Buying a used car is often a smart move but you want to make sure you are getting the best bang for your buck. Read more to learn some top tips for buying affordable used cars.
1. The Cost Of A Car
Making regular payments on a car is of course paramount. You should not really pay more than 20% of your net paycheck and preferably less. Remember, at some point, the car will need regular maintenance and that also has to be budgeted for. Not to mention other essentials like insurance and gas! Even if your car has a warranty, it is a very good idea, when possible, to have some money set aside should a major repair be necessary.
2. What Cars To Consider?
Consider your budget then make a list of the make, model, year of manufacture of cars that fall into your budget range. From there you can update the list as you make your search for the ideal car. It certainly does not have to be more than ten cars, indeed, three may work as long as they are all inside your budget range. If the car is less than five years old, it may well be certified pre-owned. These warranties are backed by the manufacturers of the automobile and is usually offered through the car manufacturers designated dealerships.
Make An Easy List Using Our Used Car Inventory:
- Used Chevy Inventory
- Dodge Inventory
- Ford Inventory
- Buick Inventory
- Cadillac Inventory
- Chrysler Inventory
3. Checking Out Prices
Cars are listed at different prices everywhere you go, generally speaking, private-party sales usually will sell for the lowest prices and a car with a certified pre-owned fro ma dealership will more than likely be the most expensive. Be sure to investigate these prices to ensure you get the best deal.
4. Finding Used Cars
In-Power Motors is a great place to start your search for used cars. You can search on key details such as price, odometer reading, the distance from you. Shop Our Used Car Inventory.
5. Vehicle History
In-Power Motors is a great place to start your search for used cars. You can search on key details such as price, odometer reading, the distance from you. Shop Our Used Car Inventory.
6. Contacting The Seller
In-Power Motors is a great place to start your search for used cars. You can search on key details such as price, odometer reading, the distance from you. Shop Our Used Car Inventory. If you are not sure what car you want, we have a used car questionnaire to help you decide. Remember before you negotiate on price, you will want to see the condition of the car for yourself.
7. Test Driving
When test driving your potential car, check the following:
- Can you comfortably get in and out of the vehicle?
- Is it comfortable and roomy enough for you, backseat included?
- Are you able to drive it comfortably, is it too high or too low for you, and can you adjust the steering wheel accordingly for your comfort?
- Are you able to adjust the seats to a comfortable and safe position?
- Is the check engine light on, is it a problem that is easily addressed if it is?
- Are able to spot your blind spots easily and see safely?
- Do you smell oil or gas, or anything amiss about the car?
- Are the tires old, how is the tread?
- Are the brakes in good condition, do they squeal or require force to work?
- Look under the hood, even if you are not car savvy, do you spot anything steaming, leaking, or covered in oil? Ask questions immediately if you do.
- Do all the features and functions work properly? Test them.
Once the test drive is completed, ask the owner or the dealer for service records to ensure the car has been regularly maintained.
8. Professional Inspection
In-Power Motors is a great place to start your search for used cars. You can search on key details such as price, odometer reading, the distance from you. Shop Our Used Car Inventory. If you are not sure what car you want, we have a used car questionnaire to help you decide. Remember before you negotiate on price, you will want to see the condition of the car for yourself.
9. Deal Negotiation
Here are some good deal negotiation pointers:
- Know how much you are willing to spend, but never start with it.
- Your initial offer should be lower than your maximum price, but make sure it is reasonable enough but leaves room for altering.
- If the price that you and the dealer find yourself close to settling on is around the right price, and in the same range of what others pay for the same car, you have a good deal.
- Chances are, the people on the other end of the offer do not like to negotiate either, don’t be nervous.
10. Completing Paperwork
When you buy from a dealer you will have to sign contracts and paperwork in their finance office. There will be many optional warranties and features offered. Think twice if these options are right for you. Read the paperwork very thoroughly so you completely understand what you are signing. Remember there may be fees for licenses, sales tax, documentation and possible charges for smog certificates. If it is a certified pre-owned vehicle, it will be covered by warranty.
Should you have purchased the automobile privately ensure you have the registration and title in hand and signed over before you pay. If you can check with the local MVD office on any past-due registration fees. And always make sure you have auto insurance coverage before you drive the vehicle away.
Celebrate Your Used Car Purchase
Now that you have keys in hand, with proof of ownership, it is time to celebrate. Maybe this calls for a drive through town to show off your new wheels.
If you would like to find a used car dealership in Phoenix that knows how to take care of their customers, please visit InPowerMotors.com. We have a huge list of $500 – $1500 Down (O.A.C. – On Approved Credit) used cars for sale.