The Ins and Outs of Buying Used Cars

If you are in the market for a used car, you are not alone. Many of the car and truck sales that are completed around the world are used cars and trucks. It has been reported that the typical car on the road will go through at least three owners during their lifespan. It has been said that about 40 million used cars are bought and sold by car dealerships and private individuals every day.

• Work out your budget. Before you are going to shell down money to make any big purchase, the first thing you need to do is see how much you can afford to spend. This is true when you are buying an auto or if you are buying a house. Take a look at what you have in your bank account, what bills you have to pay, and how much money you have coming in. That will show you what you can spend on your “new” car.
• Run your credit report. One good thing to take with you when you go to look at used cars is an offer for a loan. First, you should get your credit report. The last thing you need is to find out things about your credit report at the same time as the loan specialist. There may also be mistakes on your report that you will need to fix. Talk to your bank or credit union before you go to the car dealership and see if they will offer you a loan. You may end up going with the offer from the dealership but you will be in a better spot.
• Think about what you need. What kind of car do you need? Do you haul around a lot of stuff? Do you have a large family and all your children play a bunch of sports? How long is your commute? Are you looking at used cars to get a second and fun car or for your main means of transportation? Knowing these things will help you find the car or truck that you really want.
• Talk to your friends and family. Has anyone you know bought a new or used car lately? Hands down, the best way to get good products and services is to talk to people you know and trust. In this instance, you want both a good product and decent sales help. Ask around and someone will know of good places in your area to buy used cars.
• Do some research online. Of course, you should also look online. Once you know what kind of vehicle you need and want, you can narrow your options down a bit by going online and looking at vehicles with the features you really need and want. This will help when you go to a dealership. This can also help you be more informed about the different cars and trucks that are available today.
• Go to the car lot. By this point, you should be ready to head out and look at some used cars. When you talk to the used car salespeople, do not worry that this will be a bad experience. Here is a secret: car dealers want to make car buyers happy. Happy customers tell their friends and relatives about the good service they got at a car dealership. They are not the ravenous vultures you think that may be. Be open and honest about what you want and you will have a better time buying your new car.
• Test drive before you buy. You have done all of your research. You know what kind of car you want and how much you can afford to spend. When you are out on the lot, you need to take the cars or trucks that you like out for a spin. This is important because as great as a car looks on paper and just by looking at the outside, you need to get a feel for it before you take the leap and buy the car.

Many people stress out about buying new or used cars. They think it will be long and painful but it does not have to be. Do some research, take your time, and enjoy your “new” car.