7 Things To Do Before You Buy A Used Car

 

Buying a used car can be a wise financial decision but an impulse buy could mean you end up with an unsatisfactory product. You should make an informed decision whether you buy directly from the seller or going to the dealer.

Here are seven things to take care of prior to buying a used car on car finance.

Determine what you are looking for and then do your homework.

Before doing anything else, spend your time to note down what you'd like from a vehicle: How many passengers does it have to accommodate? Do you want it to be small or huge? Do you have any features that you can't be without?

After that, you should research the cars that meet your requirements and the price - Kelley Blue Book can be an excellent resource. Going to the dealership to browse can prevent you from really finding the best deals because you might be pushed into a sale by a well-trained salesperson. Before you ever set foot on a lot take a look at the classifieds and take a copy of information about vehicles from various dealerships to give you an idea of what's on the market and what you should expect to spend for similar cars within your region.

Set your budget.

Don't allow an agent to persuade you to spend more to purchase the car you'd like. You can narrow your search by setting a price range and bargain for a price you are comfortable with. Talk with the seller about your price range. However, don't reveal your price target until they have an offer. This will give you the ability to negotiate. Remember that a budget for a car that is used not only include funds for the car and the vehicle, but also funds to pay for any minor repairs.

Think about all of your financing alternatives.

If you don't plan to purchase the vehicle with car finance you are considering financing options beyond the dealership. A credit union may offer the best rate for a car loan. Try to get rate quotes from a few institutions, and then talk with each lender you are considering about the type of vehicle and price range you are working with.

Run a Car fax report.

Car fax reports give you the background of a vehicle that will tell you whether the vehicle has been involved in an accident, or may have any other potentially worrisome events in its history. Although some dealerships are able to give reports, other dealerships (or private sellers) could be able run the reports.

Try a test drive.

It is the most important part of buying Cars For Sale - seeing how the car actually performs. You should test the car in various scenarios. Be prepared if it's not the right vehicle for you, or makes you feel uncomfortable.

Get the car inspected.

Having the vehicle inspected by a reputable mechanic has to be considered as part of the buying process. While you could conduct a visual examination of the engine and frame yourself however, a professional will be needed to inspect the inside of the car and run a few basic tests. Even if the seller claims there aren't any mechanical flaws or major issues it is important to confirm that the car is in good condition by conducting an extensive inspection. After all it is the seller who wants to get rid of the car for a reason.

Prepare to leave.

Don't go into the sale with the intent of purchasing the vehicle on the same day. You don't want to feel forced to buy a car that you're not comfortable with. However good the offer may seem, be ready to do some research to avoid purchasing a car that might not be the right match for you.