We can all get caught up in the excitement of buying a new or used car, leading to us acting a lot more impulsively than usual.
With such a big financial commitment it is worthwhile taking a step back and really doing your research. Taking heed of the following advice can help you ensure your dream vehicle meets your need and budget.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE HAND
Thanks to the internet, searching for cars and dealerships has never been easier. Simply punch in the name of a car or dealership and watch as thousands of results pop up. While learning about the dealership is important, your first step is to look at the different types of used cars out there, since that will influence the dealership you buy from.
Is there a particular brand that you want? Or are you simply looking for a car that has a reliable reputation? Keep in mind that some cars cost more than others to maintain. Many new cars come with a maintenance or service plan to keep you covered for a period of time or distance, but second-hand cars nearing the end of their service plans could be costly in the long run.
DO STICK TO YOUR BUDGET
Whether you are buying a used car because you don’t have the money for a new one, or you have more than enough money to buy the entire car lot, it doesn’t matter. You need to set aside a certain amount of money you are willing to spend on a vehicle, and then stick to it. That way, you aren’t tempted to ‘trade-up’ to a flashier looking car that’s three or four grand over what you were initially willing to spend. This will have further implications down the line.
DO A BACKGROUND CHECK
If you’re buying a second-hand car, the first test-drive is not only for your evaluation, but it also offers you a chance to write down the Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN, so that you can run a vehicle history report. For a fee you can also get a verification report on whether the vehicle’s been reported as stolen, been in a major accident, had the odometer turned back, and other aspects that are handy to know.
DO A THOROUGH INSPECTION
It’s of monumental importance to thoroughly inspect a used vehicle before you even think about buying it. Yes, it looks nice online, but it’s still imperative that you check and then double check the vehicle for any problems. Even the technicians who inspected it could have missed something. Pay close attention during the test drive, take your time and ask about any strange noises, feelings, or smells the car creates while driving down the road. Review the vehicle’s safety features, such as airbags, and active-safety electronics such as ABS brakes and stability control.
DO ASK QUESTIONS
Make sure to ask any questions that pop into your head. For example, asking about common replacement items such as brake discs and pads. It might be just within your price range now, but you might find that its first visit to the workshop breaks the bank. Whatever you ask, make sure you receive an answer that satisfies you.
DON’T BUY THE FIRST CAR YOU SEE
What you don’t want to do in 2020 is show up to a dealership and buy the first car you see without looking at the other cars they have on their lot. Most dealerships have their inventory up on their website. That way consumers can look at what they have to offer before making the drive over. Perhaps that model you so desperately wanted is all but forgotten when you see another that ends up being a better overall investment.
If you don’t look, you’ll never find the best deal. On top of that, carefully considering your options prevents you from making any rash decisions. Showing up to a dealership and telling them you want to buy a used car today (even though you might just be looking) is a good way to get yourself locked into buying something you will end up regretting a day or two later.
DON’T BLINDLY BUY A VEHICLE
Don’t ever, under any circumstances, buy a vehicle without at least giving it a test drive. If you don’t know what to look for, bring a friend along who does, or take it to a mechanic. If the dealer is hesitant to let you have a mechanic look at it, then walk away.
DON’T JUST BE SATISFIED WITH WHAT’S PRESENTED
If you aren’t asking questions, especially when buying a used vehicle then you’re playing with fire. Don’t simply stand there and agree to everything you hear. Not because the dealership is trying to trick you, but because the more information you have about the vehicle and car-buying process, the more prepared and confident you’ll be when it comes time to close the deal.
By Skye Lavis
DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE HAND
Thanks to the internet, searching for cars and dealerships has never been easier. Simply punch in the name of a car or dealership and watch as thousands of results pop up. While learning about the dealership is important, your first step is to look at the different types of used cars out there, since that will influence the dealership you buy from.
Is there a particular brand that you want? Or are you simply looking for a car that has a reliable reputation? Keep in mind that some cars cost more than others to maintain. Many new cars come with a maintenance or service plan to keep you covered for a period of time or distance, but second-hand cars nearing the end of their service plans could be costly in the long run.
DO STICK TO YOUR BUDGET
Whether you are buying a used car because you don’t have the money for a new one, or you have more than enough money to buy the entire car lot, it doesn’t matter. You need to set aside a certain amount of money you are willing to spend on a vehicle, and then stick to it. That way, you aren’t tempted to ‘trade-up’ to a flashier looking car that’s three or four grand over what you were initially willing to spend. This will have further implications down the line.
DO A BACKGROUND CHECK
If you’re buying a second-hand car, the first test-drive is not only for your evaluation, but it also offers you a chance to write down the Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN, so that you can run a vehicle history report. For a fee you can also get a verification report on whether the vehicle’s been reported as stolen, been in a major accident, had the odometer turned back, and other aspects that are handy to know.
DO A THOROUGH INSPECTION
It’s of monumental importance to thoroughly inspect a used vehicle before you even think about buying it. Yes, it looks nice online, but it’s still imperative that you check and then double check the vehicle for any problems. Even the technicians who inspected it could have missed something. Pay close attention during the test drive, take your time and ask about any strange noises, feelings, or smells the car creates while driving down the road. Review the vehicle’s safety features, such as airbags, and active-safety electronics such as ABS brakes and stability control.
DO ASK QUESTIONS
Make sure to ask any questions that pop into your head. For example, asking about common replacement items such as brake discs and pads. It might be just within your price range now, but you might find that its first visit to the workshop breaks the bank. Whatever you ask, make sure you receive an answer that satisfies you.
DON’T BUY THE FIRST CAR YOU SEE
What you don’t want to do in 2020 is show up to a dealership and buy the first car you see without looking at the other cars they have on their lot. Most dealerships have their inventory up on their website. That way consumers can look at what they have to offer before making the drive over. Perhaps that model you so desperately wanted is all but forgotten when you see another that ends up being a better overall investment.
If you don’t look, you’ll never find the best deal. On top of that, carefully considering your options prevents you from making any rash decisions. Showing up to a dealership and telling them you want to buy a used car today (even though you might just be looking) is a good way to get yourself locked into buying something you will end up regretting a day or two later.
DON’T BLINDLY BUY A VEHICLE
Don’t ever, under any circumstances, buy a vehicle without at least giving it a test drive. If you don’t know what to look for, bring a friend along who does, or take it to a mechanic. If the dealer is hesitant to let you have a mechanic look at it, then walk away.
DON’T JUST BE SATISFIED WITH WHAT’S PRESENTED
If you aren’t asking questions, especially when buying a used vehicle then you’re playing with fire. Don’t simply stand there and agree to everything you hear. Not because the dealership is trying to trick you, but because the more information you have about the vehicle and car-buying process, the more prepared and confident you’ll be when it comes time to close the deal.
By Skye Lavis
THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF BUYING A SECOND-HAND CAR
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
November 04, 2020
Rating:
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
November 04, 2020
Rating:
