5 Simple Steps for Buying a High Quality Used Car

When you shop for used cars in Lexington, KY you never know what you will find. Some of these vehicles will be right up your alley in terms of price, features, and appearance. Others, however, may come up a bit short in some key areas.

If you have never purchased a used car in the past, you may wonder what goes into doing so with success. Fortunately, the process is simple if you know which steps to follow:

1. Determine how much you can afford.

Determining how much you can afford is the first step. This will help you find a car that fits your budget and lifestyle, whether it’s a used economy car or luxury sedan.

A general rule, as recommended in the video by Edmunds, is to only spend 15% of your monthly take-home pay. Also, you may want to budget in unexpected maintenance and repairs costs, which tend to arise more frequently in used cars.

You’ll also want to find out how much insurance will cost before buying a car, so you can prepare to add that into the budget.

2. Make a list of makes and models you are interested in.

If you already have a model in mind, write it down. If not, take some time to research all the different makes and models that are within your budget and will suit your needs.

If you are planning to buy a model that is only a couple of years old, consider buying a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) car. These usually have manufacturer-backed warranties, potentially saving you money on repairs down the line.

Find out everything there is to know about the model(s) that interest you, including common problems and recalls. Find out how much maintenance they require and if there are any hidden costs associated with ownership (such as expensive parts or repairs). Get an idea of how many years they last before needing major repairs or replacement parts (this might affect resale value).

Tip: be realistic when compiling your list. Don’t choose something that’s out of your budget.

3. Take a test drive.

Test drive the car on a variety of surfaces, such as smooth and bumpy roads as well as off-road. It’s also a good idea to take it through some puddles and see how it handles. Also, make sure the brakes work smoothly and that no unusual sounds are coming from the engine. If possible, get someone who knows cars to accompany you on your test drive. They can help point out any issues that may be left undetected by an inexperienced driver or untrained eye.

4. Negotiate the best possible deal.

Make sure that you have all the facts. Research prices online at sites like Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book. Learn about the make and model you’re interested in before going into a dealership so that you know what to expect during negotiations. You don’t want to spend more than what you’re comfortable with, but remember that when it comes time for financing, banks look at all debt together — including student loans and mortgages — when deciding whether or not they’ll give you approval for a loan. If your credit score is low or if there are other problems on your credit report, then this could make buying a car more difficult or expensive than expected.

Your used car dealer will be more than willing to talk about the price and how to get into the vehicle at a monthly payment that suits your budget. Don’t shy away from negotiating. As long as you are fair with the dealer, they will be fair with you.

5. Take care of your vehicle.

No matter what kind of car you buy, proper maintenance is essential to keeping it in good condition for as long as possible. You can find the maintenance schedule in your car’s Owner’s Manual. For service advice on Chevy, Buick, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM vehicles, check our Service Center.

These are some of the many steps you can take to buy a high-quality used car. If you follow these tips, it won’t be long before you are comparing cars and making a final decision. When everything is said and done, you will look back at the process with satisfaction knowing that your choices were great ones.

This approach will ensure that you get a quality used car at an affordable price. And that is just what you want!

Tags: Car Buying Advice, Car Care, Test Drives
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