Buying a used car may seem like a daunting task, but with today’s tools, it doesn’t have to be. A lot of vehicle research can be done online before ever stepping onto the car lot. When you’re armed with information ahead of time, negotiating at the dealership becomes easier.
Decide On Your Budget
Decide about how much you’d like to spend, and whether you need a car loan. Remember the other costs involved in buying a vehicle, such as insurance, registration and future repairs. If you’re getting a loan, getting approved ahead of time can save a lot of hassle once you do decide on the vehicle. Also, car dealerships look more favorably on a potential buyer if you’ve been pre-qualified. Auto-loan calculators online can compute what your payment will be.
Choosing the Right Car
This is the fun part! Look online to find out what’s available in your area. For example, you can search for any used vehicles for sale brooklyn ny to find a list of vehicles near you. Decide on the features you need to have and use the filters to narrow down your choices. Once you have a list, research those models in more detail to make sure they meet your criteria.
Pricing
This part can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. When looking for a pricing guide, Kelly Blue Book is your friend. Once you have your list narrowed down, you can use the website’s many tools to get an idea of what the price should be. If you know this information before you look at the vehicle, you’re in a better position to negotiate the price. Many dealerships offer vehicles that are certified preowned, meaning they’ve been inspected and deemed ready to sell. They sometimes include a warranty.
Get a History Report
This is an important detail. A car can look perfectly fine on the outside, but a history report can show if it’s ever been in an accident or a flood. It can also show if there are any recalls and who the previous owners are. History reports are available for all cars on the website Carfax.com.
Take A Test Drive
After all your homework is done, go see the vehicles on your list and take a test drive. Is it comfortable to drive? Does it have all the options you’re looking for? If you happen to have a mechanically inclined friend, bring him (or her!) along for advice. You can also pay a repair shop to do a full inspection of the vehicle. While on the test drive, check all the systems and try to take a route that includes highways, hills and curves.
Close the Deal
Once you’ve found the vehicle that best fits your standards, you should be able to talk to the seller with confidence. Before signing any paperwork, make sure all the promises made up to this point are in writing. With all the information you’ve accumulated, you’re able to make an intelligent buying choice. Now you can finally enjoy your new vehicle with the confidence you got the best deal possible.
