What You Need to Know About Buying a Used Car

Photo of author

Buying a new car is an exciting experience, but it’s not always the easiest. There’s a lot involved with the entire process. You may already be aware of this if you’ve purchased a vehicle in the past. Regardless, the price of a new car these days can be more than you bargained for. That said, a used car may be the better option. Here’s what you need to know about buying a used car.

They’re Not as Expensive

The main aspect of a used car is that they’re overall cheaper than a brand new one. Many buyers can be on the fence about buying a used car for themselves. Some might think that because the car is used, it’s automatically junk but this isn’t exactly true as cars are considered used for a variety of reasons. The vehicle may have been traded in or it was repossessed from a client who didn’t pay on it. While pre-owned are generally cheaper, the overall cost does depend on the brand and the dealership you’re getting it from. 

There are many ways you can finance your new car. A personal loan can be used for financing just about anything you need, but how much you get depends on the lender and the state of your credit. It’s important to make sure your credit is in good condition before applying. Make sure there are no discrepancies are on your report and your score is at least 700. In addition to a personal loan, you could finance directly through the dealer, however keep in mind that interest rates could be higher.

Don’t Forget to Take for a Test Drive

You won’t truly know if a car is right for you until you’ve actually sat behind the steering wheel. Before purchasing the vehicle, ask if you can take it out for a test drive. As you do so, you’ll want to consider the following questions:

  • Is it easy to open the door from the inside and outside?
  • Are the seats comfortable?
  • Does the car make any weird noises while on the road?
  • Are the brakes fully operational?
  • Does the vehicle give off a faint burning smell or gas?

These are all questions you need to ask yourself as you drive the vehicle. If something feels wrong, do not hesitate to bring it up. Especially if you drive a long commute every day or otherwise spend a lot of time in your vehicle. Ensuring that you are totally satisfied is necessary. 

Always Ask for a Pre-Purchase Inspection

Even if it was a brand-new car, you always want to the dealership to perform a pre-purchase inspection. This is done to make sure the car isn’t faulty in any way. But since this is a used car, we’re talking about, one thing to keep an eye out for is a faulty engine. It’s also a good idea to ask for the vehicle’s history as well. Doing so will give your insight on what the car has been through before it was eventually given back to the dealership.