Need a new car?
A brand-new one is going to cost you almost $37,000 these days. That’s a steep price for many Americans to pay.
With this in mind, you might want to go with a used car instead. On average, used cars are selling for right around $20,000 nowadays, and you can get one for a lot less than that if you want.
There are some things to consider when buying a used car, though. You should make sure you keep them in the back of your mind before you start shopping around for a used car.
Here are five important things to consider when buying a used car.
1. How Much Can You Afford to Spend on a Used Car?
As we just mentioned, you can save a lot of money on a car by going with a used one as opposed to a new one. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still sit down and come up with a budget for a used car.
Crunch the numbers to see how much you can afford to pay for a used car, regardless of whether you plan on paying for it outright in cash or financing it. This is obviously one of the most important things to consider when buying a used car.
2. How Much Maintenance Are You Prepared to Do on a Used Car?
You’re usually going to have to do more to maintain a used car as compared to a new car. Depending on how many miles it has on it, there are likely all sorts of maintenance and repairs coming down the line.
Research different cars to see which ones are the easiest to maintain over time. You’ll be glad you did when you’re not spending a ton of time—and money—every month keeping your used car out on the road.
3. Who Are You Going to Trust to Sell You a Used Car?
You can buy a used car from a private seller if you want. But you’re typically going to be better off purchasing one from a used car dealer.
Track down the right dealer in Chapman Arizona and take a look at the used cars in their inventory.
4. Do You Have a Mechanic Who Can Look at a Used Car Before You Buy It?
No matter who you buy a used car from, you should always have a mechanic look at it ahead of time. They’ll be able to tell you if you have anything to worry about.
Even if a dealer tells you that one of their mechanics gave a used car the all-clear, it never hurts to have your own mechanic check it out.
5. How Long Do You Plan to Keep a Used Car?
Realistically, how long are you going to keep your used car once you buy it?
A year? Three years? Five years? Longer?
The longer you plan to keep your used car, the fewer miles you’re going to want on it when you buy it. It’ll prevent you from buying a used car that doesn’t last as long as you need it to.
These Are Just Some Things to Consider When Buying a Used Car
Now that you know some of the important things to consider when buying a used car, start considering them today. They’ll allow you to pick out a used car that you love.
They’ll also help you save a lot of money in the end. You won’t have to break the bank to get your hands on the right used car for your situation.
Browse through the articles on our blog for more car-buying tips.