The thought of buying a brand new car can be exciting, but are you sure it's worth the investment? Sure, it's shiny and the salesman makes a good pitch; however, many first-time buyers don't realize how much money goes right down the drain when they purchase a new car. The truth is, a used car is going to lose a significant percentage of its value the minute you drive it off the lot. When you consider that you could get a nearly-new car at a fraction of the price, it's easy to see that used is the way to go.
Why it is Wise to Purchase Used
Many folks buy used cars simply for economic reasons. When you buy new, you're usually looking at ongoing payments and considerable interest. A car that is only a few years old may sell for fifty percent less than the current year's model. During the first year, a new car will lose at least twenty percent of its value, so buy smart.
The fear most have about purchasing a used car is the fact of hidden problems. Today though, dealerships calm this fear by only having Certified Used Vehicles for sale. You can trust the used car is in excellent condition, when you purchase it from a reputable dealership, because the car has gone through mechanical and physical inspections. A used car that is certified and is not that old will operate almost like a new car.
How to Make a Wise Purchase
Now that dealerships have answered the consumers' demand for higher standards, it is not as risky buying used straight from dealerships. With any big purchase, you need to do research and any car is a large, important purchase. The car may look great and the salesperson makes it appear to be a great deal, but you still need to have your own information before spending your hard-earned cash on one. Follow the below tips to know how:
1. Know what you want
You need to make sure you do not make any mistakes, when you buy a large purchase such as a car, you need to be prepared. Know how much you want to spend first. This does not mean you have to decide on the exact make, model and year of the vehicle. However, it is helpful to know what condition and style you want the car will be will help to eliminate certain vehicles more easily.
In fact, if you do have a specific car in mind, it's smart to broaden your horizons a bit to consider similar vehicles. There are some big names on the market, and with these big names come big price tags. If you're willing to widen your parameters a little, you may find something just as good at a far lower price. For example, you may be in the market for a Toyota Matrix; however, you might be just as happy with a Pontiac Vibe - a less-known vehicle, but one made in collaboration with Toyota, and with many of the same parts as the Matrix.
2. Research into the Cars
Never buy according to just the looks of the cars. Many cars can seem in great shape on the dealership lot, but a bit of background information may reveal some huge issues. Read some reviews about any car you have an interest in owning. No vehicle is without flaws, but learning some facts will keep from purchasing a bad car.
You should also know the approximate value for the car you want to purchase. You can find this value on KBB.com or Edmunds.com for the car in which you want to buy. If the car is priced too far off this value, do not buy the car.
3. Be Cautious with Private Sales
It is true that you can discover some affordable used vehicles through individuals, but you need to use caution before purchasing one this way. These individuals do not have to follow any particular rules, so often times, vehicles purchased from individuals seldom are in as good of shape as those from dealerships. This does not mean you cannot buy from individuals. You only need to check out the car more closely for flaws or issues.
4. Check Thoroughly
There is no way that you can be too thorough when you are about to purchase a new or used vehicle. Take all the time you need to examine the car. Put it through a test drive. Find out how it handles at various speeds, quick stops and even around sharp turns. Make sure engine hums and not clicks, whines or rattles. Also, check to see if the car pulls to the side as you drive it. Do not take a car you are not pleased with thinking you will be unable to find something better.
If you like how the car operates, and you are pleased with your inspection of it, then run the car's VIN through a service like CarFax. You need to discover the full history of the vehicle. Do your own check online on this, if the individual or dealership you are dealing with will not provide it. This can point out various issues with the car including accidents it has been involved in over the years.
Have a mechanic you know inspect the car for you prior to handing cash over to the individual or dealership. Explain to the mechanic the problems you have seen and ask how important these problems are. A mechanic should be able to steer you towards or away from buying the car. This is so worth the price compared to how much you will pay to buy the vehicle, so make sure to do this step.
5. Be Ready to Negotiate
Some dealerships will have a price you cannot negotiate, but typically, the dealerships are open to a little haggling about the price of the car. Don't hesitate to use your negotiation skills.
Why it is Wise to Purchase Used
Many folks buy used cars simply for economic reasons. When you buy new, you're usually looking at ongoing payments and considerable interest. A car that is only a few years old may sell for fifty percent less than the current year's model. During the first year, a new car will lose at least twenty percent of its value, so buy smart.
The fear most have about purchasing a used car is the fact of hidden problems. Today though, dealerships calm this fear by only having Certified Used Vehicles for sale. You can trust the used car is in excellent condition, when you purchase it from a reputable dealership, because the car has gone through mechanical and physical inspections. A used car that is certified and is not that old will operate almost like a new car.
How to Make a Wise Purchase
Now that dealerships have answered the consumers' demand for higher standards, it is not as risky buying used straight from dealerships. With any big purchase, you need to do research and any car is a large, important purchase. The car may look great and the salesperson makes it appear to be a great deal, but you still need to have your own information before spending your hard-earned cash on one. Follow the below tips to know how:
1. Know what you want
You need to make sure you do not make any mistakes, when you buy a large purchase such as a car, you need to be prepared. Know how much you want to spend first. This does not mean you have to decide on the exact make, model and year of the vehicle. However, it is helpful to know what condition and style you want the car will be will help to eliminate certain vehicles more easily.
In fact, if you do have a specific car in mind, it's smart to broaden your horizons a bit to consider similar vehicles. There are some big names on the market, and with these big names come big price tags. If you're willing to widen your parameters a little, you may find something just as good at a far lower price. For example, you may be in the market for a Toyota Matrix; however, you might be just as happy with a Pontiac Vibe - a less-known vehicle, but one made in collaboration with Toyota, and with many of the same parts as the Matrix.
2. Research into the Cars
Never buy according to just the looks of the cars. Many cars can seem in great shape on the dealership lot, but a bit of background information may reveal some huge issues. Read some reviews about any car you have an interest in owning. No vehicle is without flaws, but learning some facts will keep from purchasing a bad car.
You should also know the approximate value for the car you want to purchase. You can find this value on KBB.com or Edmunds.com for the car in which you want to buy. If the car is priced too far off this value, do not buy the car.
3. Be Cautious with Private Sales
It is true that you can discover some affordable used vehicles through individuals, but you need to use caution before purchasing one this way. These individuals do not have to follow any particular rules, so often times, vehicles purchased from individuals seldom are in as good of shape as those from dealerships. This does not mean you cannot buy from individuals. You only need to check out the car more closely for flaws or issues.
4. Check Thoroughly
There is no way that you can be too thorough when you are about to purchase a new or used vehicle. Take all the time you need to examine the car. Put it through a test drive. Find out how it handles at various speeds, quick stops and even around sharp turns. Make sure engine hums and not clicks, whines or rattles. Also, check to see if the car pulls to the side as you drive it. Do not take a car you are not pleased with thinking you will be unable to find something better.
If you like how the car operates, and you are pleased with your inspection of it, then run the car's VIN through a service like CarFax. You need to discover the full history of the vehicle. Do your own check online on this, if the individual or dealership you are dealing with will not provide it. This can point out various issues with the car including accidents it has been involved in over the years.
Have a mechanic you know inspect the car for you prior to handing cash over to the individual or dealership. Explain to the mechanic the problems you have seen and ask how important these problems are. A mechanic should be able to steer you towards or away from buying the car. This is so worth the price compared to how much you will pay to buy the vehicle, so make sure to do this step.
5. Be Ready to Negotiate
Some dealerships will have a price you cannot negotiate, but typically, the dealerships are open to a little haggling about the price of the car. Don't hesitate to use your negotiation skills.
About the Author:
Landers McLarty Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram provided information on user cars and used car sales. Contact Landers Mclarty of Huntsville for more information.
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