So you are in the market to buy a car, and you are going the economical route of buying used. You may have many questions about the process, so read on before heading to your local used car dealer.
What are some advantages of buying used?
Used cars do not always mean low quality. Buying an used car will save you from loosing depreciation value, and you also get manufacturer support if you buy from a qualified dealer. You also get to do extensive research on the car you are interested in. Looking for a Chevy? Go to some of the used Chevy dealers in your area to pick and choose the model you want. How about a Subaru? Most likely there are some local Subaru dealers around your way.
But how should I choose what car I should buy?
Each car buyer has a personal preference on what they are looking for in their vehicle. But generally there are a few rules of thumb to abide by when shopping at used car dealerships.
1. A more popular car will cost more money, no matter if it is used.
2. Year differences can mean a big difference in the size, power, and quality of materials in your car. This is because manufacturers typically remodels the car every five years.
3. Buy a car that you can use everyday to get your money’s worth.
4. Trust your instincts, make sure you like everything about how the car looks and drives before you sign on the dotted line.
What should I do before I go to the used car dealer?
There are a couple things you can do before you go shopping that will make the process a lot easier for all involved.
1. Figure out your budget. There is nothing worse than falling in love with a car you can not afford.
2. Make sure your credit is in good shape if you are choosing to finance.
3. Get all of your insurance credentials ready.
Ask for the car’s history
This means the car’s accident report, if the car has been painted, how many owners it had, ect. This is generally all included in a Carfax report, and a good dealer will offer you one if you ask. Do not buy a car unless knowing all you can about it.
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