Buying a vehicle is a bit more complicated than buying groceries. It's a process that starts with test driving various makes and models, then narrowing down your list to a few specific cars that meet your needs. Then, you need to figure out which options you want to add before finding financing and hammering out a deal with the auto dealer. if this whole process sounds a little overwhelming, that's normal. You'll feel better about it after you read the articles on this website, which cover topics related to auto dealers. Learn now to select the best car, get a good deal, and more.
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From the Test Drive to the Contract
First Time Buying A Used Car? Avoid These 3 Common Mistakes!
April Sims
New car prices remain historically elevated, making it a better time than ever to invest in a used car. Buying used is a great way to save money and ensure you can still drive home in a dependable ride, but it's not always as easy as walking onto the lot and getting exactly what you want. Getting an amazing deal on a used car often requires a little more work, but the payoff can make the effort worthwhile.
Unfortunately, there are many traps and pitfalls for first-time used buyers. If you're about to venture out into the market for a new (to you) car, make sure you learn how to sidestep these three common mistakes.
1. Focusing on One Model
Choosing the perfect car for your budget and needs typically means making compromises. Even when purchasing a new vehicle, you're often limited by dealer availability, especially if you aren't willing to wait months for delivery. The used car buying process can be slightly different, but finding the exact model, year, trim, and options you want can be a tall order.
Many buyers spend excessive time looking for the "perfect" car, only to miss plenty of great deals along the way. While you should always focus on the kind of cars you want, keep an open mind. Consider similar models from other manufacturers or slightly lower (or higher) trim levels. The more flexibility you have, the more likely you'll run into an incredible deal.
2. Not Considering Age and Mileage Together
When deciding on acceptable used car options, most people start by considering the maximum age they'll consider and then looking at the mileage of cars that fit into that range. In reality, both age and mileage are critical factors that you should consider together. Limiting your search too much by either characterization might mean missing out on some surprisingly reliable cars.
A better approach is to consider the miles driven per year. The average American drives about 13,500 miles per year, and using this number as a benchmark can tell you a lot. If a car has significantly fewer miles than you'd expect for its age, it probably lived a fairly sedate life. On the other hand, a vehicle that greatly exceeds the average may have substantially more wear and tear.
3. Failing to Schedule Ahead
Used cars can be hot commodities. If you find a great deal on a dealer's website, you can't be sure that it will still be available a week or even a day from now. Call the dealer to confirm availability when you find a car you like. Once you know the car is still on the lot, schedule an appointment for a test drive as soon as possible.
Some dealers will hold a vehicle for you, while others won't consider it until you show up in person and put down a deposit. In either case, calling and scheduling is still the right move. While it won't guarantee the car will still be there, it will let the dealer know you're serious about the purchase.
For more info about used cars, contact a local seller.
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