New cars are appealing because of their shiny, fresh exteriors and interiors and internal workings that haven’t been used. Today, however, more and more people are choosing to buy used cars instead of new ones fresh out of the factory. The reason for this is simple: Not only are used cars so much cheaper, but they are often in great condition, meaning that buyers can enjoy a fully-functional car without compromising on aesthetics or utility.
Even at half of the market value, a car is still an expensive investment. Before you go ahead and drop a few thousand dollars on a car, it’s important to know what to look out for because this will ensure you pick the best option your money can buy.
Here are our tips:
Do some research
First things first, do some research. Load up with as much information as possible before making a purchase. That way, you can make a well-informed decision regarding your used car purchase.
If you are unaware of what you need to research, an excellent place to start is the prices of vehicles you are interested in. Generally, depending on the car model and condition, there are certain prices you are expected to pay. Another important step is checking out the reviews of the car you want to buy. This way, you can fully understand what you can expect out of the vehicle. It’s a good idea to ask for the vehicle history report during your research phase. This will outline the vehicle’s title history, insurance records, and other useful pieces of information that can help you negotiate for a fair price.
Inspect the car thoroughly
Once you find a car that interests you, an inspection is due. Check the exterior and interior of the vehicle and look for any possible signs of problems. It can be anything from scratches to dents, to smells and even missing items. Also, do not forget to test the different buttons the car may have to ensure everything works as it should.
Should you discover any problems here that the seller did not tell you, it can be a good reason to either look for another vehicle or negotiate for a lower price if you still want to make the purchase. Identifying these problems will also help eliminate surprise costs that make the vehicle end up costing more than you may have initially realized.
Give it a test drive
Apart from inspecting the car, take it on a test drive. This will allow you to feel how the car drives, how well it stops, how it stays idle, and so on. Test the acceleration, deceleration, turns, and other aspects of driving.
If you feel like the car drives well, you are good to go. If you notice any problems, such as squishy breaks or a slow acceleration speed, then you can note these down to come up with a better deal with the seller should you want to purchase the car. A thorough inspection will help you quickly gauge the price to fix any problems, allowing yourself to compensate for the extra increase in repair cost with a slightly lower buying price and the likes.
Conclusion
All in all, by adequately researching, inspecting, and testing the car, you give yourself leverage to come up with a new deal that will play to your advantage should you buy the car. However, the choice still stands to look for another vehicle should the current car interest you no longer. Fortunately, thanks to the pre-work done to learn about the car, you have saved yourself plenty of time and unnecessary costs. With that in mind, be sure to run all the vehicles you are interested in through the tips we have shared to ensure you end up buying the best car for your money!
Lewis Motor Sales offers quality and affordable used cars in Brentwood and Epping to ensure buyers enjoy an excellent vehicle worth their money. Check out our car dealership in Brentwood today and get your car!