Whether buying your first car or another vehicle for the family, used cars are a great option. Last month, we shared a blog titled, 5 Easy Steps: Buying A Used Car The Smart Way. Here's a quick recap:
- Try to Purchase When You Don’t Have To Do So
- Know What You Can Afford
- Know What You Want to Buy
- Search in Many Places for Your Vehicle
- Test Drive the Vehicle
In this article, we will focus on the last five steps to consider when purchasing a used car. Let’s take a look:
Step #6: Take the Vehicle to a Trusted Mechanic
Before paying for the car you like, take the vehicle to a trusted mechanic for a good inspection. In most instances, this type of check-up will cost $60-$100. This is money that’s well spent, as you’d prefer to know sooner, rather than later, if there are issues with the car. Besides the basic check-up, ask your mechanic how often he/she sees this make and model of vehicle in for repair.
Step #7: Check the History of the Vehicle
You really need to take the time to research the history of your potential vehicle. The more you know ahead of time, the better off you will be. You want to be sure there is no salvage title on the vehicle or any type of accident or illegal activity in its history. You can obtain this information from many different sources on the Internet. Many experts advise against purchasing any vehicle that has been in an accident or has had major frame damage.
Step #8: Be Wary of a Quick Sale
If you are buying from a private owner, you should be wary if he/she is offering the vehicle at below the Kelley Blue Book price. You should ask the seller why the price adjustment is there. Additionally, you should beware of sellers who are really anxious to sell their car quickly; that may be a red flag to consider.
Step #9: Work Out a Final Price and Stick to It
Once you agree on a price, try to avoid backing out of the deal. It is not good business to agree to something and then walk away. If you feel like the deal is not a good one, don’t agree to it in the first place. Take your time and don’t feel pressured to close the sale.
Step #10: Take Care of the Paperwork Together
In some instances, you will be able to take care of the paperwork with the vehicle at the time of the sale. If you are at a dealership, they will take care of everything for you. If it is a private sale, you may not get a bill of sale and may have to meet the seller at the Department of Motor Vehicles. If you are financing your vehicle, you will not get the pink slip for the vehicle until the loan is paid off.
How DuGood Can Help
Buying a vehicle (whether new or used) doesn’t have to be complicated! Here are a few ways we can help:
- Download our FREE Auto Buyers Guide.
- Request a call back from one of our Lending Experts. They’ll walk you through the whole process step by step!
- Use our Auto Toolkit to find and compare used cars near you.
