New cars get all the attention, but used cars a great investment. Used cars are a money friendly option. There are also more models to choose from. Here are 5 things you should do before buying a used car.
- Find the right car
One of the benefits of used car is a larger selection of cars. Find the best used car for you. Can you afford the car that you want? Does the car have the features that you want in a vehicle? Compile a list of cars you are interested in. You should also include features that you want the car to have.
- Research the car
Find the market value of the vehicle. This will help you negotiate a great price for your used vehicle. It is also important to research the safety of the vehicle. Every vehicle has public crash test ratings. You can also find out if the car has been recalled at all.
- Finance
Consider how much you can afford to pay for a car. If you take out a loan, will you be able to afford monthly payments. Will you pay a down payment? You should also factor in ownership costs. Certain cars cost more to insure and maintain.
You have three ways to pay for your used car: cash, financing through a bank, or financing through a dealer. Cash is simple, but it requires you to have the funds to pay the full price. Financing through a bank is also a simpler route. Lastly, financing through a dealership can be difficult. The dealership determines your rate and you have less control.
- Figure out where you want to buy
Three common places to buy a used car are private parties, the used car section of car dealerships, and independent used car lots. Private parties usually have the lowest prices, but be careful of any internal damage. You can usually get great deals at the used car section of a car dealership. These cars are usually trade-ins and are thoroughly inspected with strong warranties.
- Test Drive
The test drive is incredibly important. It can help you determine if the used car is right for you. Take this opportunity to really get a feel for the car. Can you comfortable drive in it? Check the visibility. Test braking and acceleration power.
It is important to follow these steps before buying a used car. Used cars can be great investments, but a used car can also be dangerous and more likely to break down. Follow these steps, and you should be able to find a great used car!
If you are ever the victim of a car accident, you may want to contact an Orange County car accident lawyer.