Buying a used car doesn’t need to be a stressful experience. By following a few simple steps you can get your new wheels without incurring headaches.
In today’s age you can purchase some mean wheels on the cheap, even if you’re buying used. More people are going the used car route for convenience, dependability and lower costs. Dealerships know this, Used cars are more attractive options these days for the budge conscious, discerning buyer.
You may even be able to score a luxury ride at a fraction of the cost if you can overlook 40,000 miles on the odometer. Do your homework on the make and model of car and the specific vehicle to avoid buying a lemon. A little bit of due diligence now combined with delayed gratification often makes the difference between a clunker versus investing in a sound machine for the following 5 to 10 years.
Use these tips to buy a used car without stressing.
Choose the Right Car for Your Needs
Do you have a large family or are you buying for 1? Determine your needs before making your purchase. Buy a used car which fits your requirements. Cut down on options. Choose a lesser known model and brand to save money. Skip the deluxe model if you’re buying on a budget. You can buy a solid, dependable used car which gets you from point A to point B without having to break the bank.
Do Strict Due Diligence on the Make and Model
If you’re zeroing in on a particular make and model of car do thorough research on the ride to better understand your selection. Comparing values from the Kelley Blue Book and reading online reviews helps you to get a feel for the model. Record VIN numbers to access vehicle history reports. Become intimate with used cars to spot any particular issues with the make and model. Some types of cars are recalled due to any number of serious problems which can cause a disaster in the future. Doing a bit of due diligence benefits you in the long run.
Calculate Payments
Are you prepared for this investment? Using an online calculator can ready you for monthly payment estimates. Impulse buying can place you under a heavy financial burden. Take a step back. Go online to calculate what you’d be paying over a set time frame to buy your used car. Determine what you can put down, the payment period and how long you’ll keep the car. After crunching numbers you may wish to buy the car outright or purchase a brand new car when considering alternatives. Ditching monthly payments can do wonders for your peace of mind.
What Can You Afford?
Determining what you can afford involves pondering your down payment, monthly payments and insurance premiums. Figure out your overall cost before you make a buy. Think through the cost of maintenance and fuel. Understand the large investment you’ll be making to decide on what you can afford. Responsibly crunch numbers to find the right used car to fit your personal budget. Since these costs vary greatly from car to car doing strict research is critical.
Research Financing
Buying a used car on a tight budget requires you to explore financing options. Banks generally extending financing to used car buyers but some financial institutions won’t offer money for cars older than 6 years. For the most part you’ll receive lower interest rates from banks versus dealerships. Make sure to ask the dealership for a quote because some dealers can offer better rates than financial institutions. Simply notify your dealer of your negotiated rate with the bank and see if they can beat it.
Take It for a Spin
Take the used car for a spin. How does it feel? Test out the breaks, steering and feel of the driver’s seat. Gauge how well the car accelerates. Get a feel for what the used car can offer you before plunking down your hard earned money for a buy.