It used to be if you wanted a new car for cheap, the best option was to buy a used one – but that’s no longer a slam dunk today.
Even so, used cars are still subject to lower taxes, registration fees and dealer fees. You also can’t slap a fancy adjective like “vintage” on a new car!
As with most purchases, however, used cars have their risks. You may have heard horror stories about “lemons” and how they’re ultimately more expensive than their newer counterparts. You don’t want to break the bank when buying a car, but you don’t want to drive a four-wheeled coffin either.
To get around these issues, here’s what to do before you sign all that paperwork:
Know What You Want
What will you use the car for? Is it to make your daily commute more convenient? Is it for a trip across the country? Or do you just want to keep it around, in case your other car breaks down?
When you know why you’re purchasing your used car, it’s easier to narrow down the features you need — and don’t need. When you’ve got them down, choosing a vehicle will be as easy as buying the new garage door you’ll need to house it.
Be Flexible
If you already have a price, year, make and model in mind, consider adding a couple more items to your wish list. That way, you won’t end up panicking if your first choice isn’t available or is priced beyond your reach.
Don’t go overboard with your list either: Too many choices can do you more harm than good. The good news is, there are plenty of great websites that can help narrow down your search. For example, people in the Land of 10,000 Lakes should consider exploring a Minnesota used car finder.
Get the Car’s VIN
Every car has a VIN, or Vehicle Identification Number, which helps generate the vehicle history report. That report will tell you what a car’s make and model is, what repairs have been done on it and even what recalls have been made on it, if any. To obtain the VIN, use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s VIN Lookup Tool, then ask for a report from companies like AutoCheck and Carfax.
Research Market Prices
Even the most aggressive dealer can’t argue with facts. Look up the value of the car you’re eyeing through websites like Edmunds and the Kelley Blue Book. Then, name a figure about $500 to $1000 less than that, and politely but firmly stick to it at the negotiating table.
Give It a Test Drive
Ask the salesman to give you a demo of the car’s features. Then, inspect the car thoroughly, and take it for a drive. Note the overall “feel” of the car, and listen carefully for any strange sounds. If anything feels even slightly off, think about whether you should ignore it, or consider looking for another car.
Consider Financing
If possible, avoid financing through a car dealer. Not only do dealers pad interest rates, they also offer loans on basically everything, regardless of the vehicle’s quality. It’s better to ask for a direct loan from reputable institutions like banks. The only thing you need to worry about is your credit score: The lower it is, the higher the interest rate they’ll slap on you.
Get Insurance
Whether your car is new or used, consider buying insurance for it. Ask around for companies that offer car insurance, and compare their quotes online. Read their terms and conditions, and watch out for anything that may be unfavorable (read: costly) to you in the long run. Consider whether your car can make do with limited coverage, or if it needs a more comprehensive coverage.
Buying a car doesn’t have to be an “either-or” proposition. With these tips in mind, you can find a decent vehicle that doesn’t break your budget.
Photo Credit: KB35
Thanks for sharing these tips. Evaluating a car you’re considering purchasing is never an easy process, especially if it’s your first time doing it. Besides the research on prices for similar models, a fair amount of the evaluation is based on personal preference and how you feel about the car.
When you find a good used car you want to be able to afford it. These are some really good way on how to do that. I liked what you said about going through a reputable loan place for financing. That does seem like the best way to do that. It might also be smart to talk to a professional about what option is best for you.
Good advice, Emily.
I’d really like to buy a car for myself since I currently rely on my parents cars and their availability. Your tip about considering financing with a loan is helpful because I thought it would take me forever to save up enough money to buy a car outright. But if I go the financing route, I’ll be able to have a car immediately and start paying off the loan in chunks.
There are several good used car buying checklists online. I print my favorite out and take it with me (covers engine, trans, exterior, frame, suspension, etc.) Takes an hour or two, but it’s well worth it and I’ve gotten great cars that way.
One way to get an almost new car with usually good maintenance for a good price has traditionally been to buy from a rental car company.
Used rentals may be less than two years old, may have less than 20,000 miles, and the rental company took the major hit on the “new” price.
One question for serious investigation is whether the vehicle manufacturer will extend any warranty protection to the subsequent owner after rental use.
That’s all true – but I worry that some of those cars may have been driven harder than used cars owned by private owners.