Purchasing a used car in the US is a very smart financial move but finding a good one is not as easy. Whether you are buying from the dealership or from a private seller, it is wise to arm yourself with enough knowledge and resources that will help you make a wise informed decision.
There are critical things you need to acquaint yourself with and they include:
- What car can you afford? This is an important question to answer before you actually buy the car itself. If you are taking out a loan for your car, your car payment should not be more than 20% of your take-home pay.
- Create a target list of used cars – It’s no secret that good used cars are stocked by the best dealers but they might cost more than you had budgeted for. Make a list of three cars that meet your needs and that fall within your budget. If you are planning to buy a vehicle that is less than 5 years old, then consider one that is certified pre-owned, popularly known as CPO. These vehicles are known to have a long-term warranty that is backed by car manufacturers.
- Check prices – Prices are always set apart by the kind and the condition of the car that you want. Dealers like https://www.vicbaileyvw.com/used-cars-spartanburg-sc, always list the cars according to their make and their value. Ask the dealers to show you how much other buyers have paid for the same kind of car that you have picked.
- Look for used cars in your area – Used cars are found almost in every area in the whole of US. To cut the cost of transporting it from the buyer to your home, look for the car around your area.
- Check the vehicle history – Unless the used car you are buying is from a close friend or a family member who can tell the history, always ask for the vehicle’s history report. Using the VIN (vehicle identification number), get proper reports on the odometer and find out if it has been rolled back or if it has salvage title which means the insurance has declared the vehicle a total loss.
- Contact the seller – Once you have found a good car, call the seller. This is a great way to get most information that you need to find out about the car. If you get to agree on most things, set an appointment during the day to see the car and test drive it.
- Test drive the car – This is the only way to ascertain if the car is the right one for you. It’s also a great way to assess the exact condition of your car.
- Have the car inspected – Have a mechanic inspect the car of your choice before you buy it. It may cost you some money but it’s worth the investment.
- Negotiate a good deal – Don’t shy away from negotiating a good deal; make it reasonable to both the seller and you, the buyer.
- Get the paperwork done – All the paperwork that includes the sales agreement, the proper transfers, the finances, the insurance office, the warranty, etc. should be prepared and signed before you drive away with the car.
