How to Buy Your First Used Car

 

There are some questions that you need to ask before you buy your first car. Before you buy a used car, make sure you have all the information necessary to ensure you don't end up with a lemon. These are some things that you should know before buying a used car Lum's Auto Center.

Your price range. You must consider license plates, registration, taxes, insurance, and other costs when determining the price range of your new vehicle. These costs will vary depending on what vehicle you drive and how old it is. You should also consider that you may find cars that you cannot afford when you look at other cars. You may also end up paying less for the car you want and get a car that runs as well as the one you had in your budget.

Before making a purchase, you should look at at least 10 cars within your price range. Ask a family member or friend who is familiar with cars to take a look at the vehicles and then test drive them. You or someone new to car ownership might not notice certain things.

You can test drive your top three choices one more time. No matter how absurd they might seem, be sure to ask all the questions you have about your vehicle. It is fair to ask about the previous owners, whether it was in an accident and how much damage, what major parts were replaced, and if anyone has smoked in the vehicle.

Do your research. It is not enough to know the car's value. You should still check the Blue Book value. However, you also need to know about common maintenance issues with cars of that make, year, and model. To ensure that the car was in good condition and has not been involved in serious accidents, check the Carfax report. If you're looking at Mitsubishi cars, make sure they have replaced any damaged parts with genuine Mitsubishi parts.

Get ready to negotiate! You can negotiate the price of most cars. You can usually negotiate a price reduction of around 10-15%. Bring someone who is familiar with car buying and can help you negotiate for a lower price.

Condition the Car During an Inspection. You may wish to condition the car on an inspection if the vehicle is worth more than a few thousand dollars. This inspection will be added to your budget. It can cost you close to a thousand dollars. It is worth the hassle and frustration it can save you over the long-term.

Close the deal and drive off in your new car. Instead of paying cash, you can pay your car with a cashier’s check. This is the same as cash, but leaves a paper trail. You must have written proof of the sale and that you have all agreed on everything. A word-of-mouth agreement is not enough. You will not have any proof of sale or any modifications they made after the sale.