Things to Consider When Buying Used or Pre-Owned

Buying Used Cars

Buying a used car will not only save you money, but it will give you the chance to drive your dream car without feeling the pressure of spending a crazy amount on the latest model. Of course, when you’re making a large purchase it’s important to do your due diligence to make sure you’re getting a good deal, especially if you’re buying a used vehicle from a private seller or from a dealership. Be an informed buyer and you’ll be driving home your pre-owned dream car before you know it.

The Seller

If you’re starting your used car hunt on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace keep in mind who is selling their car. You need to make sure to vet the sellers before you commit to buying their used car. People generally are not purposely trying to be dishonest, but at the end of the day, they are still focused on selling their car. It’s important to gather as much information about the car from the seller as possible, and above all trust your gut. If you sense the car is too good to be true, ask questions and then determine if you still want to buy that car. You don’t have to feel overly pressured to buy just because you decided to go look at the car.

Vehicle History

Buying a used car means not always having the full vehicle history. Typically, cars usually have one or two previous owners, but if you’re buying from a car rental company, you need to inquire about the car’s history, especially because rental cars are driven all over. You don’t want to be surprised about something on the car because you weren’t able to get concrete details. When was the last time the car was serviced, were there any major fixes to the engine? Don’t be afraid to find out because you’ll be inheriting any issues whether they were made known to you before you bought the car or not.

Mileage and Vehicle Condition

If you’re shopping for a used car and know this car will be your main mode of transportation or if you just need a car to get from point A to point B without dying, it’s best to look for a used car with the lowest mileage possible, so you can put your own miles on it, but if you’re shopping for a used car that’s had some wear, then you can go for one with a higher mileage. You’ll also want to make sure the used car you’re buying isn’t already falling apart by the time you to take it for a test drive. Similar to gathering the vehicle’s history, you’ll want to assess the car’s current condition and see if the tires are bald and will need replacing ASAP or if there are any liquids leaking from underneath. Don’t take an ad’s description as 100% truth and make sure to check the car out for yourself in person.

Don’t Shop Alone

Shopping alone whether you’re buying a used or new car is something that’s not advised because sellers are trying to close the deal, and if you’re by yourself there’s a higher chance of giving in to the pressure to say yes. When you bring someone else along, bring someone whose opinion you trust to help you make the right buying decision. Having that second person there will help remind you to check everything out before shaking the seller’s hand and calling it sold.

Research Before You Buy

Buying a used car is still a big purchase, so do yourself a favor and do your research. It’s okay to take your time and find the right used car for you. Ask those tough questions and don’t accept online descriptions without doing your own follow up. When you find the used car that’s the one, you’ll feel confident that you made the right choice.