The process of buying a used car is not bread and butter. The options, possibilities and range are quite wide and can be daunting. Here are a few dos and don’ts to be aware of while buying a used car.
DO RESEARCH ON USED CARS
Like how you would not go to a supermarket before getting a what to buy list or how you would not attend an interview without going through the website of the hiring company, you should NEVER go to buy used cars without doing your research. Select your model, budget and dealer beforehand. With the dawn of the internet, a simple google search should serve as a good researching platform.
DON’T BUY USED CARS BASED ON APPEARANCE
Let us suppose you want a small hatchback. You enter a dealership or visit an online seller and notice a sedan listed for a price that fits your budget range. It would be a huge mistake to get all excited and buy the sedan without going through the listed details or considering the other hatchbacks available for sale in the used car market. Such appearances may sound like a good deal on paper, but you need to ensure that there are no hick-ups.
DO FIX A BUDGET
Used cars come with a smaller price tag compared new cars. Why get lured, spend more and lose the purpose of buy? Set-up a sensible budget and stick to it. Lucrative offers, trade-up schemes can persuade you to spend a little extra. It might be worth but spending more than what you have is not wise. Consider your savings or finance options based on your monthly income before fixing on a budget.
DON’T SPEND MORE FOR MORE
Always consider your requirement and budget before browsing through cars which are beyond your price range. Yes, costlier cars come with better features. Be wise and judge right. Ask yourself: should I spend extra for this one feature, which I may/may not need? Do I really need a fancy ride for extra money when I can opt for a not so fancy car? Think twice, because you are the buyer, and the decision is yours to take.
DO PRE-INSPECT AND TEST DRIVE THE CAR
One cannot underline how important it is to thoroughly check a used vehicle before buying it. If you are at a dealership, speak with the dealer or seller and fix a date to check the car. Inspect the exterior, interior and under the hood of the car. Test drive the car post inspection to understand the look and feel of the car. Check for vibrations and noises during the test drive. Read to get a more detailed and clearer understanding on the “How To” for the pre-inspection and the test drive.
DON’T BUY WITHOUT CHECKING THE CAR
Do not believe what you hear or see or feel; Experience it! Certify it yourself! Never buy a used car without pre-inspecting or test driving the car. Each person has a specific choice and liking. The seller may boast a good ride quality, which might not suit you. Go through the pros and cons of buying a used car for further clarity on what might be concealed, which you can reveal by checking the car.