Used Car Buying Tips

There are many benefits to buying a used car over a new one, and with so many options on the market, doing your research can help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Still, there are some risks involved in buying used. Knowing what you’re getting yourself into can help you prepare before locking yourself into buying a new-to-you vehicle. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of eight tips for buying a used car. Here’s what to know before you buy.

Used Cars For Sale

Know Your Budget

Setting a budget is the first step to buying a used car. Know your financial situation and whether you’d rather buy the car outright or take out a loan with monthly payments that are affordable for you. However, there’s more to budgeting than knowing your monthly loan payments. Also, think about the cost of ownership of the vehicle. This includes gas, maintenance, and insurance. Pre-owned cars may cost you more in insurance and maintenance fees, so you may end up spending more over time if you buy an older car with greater expenses in these areas.

Research, Research, Research

Be thorough in how you approach your research when looking into buying a car. Get a used car history report if possible to learn everything you can about the vehicle. The report can tell you about its maintenance and accident history. Before you buy, try to see the car in person and test drive it. Make sure the car feels comfortable to drive, and that you don’t notice any signs of unreasonable wear and tear. When seeing a car for the first time, note your own first impressions and take them seriously.

Understand the Benefits of Buying a Certified Pre-Owned Car

Buying a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle can get you behind the wheel of a like-new car without the cost. CPO vehicles are new enough to still have factory warranty coverage. Other perks of these vehicles include the fact that most of them are only a few years old, have low mileage, and come with complete service records and no accident history. These vehicles undergo a comprehensive inspection and refurbishment when they return to the dealership, so you can feel confident that the CPO you buy is in exceptional condition.

Consider Your Financing Options

If you need a loan for your used car, getting financing can help you pay. Here at Allen Turner Hyundai, our finance experts can help you learn about your financing options for buying a used car. We can walk you through the steps of how financing works and you can fill out a financing form to get pre-approved. Working with our financing team can help you understand the process, so you can feel assured that you’re getting the best financing deal on your used car loan. Plus, when you finance your purchase through the dealership, you enjoy a convenient experience.

Decide Where To Buy a Used Car

There are many options for deciding where to buy a used car. You could go to a private seller, a franchised used car dealership, or an independent used car dealership. Going through a franchised dealership is likely your best bet if you want to feel secure about your purchase. When you purchase a used car through a dealership, you know the car has been properly vetted before being listed for sale. Additionally, car dealerships often work with many lenders, meaning you’re likely to get a good deal on financing your purchase.

Get an Independent Inspection

Before you buy a used vehicle, it’s a good idea to get a third-party inspection. Don’t take the seller’s word for it that the car is in good shape. Hire a professional to check the vehicle thoroughly for any signs of mechanical problems. Getting a full workup keeps you informed of any problems the vehicle might have, so you can know whether it’s worth investing in it.

While getting a car history report can tell you a lot about the vehicle’s service and accident history, it might not tell you everything. This is especially true if the car was in an accident recently or if there’s a problem that a professional hasn’t addressed already. The best way to learn about the car’s current condition is by getting it inspected by a professional you trust.

Protect Your Investment With Warranties and Insurance

Researching and purchasing a car is only part of the process of buying a new vehicle. You also need to purchase the right kind of protection for the car, including insurance and optional warranties. For example, you may want to get an extended warranty for your vehicle if you’re concerned about manufacturer recalls for the particular make and model. When your car is covered under warranty, the manufacturer is liable to cover repairs and replacements if there’s a defect that your plan covers. Research the make and model of the vehicle to learn about common defects.

Also, research your insurance options. Having insurance is a legal requirement, so you can’t skip this step. The minimum amount of required coverage varies by state, and you can learn about the requirements in Florida by visiting the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles page.

Consider a Trade-In

You can save money if you choose to trade in your old vehicle before buying a new one. Not only does this make it easy to know what to do with your old vehicle, but it can also earn you a credit toward buying your next one. This process is even more convenient when you do it all at the same dealership. Here at Allen Turner Hyundai, we can help you understand the current value of your used vehicle. Either talk to one of our associates or fill out the form online and we’ll value your trade for you.

That’s our list of eight tips to help you buy a used car. Ready to take the next steps to get yourself behind the wheel of a new-to-you Hyundai? Contact us or stop by today to get started. We’re happy to answer your questions.

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