Shopping for pre owned cars can be an overwhelming task, especially if you’re new at it. But whether you’re heading to one of the many used Chevy dealers on your block, are camp “Subaru inventory,” or don’t go in much for labels, we’ve got some tips for your combing of cars for sale:
1. Understand What You Need Your Car For
This may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people look at the wrong pre owned cars simply because they aren’t in tune with their own needs. Car dealers want to help you, but at the end of the day, you’re the best person for the car picking job. Don’t be seduced by an off-roader with four wheel drive if the extent of your road time is going to the grocery store and back.
2. Don’t Let Hype Blind You
Some people are so focused on hype and the latest celebrity endorsement that they forget to look at specs. Remember, just because Jay Z and Kid Rock endorsed the Chevy and it has a little bow tie for an emblem doesn’t mean you should limit your search of pre owned cars to one brand, make or model.
3. Understand The Terms Of Sale
Whether you’re buying or leasing your new ride, it is vital that you read the fine print of the deal and understand the terms of your contract. You should also have a sense going in about what’s okay to negotiate on and what’s not. For instance, many leasing companies like to put mileage caps per year, but this is usually negotiable based on your credit position. In speaking of…
4. Know Your Buying Power
We mean this in terms of brass tax as well as your leverage within the market. What can you afford up front, and what does your credit score say about you? Understanding your immediate budget and your credit rating will make shopping for pre owned cars a lot simpler and help you manage your expectations. It will also give you some perspective so if you get the sense you’re being over-sold to or aren’t comfortable, you know what your options are.
5. Know Who Owned It First
We don’t mean you need to track down the last owner of every Subaru you’re considering and give them a Meyers Briggs test. We DO mean you should have are reasonable idea of what the car’s been through and its accident history. Fortunately, anyone in the reputable business of pre owned cars will have the Carfax on hand upon request.
A car is sold in this country hundreds of times per a second. We are confident that if you stick to our tips, you will join this cascade and won’t get stuck with a lemon.