Used vehicles are a great way for budget-conscious shoppers to get a sweet ride. But by the same token, you don’t want to shop for a used vehicle totally blind either.
Whereas new vehicles come with a plethora of safeguards to protect you from a lemon, used vehicles can sometimes be wild cards. Fortunately, even the most casual shopper can learn the do’s and don’ts of buying used in minutes. If you want to ensure your next used vehicle can go the distance, keep these six tips in mind.
- Check the interior and exterior
As many drivers know, things like rust can be a big red flag when buying a vehicle. That said, you shouldn’t only check for rust either.
Always check the interior of the vehicle for damage. There are plenty of things you could miss if you don’t really check the vehicle out thoroughly, and you’ll want to know what you’re buying before driving it home.
- Put the mileage into perspective
Believe it or not, it’s actually a myth that vehicles only last for 200,000 km on average. In fact, vehicles built in the last decade can easily last well beyond that and more with proper care.
Don’t pass on a well-kept vehicle just because its mileage is a bit high.
- Budget for an extended warranty
Chances are, the vehicle you’re looking at won’t have a lot of coverage on it in terms of the warranty. It might not even have a warranty at all! If you’re interested in keeping your vehicle around for at least 3 years, you should absolutely consider extending its warranty.
A vehicle is more prone to malfunctions as it gets older, so a warranty is usually worth the extra cost.
- Ask lots of questions
At the end of the day, there’s only so much you can learn about a vehicle by looking it over with a magnifying glass. Since you’ll already be speaking with a salesperson on the lot (and hopefully you choose me to be that person), why not pick their brain to learn as much as possible about the vehicle?
Better yet, if you really want to know the vehicle, take it for a test drive. That way, you’ll be absolutely sure that you feel comfortable in the driver’s seat.
- Make sure you’re getting the car you really want.
As mentioned above, the typical used car shopper is budget conscious and wants to get the most value for their money. This is an excellent way to shop, but being too budget-conscious can wind up costing you in the long run.
Ultra cheap vehicles can wind up costing you a lot more when you factor in maintenance costs. Not only that, a vehicle that does little more than going from point A to point B will leave you feeling miserable. Life is hard enough as it is, and you don’t want your vehicle contributing to your woes. Buying a quality car you’re in love with can not only improve your quality of life, but it can even save you money years down the line.
If you’d like to learn more about buying a used vehicle, give me a call or send me a message. I’d love to chat with you more on the subject, and who knows, we might find the keys to your perfect vehicle while we’re at it.
