When you’re a student with a budget or just wanting to spend the saved money on a holiday, there are plenty of reasons to buy used cars over something brand new. With so many options available, more and more drivers are choosing to take this alternative route to a new-to-them vehicle. But the ease of availability can also cause problems. With cars selling even on Facebook Marketplace, it can be hard to know what exactly you’re buying, and more importantly what to look for. We’ll give you a few tips to help snag that car of your dreams…without the nightmare the next day when it falls apart.
Key Factors to Consider When Buying Used
There are lots of things you’ll have to consider when choosing used over new, but don’t panic. Once you have a decent checklist, you’ll be able to separate the chaff from the wheat – and with so many people aware that used cars are sellable now, they’re often keeping their cars in better condition to sell on. You’re going to need to know about the cars mileage – and if your budget is lower, be open to a higher mileage – as well as previous owners, any accidents, service history and the age of the car itself. Buying from a dealership can help here, as buying private can expose you to more risk…but if you’re after that cheaper than cheap deal, it’s still an option.
The Importance of Vehicle Inspections and Test Drives
All of the previous checklists will come from word of mouth. Simply put you have to trust who you’re dealing with. This is why knowing how to check for basic issues and assessing the cars condition by yourself through a test drive can not only be super useful but can also put your mind at ease. Besides, you’ll want to drive the car regardless to get a feel for how the driving experience is, anyway, so why not go armed in with a few things to look out for to carry our your own inspection?
Financing and Insurance for Used Cars:
It’s well known that you can buy a new car either outright or via finance, but can you use that option if the car is used? The answer is usually yes. It’s actually a very common way for people to buy their used vehicles. Just remember that the insurance costs may very well differ for an older car with more mileage than it would for a new one, so keep that in mind when making your budget as you don’t want to get caught short.
Negotiating the Best Deal
The process of car price negotiation proves crucial for obtaining a lower price on second-hand vehicles. Start your negotiations with research of your target vehicle value because Kelley Blue Book and local classifieds provide basic market price estimates. When inspecting a vehicle with either a private seller or a dealership keep an eye out for minor defects because you should feel comfortable asking for improved purchase terms.
Where to Buy a Used Car Safely
There are a variety of ways in which you can purchase a used car. Private sellers, while able to give you a far cheaper deal, mean you’ll really have to put your money where your mouth is when knowing about cars. If you’re a confident petrol head, you might manage okay, but an inexperienced driver or somebody that really just needs something to get them from A to B may struggle recognising any flaws. A dealership on the other hand can put your mind at ease if you’re worried about the condition, and you’ll be able to test the car just the same. In terms of ease, dealerships also usually have a user car section which will include cars that have been professionally inspected and they’re able to have a bigger variety of financing options, including certified pre-owned programs.