Automotive News: 4 Tips for Choosing a Good Secondhand Car

There’s no shame in buying a used car when it meets your everyday needs or goals. However, no matter how low a bargain you score, you should always opt for the best possible option when you’re out buying one.

Paying under $20,000 for a sports utility car might feel like a steal, but if it doesn’t match your overall lifestyle and budget, it can be a tremendous waste of money. Let’s look at a few tips you should remember when you’re shopping around for a used car.

1. Align your expectations with your budget

Recently, the average price of used vehicles has fallen to $27,000 after peaking at $30,000 two years ago. Still, this shouldn’t push you towards buying anything that’s advertised online.

A used car is still an investment and you will have to make the most out of it by coming up with a workable budget. The price should reflect your purpose for getting the vehicle in the first place. So long as it performs well, the quality of the interior or exterior shouldn’t be a major issue.

2. Know what type to get

In addition to a budget in mind, you should also decide on the kind of vehicle you will be getting. This will depend largely on your needs. If you’re a business owner, getting a pickup would be ideal. In case you’re raising a family in the suburbs, a sedan would be the best choice. For single drivers, compact cars can be reliable at a small cost. Taking the time to decide will help you narrow your options once you’re already at a used car lot.

3. Check the exterior and interior

Once you have found what could be the best vehicle from the lot, check the body for scrapes, scratches, and dents. It’s also important that you take a look at the interior if there’s anything that will justify the sale price.

Have the sales attendant disclose underlying issues you should know about and the reasons why the previous owner sold it. They should be able to provide these details so you can negotiate for a better price if you think the vehicle is overvalued.

4. Assess how it performs

The look and feel of the vehicle shouldn’t be the only factors informing your choice. You should also know if it performs well on the road. Most secondhand vehicles on display have been fitted with OEM parts and modifications by the previous owner. These additions could affect gas mileage and other aspects.

With that being said, request a test drive and have the dealer disclose mechanical issues, especially if the vehicle is a lemon. You wouldn’t want to buy a car that causes you to hit a pedestrian who would end up searching for “lemon law attorney near me.” It pays to be vigilant, so opt for a pre-purchase inspection before you make a deposit.

Endnote

There’s no shame in buying a secondhand car if you think it’s the most practical thing to do. What’s more concerning is wasting your hard-earned money on a used vehicle that doesn’t meet your needs. Follow the tips listed above to avoid any issues.