Buying a used car can be a stressful situation, but it doesn’t have to be. If you put in a little research and ask a few more questions, you can make the process of finding your next reliable ride smooth and easy. Here are a few things to consider when you start looking for a used car.
6 Things to Consider When Buying Used
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Do Your Homework
We don’t recommend heading straight to the dealership when you decide you need a new car. This can open you up to being pressured and confused about what you want. First, think about what kind of vehicle your lifestyle calls for. If you have a big family, you might consider a three-row SUV or trusty minivan. If you take frequent camping trips, a pickup or smaller four-wheel-drive SUV might be what you need. This will help you massively narrow down your search before you step foot into a dealership.
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Study the Lists
There are countless lists online that tell you which makes and models in your desired vehicle style are the most reliable, most luxurious, most spacious, and so forth. Take a look at these lists to find out which vehicles in your preferred style are continuing to make their drivers happy. Decide which ones match your style and needs and take a look at sites such as Kelley Blue Book to verify the vehicle’s monetary value and worth to you.
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Start Shopping
Check out nearby dealerships to see who has the make and model you’re looking for. If you find one, you can search the vehicle’s model year and trim level on sites such as Edmunds to see what the vehicle offers. If you still like what you’ve found, schedule an appointment to meet your potential new ride.
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Test Drive
Never buy a car without test driving it first. All the heated seats and premium sound systems in the world don’t matter if you don’t like the way the vehicle drives. Be sure to accelerate to highway speeds in your prospective car to see how it performs.
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Get Reports
We suggest getting a history report of any vehicle before you decide to buy. Services such as Carfax and AutoCheck are completely online and can let you know of any reported accidents or damages your vehicle may have experienced. Many of these services charge fees, so we suggest only using them once you think you’ve found the used car you want to take home.
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Go Through a Dealership
We may be a little biased, but we truly believe it’s safer and less stressful to buy your used car through a certified dealership. A trustworthy dealership has technicians who will have tested, repaired, and maintained any vehicle they sell to you. The dealership will also streamline the loads of paperwork you might otherwise have to take on yourself. You may also have more options to finance your purchase through the dealership.
If you’re searching for a reliable place to search for your next used car, swing by Ed Martin CDJR. Our trusted team of professionals can help you find the perfect new-to-you vehicle that will take your trips to the next level.
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