Tips on Buying a Used Car on a Budget
Buying a used car can be cheaper than purchasing a new model, especially if it is only needed as a second vehicle used to run errands or getting to and from work. But how can you be sure not to end up with a lemon? Here are several tips to follow that will make it easier to feel comfortable with a used car purchase.
Should you buy from a private seller or a dealer?
Decide whether the search will be made through dealers or private owners. Each has their own pros and cons.
*Dealers – They may be more expensive, but you are paying for the peace of mind of a limited warranty on the car, so you are covered if the vehicle breaks down within the warranty period. Many dealers have photos of available cars on their websites, so it can make it easier to compare prices and see what’s available.
*Private – Look in the classified ads of the local newspaper or online to find cars sold privately by their owners. While they will often be cheaper than through a dealer, be aware there will be no warranty coming with the car. If there is any question about the condition of the vehicle then it would be best to look elsewhere.
Inspect it
Any vehicle being considered for purchase should be inspected. If your budget allows, hire a professional mechanic to look it over, especially the engine, transmission, brakes, shocks, tires, exhaust system and body. Alternatively, ask a friend who knows something about cars to come with you to inspect it for free. In addition, consider these other tips:
*Test drive – Get permission to take the vehicle on a test drive and run it through a variety of conditions, such as hilly roads, stop and go traffic and the highway.
*Ask for its record – Request a maintenance record on the car. Make sure it has been treated well, including oil changes and tire rotations being done on schedule.
Mileage
There is no set amount of miles a car will go before it starts to give out, but using some common sense helps. There’s an old saying that goes, “It’s not the years, it’s the mileage.” An older car with fewer miles is preferred to a newer model that has been driven long distances. The more miles on a car, the less reliable it will be.
Other considerations
There are several additional issues that should be considered when deciding on a used car. Insurance, gas and repair costs are chief among these other items. These days, gas mileage and the amount the car will be driven each day definitely should be considered. If you are considering borrowing money to finance your purchase, plan on using a car loan calculator to determine monthly payments to make sure they will be affordable. This will help point out some of the unexpected costs, such as sales tax, that might go into the purchase.
Buying a used car is often preferred to a new one because it can cost a lot less upfront, but along with the lower price tag comes the worry of buying a vehicle that is going to cost more in repairs in the long run. However, getting a quality vehicle is still possible. A little more care must be used when hunting for the right used car, but by taking the advice above an affordable and reliable vehicle can be found.
This is a guest post by Alison Bristow, who has recently purchased a secondhand car using the tips above to make sure she got a good deal.
