5 Tips for Buying a Used Car the Right Way
Posted by admin at 2 September 2019, at 12 : 50 PM
Buying a new car can be expensive, and some people don’t have enough funds to do so. The process of buying one can even be tiring that some don’t push through. Having a car can be very convenient for a lot of people. For one, it provides you transportation to do tasks or jobs.
Whatever your purpose in buying a used car, you should always make sure of the quality. There are lots of shady sellers out there that can make a broken-down car look brand new, tricking buyers who don’t bother looking at the finer details. Avoid the hassle and get the best value out of your money. Here are some tips to help you choose a car:
Make sure it fits your lifestyle
Your choice of buying a car should always revolve around your lifestyle. Remember, a car is one of the most significant purchases you can make in your life. Avoid regretting it in the end, and make sure you choose the right one.
Ask yourself questions like: Will this car fit my needs? Will this car be the family car? How many would ride this car? Can this car handle bumpy roads? Should I choose diesel or gas? Manual or Automatic?
When you’ve set a parameter on what your needs are, then you can be sure of your purchase. A blunder in this part will cost you dearly. You might be happy with buying that luxury sports car at first, but you won’t be happy when you’ll drive it on a bumpy road daily.
Your Budget Matters
Getting a car needs a lot of responsibility. You should also be financially ready when you buy a new car. It’s good to note that your vehicle will cost more in the coming months after you purchase it. On top of a monthly payment for the car, you’ll have to deal with fuel and maintenance costs.
Another good tip for buyers on a budget: Don’t settle for the first thing you see on the market. If you see a car that fancies you, don’t jump the gun and buy it. Shop for more options around. A garage may sell this car for $10,000 while the one next door can sell the same exact model for lesser. Always go through your options thoroughly so you can have more savings.
Always ask your dealership
Whether it’s used or brand new cars, always ask your dealership about every detail. A common trick of the trade done by most shady dealerships is that they offer attractive monthly payments for a car. Don’t ever fall for this setup as these rates often oblige a buyer to a 72-month loan. That’s six years of continually paying that “attractive” monthly fee.
If it’s used cars you’re planning to buy, always negotiate with the seller. Haggle down the price that can work for both of you. Having a good downpayment can also help you with monthly payments. It may or may not bring down the monthly costs for your purchase, but it can certainly shorten the period of your loans.
Have the car checked
Lemon cars are notoriously saturating the market nowadays. Lemons are cars or vehicles that have a considerable amount of damage. The damage may persist even if a significant amount of repairs have been done on that car. This is not a car that you’d want in your garage as it’ll be very costly to keep and maintain.
Not only that, lemons are dangerous. These cars might have engine problems that can cause tragic accidents. A lemon car can have brakes that might not be working, tires are too worn out, weak battery, etc. Opt for a used car inspection from professionals so you can avoid these lemons.
Go for a test ride
Aside from having an inspection, you can also opt for a test ride when purchasing a new car. From the test ride itself, you can get the feel of the car when you drive. You can also observe a lot of important things while doing a test ride. When going for a test ride, you should look out for engine sounds, your brakes, engine fluids, battery power, etc.
Take a look at the interior. Flooded cars are usually an unfortunate investment, and you wouldn’t want to drive one back home. If you notice a moldy smell or see some spots with a lot of rust, then it probably is a flooded car. These cars are hard to repair and can cost you a lot of money in the long run.
Takeaway
Buying a used car is a significant investment that takes a lot of time, effort, and resources to pull off. Looking for a used car isn’t that difficult as there’s a healthy market where options are plentiful. However, be wary of lemon cars. These cars have severe defects that can risk the safety of the driver, the passengers, and the people nearby.
Always seek the help of a mechanic or a certified inspection group to make sure that you’re not buying a lemon. As with buying a car, ask the right questions to yourself and salesperson your dealing with. Get the most of your money, and enjoy your ride safely.