Tips for Used Car Shoppers

Shopping for a used car may seem like an insurmountable task, but it does not have to be. The following tips will help you purchase the right car, arrange a payment plan you can afford and establish a business relationship with a trustworthy and respectable used car dealer.

▪Research dealerships before you shop. This may involve an internet search for used car dealers in your city as well as phone conversations with reputable candidates. Finding a used car dealership with true in-house financing who reports to the credit bureau will benefit you beyond the joy of driving your new used vehicle. In house financing means that rather than outsourcing to a bank, the dealer is your lender. This type of loan can prevent the damage that could be caused by having a major bank make multiple inquiries on your credit. Make sure your lender reports to a credit bureau, which will allow you to improve your credit score as you make timely payments on your loan.

▪Know how much to spend. Realistically analyze your budget and determine how much you can afford to spend for a monthly payment. Do not push your payment to the maximum, as you may have increases in insurance payments to consider as well. Use the internet to obtain the generalized resale value of any used car you are considering, which will give you a good idea of a fair price before you start any pricing discussion at the dealership.

▪Do your homework. You likely have a few ideas in mind for the type of car you are seeking. Research how certain makes and models stack up against competitors and read accounts of owners’ experiences with certain vehicles on the internet and in consumer journals. Develop an educated opinion about the benefits and shortfalls of different vehicles, and evaluate them against your personal vehicle requirements.

▪Perform a background check. Thanks to CARFAX, consumers can now find out the history of a particular vehicle and avoid purchasing one with hidden problems. Reputable dealerships will provide a CARFAX report to potential buyers on all of their vehicles at no cost. But you can obtain a report on any vehicle yourself for a fee if necessary. The CARFAX report will advise you whether a car has been salvaged, flooded, seriously wrecked, used as a rental, or stolen among other things.

▪Get a second opinion. Even highly praised vehicles with a reported perfect history can have problems under the hood, and you never know why previous owners replaced them. Before finalizing your purchase, have the car lifted and inspected by a trusted mechanic who can advise you about problems the car may have. If a car requires major repair and you feel the dealer has concealed important information from you, take the hint and take your business elsewhere.

When shopping for a used car, seeking instant gratification may translate to settling for a vehicle that will not provide you with enduring satisfaction. Remember that a car is a long term investment and you must consider your long term intentions when making the purchase. Take your time, and use common sense about the background of the vehicle you want and the dealership you are working with. Whether you find the perfect vehicle on your first try or spend months searching, the ultimate goal is to end up with a reliable vehicle you love and a financial situation you can manage for the long haul.

About the Author: Greg Chapman, of Greg Chapman Motors, is a leading used car dealer Austin can rely on. For more information, please visit Greg Chapman Motors.

What Kind of Used Car Should I Buy?

Purchasing a used car can be a wise financial decision, costing you thousands of dollars less than a brand new vehicle from a dealership. Since new vehicles depreciate significantly immediately after purchase, a used vehicle can give you the optimal value when planned for and chosen wisely. Deciding on the best vehicle to purchase is a common concern for consumers who are navigating the vast used car market.

Determining the best type of vehicle for you begins with assessing your expectations and requirements of the vehicle. If vehicles were only intended to transport us from point A to point B, the plethora of diverse models available in the used car market would never have been introduced. Your vehicle’s purpose is unique to you, so make an honest assessment of your lifestyle and needs when pondering the best vehicle to purchase. Do you have children and need a four door for back seat accessibility? Do you need your vehicle to be capable of pulling a boat or trailer? Does your height warrant extra leg or head room? Do you have a long commute and aim to minimize fuel costs? Creating a comprehensive list of your requirements is crucial to selecting a vehicle that will meet all of your needs and keep you satisfied with your purchase in the long run.

Once you have determined the totality of your vehicle requirements, the vehicle options will be narrowed significantly. At this point, you can begin to research vehicle models that seem to fit the bill by asking around and consulting the internet to get a consensus of current owners’ experiences with particular models. The internet is an excellent tool that allows you to read reviews and comments from people who already own the type of car you are considering. Repeated and common complaints about the same problems on a particular vehicle are a red flag and should be taken seriously. Make sure to visit several sites and trust your instincts based on consumers’ collective opinions and claims about a vehicle.

You may choose to visit a used car dealership and seek the assistance of a professional to help determine the best vehicle for your needs. If you choose this route, make sure to assess your expectations as explained above before visiting a reputable used vehicle dealer. A sales representative who is familiar with the inventory can introduce you to different options that the dealership has available. Providing you stay focused on your personal requirements, assistance from an industry professional can be an informative and helpful component of your used car search.

Regardless of the procedure you follow in determining the type of vehicle to purchase, always obtain a CARFAX report on a vehicle before purchasing. This report, which details the history of a particular vehicle, can be easily obtained and is often provided at no cost by reputable dealerships.

About the Author: Greg Chapman, of Greg Chapman Motors, is a leading provider of used cars Austin can rely on. For more information visit Chapman Motors.