Buying A Used Car? Tips For Getting The Best Deal
If you’re interested in buying a pre-loved car as your new ride, you aren’t alone! Used cars have consistently been selling more than brand-new ones by more than double for years, due to the amount of value we get from them. Unfortunately, this means that demand in the second-hand vehicle market is high, and you’ll need to be competitive to snatch your dream car. Hence, here’s how to get the best deal on a used car!
Research, Research, Research!
Consider what you’ll be using the car for every day, and what features would be useful for such use cases. For example, if you’re bringing your little ones along for the ride, you should add child safety features to your checklist. Alternatively, if you’re going to drive for the whole family, feel free to count two-seaters out of your criteria. Once you have a solid list of features you’re looking for, you can be more precise and confident with your choices at the dealership.
Remain Firm on Your Wants and Needs
Don’t let your guard down when shopping for your soon-to-be new car! While being a savvy shopper is about getting the best deal for yourself, your local dealership will be full of savvy salespeople, who are all about getting the most profit for the company. When you’re shopping around for a second-hand car, ensure that you remain firm and confident in what you want and how much you want to spend. Furthermore, avoid buying into extras offered to you, whether they’re car mats, mudflaps, or trunk trays.
Compare Like a Savvy Shopper
Smart shoppers know how to shop around! If you’re hunting for the best deals in your area, it’s in your best interests to get quotes from a variety of dealers and manufacturers. Not only does this help you to discern where you can get the best deals, but you could also show like-for-like pricing to your local dealer, which can earn you a discount or price match.
Run Background Checks
The Federal Trade Commission advises used car buyers to obtain a vehicle history report on the used car you’re eyeing before closing the deal, and for good reason! Unfortunately, some car dealers break the rules, and you don’t want to end up buying a write-off or stolen car. By simply entering the car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) on a vehicle history report provider’s service, you can have the car’s background at your fingertips. If you suspect fraud, walk away from the deal and contact the authorities.
Negotiate Wisely
Negotiation is a two-way street, so it needs to end with a win-win result for both you and the salesperson. When negotiating with the salesperson, you should come prepared. A good practice to keep in mind is to decide on your initial offer and the highest amount you’re willing to pay, giving you a range for some flexibility to work with. At the end of the day, there are millions of cars on the used vehicle market, so there’s plenty more fish in the sea if a deal doesn’t work out.
