Buying a brand-new car is not always the best thing to do when you’re in the market for a new ride. Brand new cars can be very expensive. Cars are liabilities, not investments. So shelling out tons of money for something that will reduce its value over time seems unnecessary.
Also, considering how financially challenging the pandemic has been, you will probably want to opt for a more practical option. That option can be buying a used car.
Reasons to Buy a Used Car
You’ll save more money if you buy a used car. The price of a new car usually decreases by 20% after its first year. The money you can save from buying a used car can be used for something else, like your car’s insurance and maintenance. Speaking of insurance, its cost depends on the cost of the vehicle. So if you buy a used car with a lower price tag than a brand new one, you’ll save some money in insurance as well.
You may be worried about the life of a used car. But with the current technology in the automotive industry, cars have a much longer lifespan than they did 20 to 30 years ago. Today, with proper care and maintenance, a car can last for up to12 years. Two- and three-year-old cars are becoming more common in the used car market. And buying them will still get you about 10 years of use, which will definitely be a good bargain.
What to Do When Buying a Used Car
Of course, you’ll want to get the best bang out of your buck. So when buying a used car, you need to be meticulous. Here are some things you need to check before sealing the deal:
1. Determine Your Car Needs
Before anything, you need to know what you need and want from a car. What car type do you need: a sedan, a hatchback, an SUV, a van, etc.? Also, consider the features you want. What seat upholstery do you want your used car to have? Should it have keyless entry? Should the windows already be tinted or not? You can always get the upgrades you want later on. But having them from the get-go will reduce the need to spend more than just the vehicle’s price.
2. Define Your Budget
Once you’ve determined the things you want from your used car, you need to set your budget. Determine your price range, and make sure that you remember it. Write it down if you must. So when you start looking at options, you can easily eliminate those out of your budget and stick with what you told yourself you can spend.
3. Research
You need to do some research before buying a car. Since you’ve already determined your car needs and budget, you can narrow down your search. Look at the models you’re interested in. Check the online reviews of these models to see what owners observed in their vehicles and if there are any glaring issues. You might also want to check if their parts are readily available locally or if you have to use a package forwarding service to find rare replacement parts.
Doing research beforehand will help you make a solid, well-informed decision when you buy a kalispell used car dealers.
4. Inspect the Car
Buying a used car that’s almost in mint condition is virtually impossible. You’ll always encounter some issues with used cars, whether it’s blemishes and scratches on the exterior or something else. Thus, you need to inspect a used car thoroughly.
Because of the pandemic, some dealerships mostly virtual car tours uploaded on YouTube. Watch the tours repeatedly to check the car’s condition. But videos don’t always show cars accurately, so you’ll still have to see the car in person. Check the car’s body and windows for scratches or dents. See if the lights work properly. When you do a test drive, park the car for a while and check under for leaks. Inspect the interior and check under the hood for any issues as well. If you’re not that knowledgeable about cars, ask a car-savvy friend or relative to help you.
5. Do a Test Drive
One of the most important steps in buying a car is a test drive. When you drive, take note of your entire experience. Do the breaks work well? How does the engine sound while you drive? Notice if there’s anything that makes you feel uncomfortable as you drive.
You may have to put more effort into researching and checking your desired used car. But that effort will certainly pay off since you’ll get more value in buying it.
Your tips on how to inspect a used car for leaks were definitely the most helpful part of your article. One of my biggest fears when buying a used car for my son is buying one without realizing there could be some lethal fluid leaks waiting for him after a couple of drives. I’ll make sure to keep this in mind when I find an automotive dealership in the area so I can pick out the best car for my son.