Purchasing a used car often feels like traversing a gauntlet of financing options, exhaustive research and verification of the car's proposed functionality. Don't fret fellow first-time used car buyers. With a little bit of work and adhering to a checklist inspection, buyers will drive away in a pristine set of wheels. |
Financing
The first step in purchasing a vehicle is determining your budget. Calculating a set price and affordable monthly payments is crucial in order to avoid paying exorbitant prices courtesy of a smooth-talking salesman targeting your impulse and emotions. Financial pundits suggest your total debt payments do not not exceed 36 percent of your overall gross income, according to Samarins.com. Another less mathematical way of looking at it is: if you can't pay off the car in three years, it's too expensive. Should financial issues or poor credit are acting as obstacles to buying a car, there are several options to consider. Consider securing a poor credit loan or using a convenient method like buy here pay here at Drivetime for in-house financing.
Finding the Car for You
First off, be aware of your needs versus your wants. Reflect on your driving habits and choose a vehicle appropriate for those tendencies. Size and style, mpg and additional features—what's necessary and most affordable? Extensively research your ideal car on the Internet—get to know the specifics and average used price. If you have a specific car in mind, ask for the VIN to run through CARFAX.com to learn of the vehicle history report. Check the Better Business Bureau to verify the legitimacy of the seller. |
Gouges on the underside pinch welds of the door indicate the use of a frame straightening machine—meaning someone is attempting to conceal a collision. The test drive is perhaps the most important step in inspection. Drive on roads of various textures and conditions and focus on the vehicle's sound. If there are any engine knocking noises or the car feels and sounds like the inside of a maraca, this is certainly not the vehicle for you. Go through the following checklist (that is by no means exhaustive) to ensure the vehicle meets your high expectations—answering “no” to these questions is cause for serious concern:
- Does the odometer's mileage appear authentic?
- Is the car manual included?
- Are the tires the same brand and size?
- Is the car free of rust?
- Are the lug nuts present?
- Does the engine settle into a consistent idle within minutes?
- Is the floor under the car free of any oil puddles or fluid?
- After starting the car, are the warning lights off?
- Does the car accelerate smoothly?
- After acceleration, is the exhaust absent of emanating smoke?
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