So you are thinking about getting a new car? Typically, buying a used car is the better deal. As soon as you drive a new car off the lot, it goes down in value. Thus, some people like to invest less money to start with and get a pre-owned car. Nothing is wrong with buying a used car. In fact, many people prefer it. Furthermore, just because you are buying a pre-owned car does not mean that you have to buy a junker. Today we are going to talk about some tips you should use when buying a used car. These tips can help you, not only get the best deal, but also help you avoid buying someone’s “junker”.
First things first, is buying a used car for you? Some people cannot get over the simple fact that the car is used. On top of that, buying a new car does have its advantages. For example, you will still have a warranty on the car, and the start-up maintenance is usually cheaper. However, buying a used car has its advantages as well. The most notable is the initial purchase price is lower. Not only that, but the car has a lower value, which means lower property taxes.
So if you decided that a used car is for you, then great! The first step is to get pre-approaved for a loan. Not everyone does this, but they really should. Before you go out there and find that “perfect” car, let’s make sure that you can afford it. Getting pre-approved for a loan gives you a ballpark figure of what you can afford to buy. This way, there is no guess work. When getting pre-approved for a loan, you are going to get two very important pieces of information. First of all, they will tell you just how much money you can get. Second, they will tell you the interest rate they are going to give you. Be sure to look this information over carefully.
Now that you got a ballpark figure, go find that dream car. Now, your best option would be to find a used car that still has its original manufacturer’s warranty. If you can find a car you like that meets these conditions, you just found a steal of a deal. Not only are you getting a used car price, but your car is still covered by the manufacturer.
Even if you cannot find a car that still has the manufacturer’s warranty on it, do not worry. Just be sure to do a background 
check on the car first. Now, this may sound kind of funny, but there is actually another advantage of buying a used car. Anything that typically goes wrong with this model of car is already known. People have already driven this model of car for a few years, and car review websites are just loaded with helpful information. For example, maybe you are about to buy a car that typically has problems with the transmission after so many miles. Before buying that car, take a look at the mileage. If it’s close to that “death rage” then you know that forking out extra money for a transmission soon could be a real possibility. Thus, you may be able to get the seller to come down on price, or just avoid the car altogether.
Next, get under the car and have a look around. Now, I already know what some of you are saying: “Sure I can get down there and look around, but I don’t have a clue what I’m looking at.” Even if that is the case, don’t worry about it. It does not take a car expert to tell if something is really wrong with the car. For example, would a big gaping hole in the bottom of the car be good? Of course not! What about a rusted out bottom? See, there are certain things that you can look for without actually having to know a lot about cars. Not only that, but it’s going to give the seller the idea that you know what you are doing. This should put a “shady seller” on guard!
One very important tip is to never buy a car that you did not test drive! I don’t care how much you love the car, or how well the seller tells you it handles. If you can’t test drive it, walk away now! You need to get behind the wheel and see if you like how the car handles. You also need to see if the car drives normal or if there is something apparently wrong. If the seller won’t let you take it for a test drive, that should be a warning sign right away.
My last tip is to check everything! And I mean everything! Check the windows, seat adjustments, key holes, seat belts, lights, wipers, turn signals, the radio, latches, and so on. Give that car a complete once over before you buy it. Nothing is worse than buying a car and then finding a ton of things that do not work later on.
So what tips do you have for buying a used car?
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