Buying a car can be fun. If you’re looking for a new car, let’s make that experience fun. Shopping at a car store for your next vehicle with proper information already thought out will make the experience joyful.
Used cars need preliminary research. However, you will want to inspect the vehicle and ask questions that are answered before you even think about buying a car:
- Do you have access to service and maintenance records?
- Does the car have a clean title? Ensure that the car has no past issues such as accidents, flood damage, paintwork or salvage title.
- Make a thorough physical inspection of the car. Here are some very simple checks you can make. Car panel edges, run your fingers across panel edges. If you find them to be smooth, that is a good thing.
What you want to look for is rough, gritty edges. Look down the side of the vehicle and check for irregular reflections in the paintwork. These are the signs of potential paintwork. Ask the seller questions about previous paint work or potential body damage. - Check the engine for signs of fluid leaks. Make sure the car has fresh oil and all the normal maintenance services have been performed regularly for the life history of the car you’re considering.
Are the current fluids in the car clean? Inspect filters where possible. - Do the tires show uneven wear? It could suggest the tires are out of alignment and need fixing.
- Test drive. A nice long test drive in the used car you’re considering will be a telltale of the condition the car is in.
Does it rattle or pull to one side or the other? Most importantly, is the drive fun? Do you enjoy driving the car? Take time to make sure the driving experience is pleasurable.
Consider a certified pre-owned if choosing a used vehicle. These vehicles tend to have been more thoroughly inspected and do come with additional warranty.
The following will help you make educated decisions
- Get the right car in your driveway. Preliminary research is important.
- Define what your car’s job is.
- Simple transportation, point A to point B, Work horse, Spirited driving needs or Kid taxi.
Where can you find good information on buying a car? Here are a few tips:
- Online research. Manufactures websites and third-party websites. Make sure when buying a car you consider how it will fit your needs and budget. Check out the cost of ownership, what has to be replaced normally, and what those expenses cost.
- Choose the right dealership for you. Does the store have a good reputation, a huge selection of inventory, quality service centre for normal maintenance and repairs? Check out the store’s social media sites. See what customers are talking about.
- Have a good understanding of your credit situation. What is your credit score? Having a clear financial picture is real bargaining power. The good news in today’s market, finance choices are abundant for consumers who have excellent credit and real help for those needing credit assistance to help re-establish themselves with good car credit.
- If you plan on keeping your vehicle beyond the manufacturer’s warranty, be sure to consider extending the manufacturer’s warranty. Just like you need good health insurance, give your car the same level of coverage. Cars have 25% more onboard computing power than it took to send a man to the moon. Mechanics are now technicians. Warranties will give you peace of mind.
- Being armed with good information before you set foot in the dealership will give you bargaining power—knowledge to give you the peace of mind that you’ve purchased the right new car.
- Don’t let yourself get caught up in emotion while shopping. It’s so easy to fall in love with an entertaining car. Remember, the day will come when you have to make regular payments and maintain your new car. Be sure it works within a comfortable budget for you and your family.
Get yourself informed, do enough research to assure yourself a successful shopping experience. Get out there and have some fun buying a car!
- Will you be requiring to sell your old car before you buy a new one?
- Here are some useful tips to sell your car fast and for more money. Click here.