Buying a used car can be a great financial move, but you have to know what you’re looking for and your priorities before sealing the deal. There’s no one right way to buy a used car, but there are some tried-and-true steps to take. Here are a few things you should look for or do when buying a used car.
Don’t Forget To Take the Car for a Test Drive
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when shopping for used cars is neglecting to take the ones you’re looking at out for a test drive. Even if you’ve driven the make and model before, each used car may feel slightly different. You may notice a difference in the handling, the car seat’s feel, or the steering wheel’s size and positioning.
These aren’t things you can know for sure without going on a test drive. Plus, if there are any issues with handling, turning, accelerating, or breaking that weren’t necessarily disclosed or identified by the seller, you can also get a feel for those during a test drive.
Inspect the Car for Damages and Ask a Mechanic To Look at It
Used cars may have some external and internal damages or alterations. As you look at multiple used cars, look for cosmetic damages on the outside of the vehicle, such as dents, paint chips, or discolorations.
Additionally, you should always take the used car to a mechanic to ensure it runs properly. Mechanics can perform a full inspection and let you know if significant repairs need to be made. All used car dealerships allow for — and hopefully, encourage — this step before finalizing any deal. If they don’t, take that as a sign to not purchase a used car from that location.
Some dealerships partner with trusted mechanic shops that they’ll recommend to you. Others have their own service center at the dealership. Here at Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (CJDR) in Lewisville, Texas, our Mopar Service Center is available for inspections, oil changes, tire rotations, and more.
Solidify Your Payment or Finance Method in Advance
If you have the money to pay for a used car outright, then your payment method is easy to decide. Otherwise, you may need to choose between a few payment or finance options, including dealer financing, leasing, and loans through a credit union or bank.
You’ll also need to decide whether a short-term or long-term loan works best for you, your family, and your financial plan. There are benefits and drawbacks to both, and each has different interest rates to consider as well. Generally, a short-term loan is a more intelligent decision if you can afford it.
In addition, determine how much of a down payment you can make when purchasing your used car. Even if the dealership you decide on allows you to buy a car without a down payment, we suggest you still make one. Down payments can help significantly with the interest rate on whatever loan or lease you settle on. It’ll almost always guarantee that you won’t owe more than the car’s actual value upon purchase, especially if you choose a short-term loan.
Run a Vehicle History Report on the Car You’re Considering
Running a vehicle history report independently is essential to the used car buying experience. Vehicle history reports will include all available information about the vehicle and its use. Obtaining a vehicle history report is as easy as grabbing the car’s vehicle identification number and requesting the report online.
There are many online options for running a vehicle history report, and you may already be familiar with them: CARFAX, AutoCheck, and Kelley Blue Book, for example. Some dealerships will pay the required report fee for you, but not all, so be sure to ask in advance.
Some of the things you should look for include:
- Any safety recalls for parts or the entire car.
- Comprehensive owner history, including the number of owners, states, and locations.
- Previous accidents.
- Service history (or lack of service history and repairs).
- Title issues.
- Mileage history and confirmation.
Visit Multiple Dealerships and Consider Multiple Options
Although you may end up liking the first used car at the first dealership you visit, consider looking at other dealerships just in case. There are plenty of cars out there, and you can never be sure that you’ve found the perfect one without looking at all the options.
Take your list of non-negotiables, such as specific colors, manufacturers, and mileage, to each used car dealership and look at all the cars that fall within your parameters. You’ll be surprised by how many options out there match your needs. It’s a good idea to test-drive as many used cars as possible; this will help you either find a few different options or solidify that the first car you looked at is the right one.
If you’re looking for a new or used car in the Lewisville area, Huffines CJDR Lewisville is here. We know looking for vehicles can be stressful and overwhelming, and we strive to make the experience as comfortable as possible. Look at our new and used car inventory; you’ll experience small-town friendliness wrapped up in a professional, collaborative conversation. Look online at our comprehensive listings — including 360-degree views and videos of our listed cars — and then visit us in person to seal the deal.
You have a genuine friend in the car business here at Huffines CJDR Lewisville now and for years to come.