to avoid purchasing this model. Check the history and see if it’s a vehicle that you can buy with confidence.
Step 6: Contact the Seller
The seller of a vehicle may feel they have more of the upper hand in the sales process when you arrive at the dealership lot, but if you call them on the phone, you have the upper hand. Talk to them about the car you want to buy and learn all you can. This is a great opportunity for you to gather the information you need.
Step 7: Test Drive
One of the most important things you can do when you’re buying a car is to take the car for a test drive to see if it’s the one that you want to enjoy every day. Is the vehicle comfortable, does it have enough power, can you see out the windows, is there room for the passengers and stuff you need to take with you? It’s important you feel confident and comfortable with the car.
Step 8: Have the Car Inspected
The cost of an inspection is a serious value for you. This is important for you to be able to enjoy the drive with confidence after you see a mechanic and have the vehicle inspected you’ll know if the car is one you should take home and drive on a daily basis. If you choose a certified pre-owned model, you won’t need an inspection to be completed.
Step 9: Negotiate a Good Deal
Figure out what the right price will be for you to have the car you want to drive. Make sure you offer less than your maximum affordable price to start with and don’t be afraid to walk away when the price is too costly.