Tips for Buying a Used Car
Virginia drivers know that buying a used car should be a positive experience. But if you don’t do the proper research, you could be at risk of paying too much or, even worse, discovering hidden problems after the ownership falls into your hands.
To combat either of these issues and ensure that you feel confident about your used car purchase, be sure to follow these tips:
Do Thorough Research
When looking to buy a used car, any research you do is paramount. With so much information available online, finding the right used car at the right price is easier than ever. Browse used car quotes online on reputable sites such as Cars.com or Edmunds.com and note specific trouble spots that the make and model you’re looking for tend to have.
The used car you’re interested in will be either from a private seller or from a dealership. Buying from a private seller can be risky. If buying from a private seller, call and inquire about the vehicle as part of your initial research. You’ll quickly get to know if the previous owner is sincere. If the facts don’t match up with questions you ask, you can move on in your search.
Used car dealerships are great resources for interested buyers. As experts within the used car space, these dealerships specialize in getting you the facts you need in order to walk you through buying or leasing a used car.
The number one mistake used car buyers make is doing their online research, browsing pictures of their used car prospect, and finally putting down money only to discover the car they purchased is actually riddled with problems. It’s the used car nightmare that has converted many used car contemplators into new car buyers. A car without a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) shouldn’t even be considered.
Test Drive or Bust
Test drives aren’t only for new car deals. They’re even more important when pursuing a used car so you see firsthand what kind of wear the car’s been through and ultimately if it’s the right choice for you. Don’t feel pressured into settling on the first used car you test drive; look at the test drive as if you were purchasing a new car. Do a top-to-bottom, inside-and-out inspection of the car. Question anything that seems off to you or inconsistent with previous information.
While a test drive by no means allows you to prove the car’s condition 100%, it’s an essential step to any car buying process, used or new.
What to Expect Post-Test Drive
Once you’ve had your test drive, consider all imperfections in relation to the condition of the car. If you had a test drive with a used car dealership, an associate should walk you through all aspects of the vehicle’s performance and features from the interior to areas of noted wear, etc. High mileage, discolored seats, and faulty electrical components are all examples of elements that will influence the selling price of the car that should be disclosed up front.
Don’t hesitate to ask any questions that come to mind and will help you in your ultimate decision. Used car dealership staff know the used vehicles they sell and can offer valuable insights into a used car’s past and projected future.
Whether you’re buying from a private seller in Norfolk or Virginia Beach or a dealership that sells pre-owned vehicles, such as Cavalier Mazda in Chesapeake, VA, the key to finding the right used car is researching well and asking the questions that are important to making your decision.
Browse Cavalier Mazda’s online inventory of pre-owned vehicles and start your used car research today!