Save Money When You Buy A Used Car
English: Car dealership on Low Road (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
As certified pre-owned cars become more and more popular in the used auto market, many people are looking to buy second-hand cars in order to save money. The best part is that one can save a tidy sum of money even while buying used cars if one knows how to look in the right place. There are a few ways in which you can get some old deals.
Firstly, as with any purchase that involves a large sum of money always set a budget for the cars that you are planning to look at. This is an important parameter that you have to create before going out to look for used cars. It is vital that you know what your spending limits are so that you don’t o beyond it. Remember that just because you might get your dream car at a reduced price doesn’t mean you overspend. Also remember that the upfront rate for the car isn’t the only cost that you will have to shoulder. There will be other costs that will follow. So do your homework about the model so that you will be able to ask the needed questions.
The second point is that you need to locate the right kind of dealerships for the purchase. The best way of doing that is through recommendations from other buyers that you know. Friends, family, colleagues, a good recommendation can come from anywhere. With a recommendation you will land up at a place which does legitimate business and have experience. Also, personal recommendations will help you locate the right kind of dealership and whether they well have the kind of cars at the prices you are looking for. So, spend time in finding the right kind of dealer for yourself.
The next bit is about asking the right questions to the car owner. This can only happen if you have done your homework and know the make and model of your car inside out. Cover all the basics so that nothing important gets left out. Remember that asking about the smaller details will lead you to the more important and potentially deal-making or breaking questions.
While doing the research on your car, make sure you visit the government websites which store the history of vehicles. Check out the history of the car. For this you need to have the car’s VIN number, chassis or even the manufacturer number. With this data you can find out if there is any outstanding amount due on the car, has there been any write-offs. This way you won’t be hit by any surprises once you have bought the car, thus saving you potentially large sums of money.
Test the car in every possible way on the test drive. Press every button, pull every brake and lever. Ensure that everything is working properly. Make sure that the main elements are in place, mainly the brakes, the handbrake, steering, and seatbelts and so on. Don’t buy the car and then discover that some of these are bust and have to be repaired.
Lastly, the insurance has to be sorted out. The car insurance has to work from the day you buy the car. Arrange this with the car insurance company in advance before you pick up the used car. These companies have immediate policies which fall into place the minute you start driven the car. These little tips and tricks will surely help you in saving quite a tidy sum of money.
About the author
Leila Stevens runs an independent used car dealership which basically deals in certified pre-owned cars. She has been in the business for over a decade now. In her free time, Leila loves to experiment in the kitchen.
Category: Car Purchase
