Buying a Used Car? Follow These Steps
Know How Much You Can Afford
Don’t stretch your monthly budget to buy a car. Figure out how to pay for it, consider taxes and all other fees, add insurance.
Find the Right Car for You
Understand why you need a vehicle and search for one that fulfills your requirements. Find a vehicle that’s reliable for the job you need it to do.
Figure Out the Car’s Value
Go online and search for the make and model you’re interested in and similar models. See what the average asking price of each vehicle is according to its age and condition. Look at certified pre-owned cars as they lower the risk factor but can cost more.
Communicate With the Seller
Call the seller and verify all the car details. Ensure all necessary permits, registrations are in place and that it has passed all mandatory inspections. Only meet them and check the car if you’re comfortable with everything you hear on the phone.
Get the Car’s History and Safety Report
Ensure the title of the vehicle is clean. The car’s VIN is mentioned on top of the instrument panel, on the driver’s side door pillar, and in several other places. Ensure it matches and order a vehicle history and safety report. Examine it to ensure everything is in order.
Walk Around the Car
Prepare a checklist and conduct a thorough visual inspection of the vehicle. Note down all the details. If the seller objects walk away.
Test Drive the Car
Check if the radio stations are local or set to another area to see if the vehicle is local or not. See if the interiors and pedals show signs of excessive wear. Research the warranty details with the manufacturer. Check comfort and ergonomics. Pay attention to engine noise, steering vibration, random sounds, ride quality, and the brakes.
Quality Testing
Hire a mechanic and insist that they are allowed to inspect the car. Get a written report from the mechanic with details of what they discovered during the inspection.
Negotiate
Once you have all the details and have found a car you want, use the information you have collected to negotiate a fair price for it. There’s always some wiggle room.
