When you’re looking at getting a used car, there’s a lot that needs to be considered. Without proper research, you could be stuck sifting through beaten down vehicles, pushy salesmen, and sky high prices, all making finding the right used car for your needs feel like an impossible task. Thankfully, there are some steps that drivers like you can take to make the process go a little bit easier, and have you driving off the lot with the car of your dreams!
Do Thorough Research
Before you get ready to look for your used car, you’re going to want to make a list of things that you want to get out of your vehicle. If you travel frequently and want cargo space, you might want to consider an SUV or even a minivan with good gas mileage. If you just care about staying comfortable on your commute to work, you could look for a small sedan.
Additionally, when looking for used cars, there’s a list of things all drivers will need to look for in order to make sure they’re getting the right vehicle for the best price. Some of these things include:
- Market value
- Accident history
- Miles driven
- Cargo space
- Passenger space
- Fuel economy
- Safety features
- Vehicle year, model, and manufacturer
Staying informed about these things can give you an advantage in negotiating the right price, helping you stay on budget when finding your dream car!
Set an Ideal Budget
Setting a budget and sticking to it will not only help you get the right car for you without breaking the bank, but it will also help keep your expectations realistic. When you set a budget, you can start looking critically at all the features offered in a potential car, and determine what you’re willing to sacrifice in order to get the right price.
Test Out Different Makes and Models
When looking at used cars, don’t be afraid to go outside your comfort zone and test out different makes and models you might not have normally considered. Perhaps you’ve had your sights set on a Ford, but after driving some Toyotas and Hondas you discovered that you prefer their driving capabilities for the price. So don’t be afraid to test out as many cars as possible to find the right one for you!
Take It In For a Pre Purchase Inspection
During your test drives, most used car dealerships will let you take your car into a trusted mechanic for a pre purchase inspection. During this inspection, your mechanic can look out for any faulty parts or other potential problems that might not have been previously caught, giving you extra negotiating power. So be sure to ask if you can take a potential used car to a mechanic during your test drive!
For pre purchase inspections and more, come see the team at Harris Garage in Hayes, VA! Call or book online for your appointment today!