5 Things you Should Know Before Buying a Used Car

It can be stressful shopping for a used car. This is a large purchase, and you want to ensure you get a good deal on a reliable vehicle. The last thing you want is to purchase a used car that is going to drown you in debt due to expensive repairs down the road. With that being said, there are several things you should do and know before you buy a used car.

#1: Your Budget

One of the first things you must determine when buying a used car is how much you can afford. What type of budget are you looking at? Make sure to include the cost of the car, taxes, title, fees, and auto insurance. If you are financing, consider the maximum you can pay out per month.

#2: Your Needs

Once you have identified your budget, it is time to figure out your needs. Before ever purchasing a vehicle—used or new—you must know your individual needs. The same is true for your wants. Make a list of both. Consider how often and how far you commute to and from work or other common places, how you drive, the number of people that will need to be transported, features, etc.

#3: Your Credit Score

If you intend on financing a used car rather than purchasing it outright, you will need to check your credit score. Your credit score, along with your financial history, will be used by lenders to determine the risk of lending you money. You can obtain a free credit report once per year from all the major credit bureaus, although you won’t get access to your score. You can obtain your credit score from a credit card company or a bank. Alternatively, free services like Credit Karma can give you some insight into your score and how lenders may view you.

#4: Best Used Cars (and Your Needs)

There are some makes and models of vehicles that simply hold up better than others. As a result, these make for better used cars, especially if they were well taken care of. Therefore, it is important to do your research beforehand on different used cars to determine which ones are best to consider.

Keep in mind, though, you don’t only want to look at what is best in terms of quality, reliability, safety, etc., but you also want to look at what is best for you and your family based on your lifestyle and needs. For instance, your research may find that a certain type of sedan is one of the best used cars on the market. However, if you have a larger family or require additional cargo space, then a sedan likely won’t meet your needs. Instead, you should consider a third-row SUV.

#5: The Vehicle History

Before you buy a used car, you must learn about the vehicle’s history. This can be done through a service like Carfax. In this vehicle history report, you can learn how many owners the vehicle has had, the number of accidents the vehicle has been in, as well as its service history. This will provide insight into the quality and reliability of the used vehicle.

Bonus: The Importance of Test Drives

A test drive in a brand-new vehicle can be an exciting experience. However, when buying used, the test drive is an important part of your research. Don’t take a test drive for the fun of it. Instead, look for signs of problems. For instance, do you smell gas or burning oil? Do you hear knocking or ticking in the engine? Take the time to test everything, use the brakes, and drive at different speeds on various types of terrain.

Let Mason City CDJR Help You Find a Used Car

It can be tricky to buy a used car and ensure you’re getting a good deal. You should always trust your gut when buying used and follow the tips above to increase your chances of success. If you want to feel confident in your used car purchase, call or stop by Mason City CDJR. We have an assortment of quality used vehicles and are happy to help you find what you need.