Cox Automotive estimates new automobile sales in 2023 of 14.1 million, notwithstanding a general consensus amongst financial professionals regarding the benefits of shopping for a used car.
While going pre-owned can save you money, many of us are concerned that money-saving autos will turn into a cash pit. And if you're now not a car or economic expert, that's a professional fear. But don't worry: Buying an excellent used car is definitely doable, yet no longer without some endurance and due diligence on your part.
As an automotive educator and journalist (MechanicShopFemme.com), I've delved into the lookup and studied hacks on used car buying. Because yes, you can avoid making errors with this significant purchase, and efficaciously save cash by shopping for a car you love. Here are 4 strategies for discovering that car, avoiding bringing domestic a lemon, and saving money along the way.
Do your homework.
Many of us suppose a used-car purchase starts off evolved with a visit to an auto dealership, but it really is an easy way to turn out to be instantly overwhelmed. Even if you are just browsing, you are likely to get sucked into a income pitch and walk out with an automobile that doesn't match your lifestyle or your budget.
Before you set foot into a dealership or begin shopping, ask yourself a few questions to get a higher idea of your needs: Do you want a car with room for a giant family? Do you have work, sporting equipment, or artwork supplies to transport? Do you stay in a city with confined parking, where a smaller automobile would make more sense? Or are you simply looking for a very pleasant car you can purchase for your budget?
After determining your needs, wants, and desires, slender down your options to motors that fit your price range and desired reliability. For unbiased vehicle reviews, test out Consumer Reports, RepairPal, and Kelly Blue Book, all of which cite annual repair charges and reliability expectations, and offer comparisons between one mannequin year vs. another. They'll additionally help you find out cars comparable to the ones you like but with higher rankings.
Test-drive the car.
When I totaled my final car, my commute was once an hour each way, so I wished to replace it rapidly to maintain my work schedule. I picked a Toyota Yaris, which was once perfect on paper—reliable and budget-friendly—but as quickly as I sat in it, I knew it wasn't right for me. It was once small—way too small—for my generously sized body.
Lesson learned: A car may additionally seem best in online reports, but a test power determines if it actually suits your needs. Pay attention to how it behaves, and take note of loud noises as well as lights, handling, and overall performance issues.
You don't have to be a vehicle expert to apprehend if something feels off. If it does, it may additionally not no longer be the vehicle for you, or possibly it just wants to be inspected by a mechanic, which brings us to our subsequent point.
Have a mechanic inspect it.
Getting a car history document from a site like Carfax is helpful, however, that's like searching at the tip of an iceberg. Did you know that you can—and should—take a potential new-to-you car to a mechanic to be inspected?
"Not the whole lot that happens to a vehicle gets stated to Carfax," says LeeAnn Shattuck, an automotive professional and personal auto shopper recognized as The Car Chick. "Always get a Carfax report on any used auto you are considering, but be aware of that it may no longer be 100 percent accurate. The Carfax should be the establishing of your due diligence."
Any reputable dealership will permit you to take a candidate vehicle for a pre-purchase inspection, which is fundamental for ensuring it is actually as proper as it looks. This inspection, which typically runs between $50 and $100, covers each safety and renovation component.
Be sure to get an inspection document that outlines the mechanic's findings, which can be useful as a device to negotiate a better deal, and for budgeting functions after you buy the car. Many dealerships will restore the items your mechanic recognized before your purchase, and personal sellers frequently reduce the common cost of the automobile based on issues cited in the report.
Family and buddies don't constantly have the answers.
Whether buying your first automobile or your fifth, you may be tempted to flip to friends and household for advice on reliability, performance, and finances. Unfortunately, until they're automotive experts, their recommendation might lead you astray.
I've informed many car consumers who bought automobiles with major mechanical screw-ups because it seemed good and their "handy" buddy said it was once a good deal. Just due to the fact a family member owned the equal car and cherished it, despite their excellent intentions, their experience represents a minuscule proportion of the data out there. Sure, ask around, and then use offerings like Consumer Reports and RepairPal to back up what you've got heard, and never fail to organize an inspection by an authentic mechanic.
Shattuck agrees: "Way too many people purchase a used car besides having a qualified mechanic look at the vehicle earlier than they buy it, solely to find out later that the vehicle needs sizable repairs."
