If you’re thinking of buying a used car, you need to consider some things while shopping. Use this used car buying checklist as a guide to finding a good car.
Buying a used car can be extremely beneficial. Not only does buying used save you money, but it’s also better for the environment. Additionally, the bulk of depreciation has already occurred, and you typically get offered lower insurance premiums with used vehicles.
But when buying a used car, you need to do your research to ensure you don’t end up with a lemon.
Check out this used car buying checklist to learn the top things you need to consider before making a purchase.
Figure out Your Budget
First things first: you need to figure out your budget.
A general rule of thumb is that if you’re going to be taking out a loan for the car, your monthly payments shouldn’t be any more than 20% of your take-home pay.
If you’re living on a really tight budget, you may want to spend even less than that, as it’s important to remember that in addition to monthly payments, you’ll need to set aside money for maintenance.
Used cars typically need a little extra attention than new cars when it comes to maintenance and tune-ups. And don’t forget that you also have to deal with other ownership costs such as fuel and maintenance.
Lastly, if the used car you’re planning to buy has outlived its warranty period, then you may also want to set aside a little extra money for unexpected repairs.
Build a List of Potential Used Vehicles
Before you hit the car lot, we suggest building a list of potential purchases. To do this, think about what you want in a vehicle.
Do you want something that’s just going to get you from point A to point B? Or do you want a car that you can drive to the mountains to go hiking and skiing?
Whatever it is, make sure you think about it before you start shopping. By figuring out the size, color, brand, and features you want in a vehicle, you’ll be able to significantly narrow down your list and make your choice easier.
If you have no idea where to get started, we recommend researching reputable brands online to see what they’re known for. For example, it’s widely known that Toyota Camrys and Honda Accords make good used cars, but they’re also rather compact.
Head to the Lot for a Test Drive
Once you have a few different vehicles in mind, it’s time to find the local dealerships that carry these cars.
Once you find a dealership, it’s time to head to the lot for some test drives. Test driving a car is a very important step in the buying process, so it’s important that you come with a checklist in hand so you can make sure the vehicle meets all of your needs.
Here’s what should be on your checklist.
Examine the Exterior
Inspect the exterior of the car for dents, scratches, and mismatched paint. If the paint doesn’t match, that may be an indication that the vehicle has been in an accident.
You should also glance under the car to see if there are any dripping fluids or if there’s anything hanging.
Additionally, turn the car on and switch on the emergency flashers and headlights. Then, step outside of the vehicle to make sure they’re working.
Check the Interior
Before you hit the road, you also need to inspect the interior of the vehicle. Adjust the seat, mirrors, and steering wheel and make sure you can find a comfortable position.
Make sure you have enough legroom and switch the interior lights on to make sure they’re working properly. You should also test the radio, the AC and heating system, and the seat belts.
Also, make note of any weird smells, as this could be a sign of mold or mildew.
If you have a child, bring their car seat with you to make sure it fits properly.
Hit the Road
Once you’ve checked the car’s interior, it’s time to hit the road.
Try to find some roads that have a few bumps. When you drive over these, make note if you hear any rattling or strange noises.
You also want to make sure that the car accelerates and brakes smoothly.
Get a Vehicle History Report
Obtaining a vehicle history report is one of the best ways to figure out whether or not the car is a lemon. If you buy the vehicle and then discover later on that it’s a lemon, then you may need a lawyer for lemon law.
A vehicle history report gives you vital information about the car, including accident history, odometer reports, and whether or not the car has a salvage title.
You can look up the vehicle history report online; all you need is a license plate number.
Have the Car Inspected by a Professional
Even if a car has a clean vehicle history report and passes your test drive with flying colors, you still need to have it inspected by a professional before buying.
A professional mechanic will be able to alert you of problems that you can’t find yourself. Of course, having the car inspected by an outside mechanic costs money, but it’s well worth the price, especially if something seriously faulty is discovered.
Bring Your Negotiation Skills to the Table
It’s important to remember that you can always negotiate the price of a used car, so don’t forget to bring your negotiation skills to the table!
To be a skilled negotiator, you need to make a firm decision ahead of time in terms of how much you’re willing to pay. Also, be sure to make an offer that is lower than your maximum price.
Hopefully, you and the seller can find a fair amount somewhere in the middle.
Used Car Buying Checklist: Are You Ready to Buy?
Now that you’ve read this used car buying checklist, it’s time to begin your search. Before you know it, you’ll be cruising down the road in your “new” car.
Be sure to check back in with our blog for more vehicle-related news and tips.
Facebook Comments