Buy a Car the Right Way by Doing These 8 Things

Buy a Car New vs Used

When you buy a car the decision to buy a used car has benefits such as the cost of a used one will always have a much lower investment, even in the formalities that must be carried out and the holding of this one in terms of insurance and taxes, unlike when it is a new one. However, when it comes to finding dealers to buy a used car, it is not an easy task. Here are the 8 most common problems when buying a used car:

1. The Condition of the Vehicle is More Important than you Think

You can tell a lot about a car by its condition. If the previous owners fixed the vehicle problems properly and how it was treated, and maintained. I would avoid a vehicle with a flaw in the paint that looks like a cheap job, for example. It is hard to identify a flaw in the paint if the owner has been in an accident and tells you upfront. Then, I will continue to look into the car.

Additionally, touch the paint. Does it feel rough? Do you see contamination, stains on the paint, or overspray? In my opinion, a vehicle’s paint that has not been well maintained could be worse than a vehicle that has not been mechanically maintained from a cost-to-repair point of view.

2. CarFax history:

Although it will cost you some money, it is well worth it if the vehicle conditions meet your expectations. Furthermore, the vehicle’s accident history and other legal matters will give you a negotiating tool you would not have otherwise. Moreover, when you know that the vehicle has been in one accident or several. Perhaps, you will be able to show fewer emotions about the car you’ve always wanted that is in excellent shape. You can still buy a car that has been in an accident. However, If the deal does not go through, you will be okay because now you know the car has been in an accident and you could find a better one. 

3. Choose a good brand:

Have an advisor who will provide information on the brand of the used car according to the need, quality, and performance requested. Moreover, do some research on the specific vehicle you are buying. Read some reviews. Additionally, find its common mechanical issues. This will take you less than ten minutes. Moreover, you could do this from your phone. Moreover, it would not be a bad idea to become a member of https://www.consumerreports.org/ since your vehicle may be your second largest investment. 

buy a car

4. Check As Much As You Can:

Sometimes, I have to check the condition of a vehicle: seats, paint, belts, doors, directional lights, front, state of the mats, etc. Because the seller does not say it for fear of losing a sale, as these are indications of the driver has had the used car. However, normal wear and tear should not stop you from making a deal on a car. To further explain, most vehicles will have some issues the sellers did not know how to clean. In addition, there could be damage due to bad quality materials that will be common on that specific type of vehicle.

5. Reliability and Safety:

As important as appearance, safety is easier to check but a step you cannot skip. First, check if all the lights work properly. Second, check the car has a proper honking noise. Third, check the brakes, and brake fluid, and listen up for any brake noise. 

6. Be informed and negotiate

When you decide to buy a used car, see how the market is. Check for the car’s value on more than one value site. To name a few,  kbb.com, edmunds.com, and nada.com. Sometimes, when you decide to buy a car, it may not be the best time to buy the car. Also, buy used cars in cash. The price will always increase if you have to pay dealer fees and interest rates. 

7. Make Sure Everything Looks Right and Do Not Get Pushed

When you buy your car you want to make sure all the paperwork looks right. Any promise to fix something is made in writing and no one is pushing you to do it. If the car is not ready, there is no need to sign something or leave a deposit. Everything should flow well if this car is for you. 

8. Don't Ignore the Mileage

Most people give mileage too much importance. While I use this in my favor when I buy a car, it will never be a deal-breaker if I see the car is well-maintained.

For example, I would buy a five-year-old Honda Accord with a paint protection film on the front and flawless paint with 200K miles for more money than I would buy the same car with 55K miles and bug damage and faded paint. Therefore, more than the mileage, ask yourself,  is it in good condition? Has the maintenance record shown proper maintenance or do you have to guess if the brakes will need to change soon? Do you feel any vibration? 

I hope these tips help you with your buying experience!

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