How to Shop for a Used Car

Buying a used car can mean big savings, if you know what to look for and how to look for it. Here are tips for finding a pre-owned vehicle.

Make a Plan

A good idea before you begin looking at cars is to determine your budget and the type of vehicle you need. If you are taking out a loan to finance your purchase, you should aim to keep your payments at 20 percent or less of your take home money from your paycheck.

Besides using your budget as a guideline of which cars to consider, you can focus on the make and model of the vehicle as well. Ask yourself questions like what size of vehicle do I need? Do I need anti-lock brakes? How much storage do I need? And so on. This will help you begin to focus on the key components your new car will need to best fit your lifestyle.

Do Your Homework

When buying used it pays to do your homework, especially if you are buying from a private seller and not used Chevy truck dealers in Floresville, TX. You can research the car’s history by running the VIN number in websites such as Carfax and AutoCheck. It is also a good idea to have a mechanic inspect the car. Most mechanics will offer this service for only a few hundred dollars, and it is definitely worth the investment. Most sellers will allow you to have the vehicle inspected and if they don’t, that may be a good sign to look elsewhere.

Another way to educate yourself about the vehicle is to read reviews and do some research about the manufacturer. See what people are saying about the car, does it have a good resale value, does it perform well in inclement weather, etc. Another thing to consider with used vehicles is whether or not they are still under warranty for future repairs and maintenance issues that may arise.  

Test and Negotiate

Test driving a car is always a good idea. If you plan to share the vehicle with another family member be sure that they have an opportunity to test the car as well.  

After you have done your homework and driven the car it’s time to make the deal. Don’t be afraid to negotiate. Chances are the seller or dealership are eager to get the car off the lot and will be willing to go down in price some if you are serious about purchasing. This is where your research will come in handy, so you can support your price amount and find the best deal for you and the used Chevy truck dealers in Floresville, TX.