Buying a used car can be a great way to get on the road without wasting years of your hard-earned money on a new vehicle, only for it to depreciate in value after a year or two.
Once you’ve settled on buying a used vehicle instead of a new one, it’s time to figure out how to do it right. There are a number of factors to consider when you buy used cars to make sure you don’t get stuck with a lemon.
Here are five crucial details you should check before making a decision.
Get Pre-approved for Financing
Before you walk into a dealership ready to buy a used vehicle, it’s best to get pre-approved for financing. Pre-approval allows you to compare offers from the dealer’s financing division so you can walk out knowing you got the best deal available to you.
Knowing this information also allows you to negotiate from a position of strength. This is true for both cases, whether you’re in the market for a New GMC truck for sale or an older model of a car that’s no longer made.
Order a Vehicle History Report
One of the most important details about a used vehicle is just how used it really is. There are plenty of vehicle history report services available that can provide an authentic history report. Choose one that includes information like the number of previous owners, major accidents, and previous service history.
Running the vehicle identification number (VIN) through a service like CARFAX can give you all the information you need. Be sure to get important information from the current owner as well.
Arrange a Third-Party Inspection
It’s not uncommon for even trusted dealers to knowingly sell a lemon just to make a few extra bucks from time to time. Likewise, in some cases, dealer inspections can miss a couple of important details when checking a car.
Regardless of whether you buy from a private seller or a trusted car dealership, hire a mechanic that specializes in used-car inspections. They’ll have the expertise and tools to check for hidden flaws.
Take the Test Drive Seriously
A test drive in a new car is just a moment you get to picture yourself in your brand-new ride. For a used car, however, the test drive serves a crucial purpose and requires your due diligence. When you’re in there, you have to keep an eye on several things:
- The smell of gasoline or burning oil
- Listen for knocking in the engine or whistling sounds from the windows
- Test the brakes by braking hard several times
- Inspect all of the buttons, controls, and features
Consider Buying from a Private Seller
A big misconception most people have is that professional car dealers have higher quality used cars with lower prices than you can get elsewhere. In reality, there’s no truth behind that statement.
It’s important to note that car dealerships have to set a higher profit to keep their businesses running. Alternatively, private sellers just want to sell their used car quickly and are likely more willing to negotiate.
