The Road To Buying A Used Car

You may have experienced many milestones with your current vehicle, but there comes a moment when it’s time to browse for a new ride. Buying a car can be stressful, especially because salespeople are usually required to meet a quota. Doing research ahead of time can provide the peace of mind that you’re making a choice based on what you need, not what the dealership is trying to sell.

If you’re ready to shop for a used car, write a list of the features you want to make the process easier. Here are some factors to keep in mind during the search.

Exterior Features

A car is more than just a machine that gets you from point A to point B. Study the exterior to make sure it can withstand the elements as well as daily use.

• Body: What kind of make and model do you prefer? There are cars for every lifestyle and family size, so you won’t be short on options. Inspect the vehicle for any scratches in the paint or rust around the wheels.
• Doors and windows: Are you looking for a two-door sports car or a four-door minivan with lots of space? Are all the windows working and free of cracks?
• Tires: The physical state of a vehicle’s tires might indicate excessive stress or infrequent rotation, which could cost you in the long run.
• Engine: Whether it’s a manual or automatic vehicle, confirm there aren’t any issues or leaks.
• Safety features: Are the brakes in working order? Does the car come with a rear camera, parking assist or cruise control? A fancy vehicle is great for impressing friends, but safety should be top priority.

Interior Features

When you spend time in the car, it’s important to be comfortable. Examine the interior to ensure it meets your standards.

• Seats: Is the material leather, nylon, micro-suede or vinyl? Are you interested in seat warmers or temperature control? Incorporating regular cleaning into car maintenance can keep seats looking new.
• Heating and air conditioning: Are these systems functioning as well as they should be? Before summer or winter hits, make sure you have a vehicle with heating and cooling that works.
• Key vs. push-start: This may seem like a minor detail, but many newer models have ditched the traditional keys and implemented push-start buttons.
• Entertainment: Do the speakers support a blasting radio? Is a CD slot vital, or would you rather plug in your phone or connect to Bluetooth? Check for these extra features to make sure you’ll be satisfied on commutes and road trips.
• Navigation system: Some cars have built-in GPS systems. If you’re an avid navigation user, you might want to test out the system before buying.

A car depreciates in value as soon as it’s driven off the lot. Before signing the papers, factor in insurance costs and other fees to make sure you’re comfortable with the total price. Buying a used car can save you money as long as you know how to evaluate the options. For more tips on buying a used car, take a look at our accompanying infographic.

Courtesy Of JDBNOW

Sources:
https://www.bankrate.com/loans/auto-loans/5-smart-reasons-for-buying-a-used-car/
https://www.thecreditsolutionprogram.com/21-things-look-buying-car/3/
https://santanderconsumerusa.com/blog/why-you-should-purchase-a-used-vehicle-instead-of-new#:~:text=Here%20are%20the%20biggest%20reasons,at%20least%20three%20years%20old.