As many people have learned, buying a used car can be a very smart purchase. A new car depreciates the moment it’s driven off the lot and continues to do so by approximately 15-25 percent per year for the next four years, according to carmax.com. Buying a pre-owned car allows you to purchase a car you might not otherwise be able to afford. However, it’s not a purchase you should enter into without some thoughtful planning. There are many people with stories about a used car purchase that didn’t go quite as smoothly as they had hoped. Here are three tips to help you successfully navigate buying a pre-owned vehicle.
1. Research the Model
Once you know the model you want to buy, you need to do some research. Find out how much repair costs generally run, it’s strengths and weaknesses, how often it needs serviced, what kind of gas uses, etc. You’ll learn a lot by reading online forums from people who’ve owned the same kind of vehicle. It’s also important that you are not impulsive, and are ready to walk away if the car doesn’t meet your expectations. There are other models of that vehicle available for sale out there, for sure.
2. Shop Around
Once you have determined the make and model of the car you want to buy, check local dealerships (many new car dealerships also sell pre-owned vehicles), classifieds ads and online used car listings until you find the cars that you want to see in person and test drive. This will save you time and allow you to compare shop without running all over town. A few online sites for locating pre-owned vehicles include edmunds.com, autotrader.com and cars.com. Each asks you to enter your zip code so that it can search for vehicles near you, which is very convenient.
3. Check the Facts
There are many cars on the road that have been rebuilt after a wreck – and unless you are a professional — you may not be able to tell. Always run a history report, like a CARFAX report, on any vehicle you are considering buying. Most dealerships provide you with one at no charge. A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) should be listed in any advertisement for a vehicle, and many times a link to the CARFAX report can be found when viewing a car on a dealership’s website. This number is important in running a history report. If you have any problem getting the VIN number from the car’s owner, walk away, it’s definitely a red flag. AutoTrader.com and cars.com provide a free car history report from CARFAX for any cars listed for sale on their site. In addition, Auto Check, which is recommended by carbuyingtips.com, offers an unlimited report package that allows you to check by VIN number or by U.S. license plate. You should also have your own mechanic check the vehicle for any problems or potential problems before you seal the deal.
Infiniti of Cool Springs offers a variety of New and Pre-owned vehicles at its Cool Springs location with financing options to assist you. Visit their showroom in person or see their vehicles online. Call today to make an appointment, 888-356-6427.
