How To Navigate The Used Car Market
The used car market can be a brilliant place to purchase an automobile for affordable prices, but it is also a daunting process because there are so many vehicles to choose from. Not only this, but you often hear horror stories of motorists being scammed and being conned out of their money and/or being sold an unsafe vehicle. It is important that you know how to navigate the used car market so that you can find the right car for your needs while avoiding any scams and fraudulent sellers. Read on to find out how to navigate the used car market and find what you are looking for.
Budget
First, you need to figure out how much money you can afford to spend on a used car as this will filter your results drastically. Factor in that you will need to make other payments too, such as fuel costs, insurance and various other running costs.
Finance
A finance deal or taking out a loan is a good option if you will struggle financially with the purchase. If your credit rating is low then you should look into how to remove Alliance One collection as this can damage your rating but can be removed both legally and permanently.
Work Out Your Needs
You should then think about what your requirements are for the vehicle – this should help you to figure out what type of vehicle you need, and you can then start to research the best-used vehicles in this class. A few key factors to consider include:
- Size
- Fuel efficiency
- Safety features
- Technology
- Performance
- Boot size
Shop Around Online
The internet has completely revolutionized car shopping as you can now easily shop for used cars all over the country from the comfort of your own home. It is easier to find somewhere selling the car that you are after nearby but if needed you could always travel to pick up the vehicle, but you should always make sure that you are buying from a reputable seller.
Avoiding Scams
Leading on from this, it is important to be vigilant when shopping in the used car market, especially online. There are a number of scams which you should educate yourself on, and it is also important to get a vehicle history check carried out. It is also a smarter move to purchase a used car from a dealership instead of a private seller as this is a safer path and you may be able to part-exchange your current vehicle to offset the price.
Vehicle Inspection
When you inspect the vehicle there are a few key steps to take. These include:
- Checking the body for scratches, dents, etc.
- Making sure the tires are in good condition
- Checking under the hood for damage
- Looking out for any leaks
- Checking the upholstery
- Making sure that all of the electronics work
- Checking the odometer
- Testing the lights
Test Drive
You must also take the car out for a test drive to make sure that it performs well and that you feel confident driving the vehicle. Here are a few tips:
- Check the biting point is halfway between the pedal’s journey
- Listen out for noises when making 90% turns
- Test brake performance
- Try quick acceleration
- Gauge the comfort of the ride
- See how loud the car is
Second Opinion
It can be helpful to get another set of eyes on the vehicle so think about bringing a knowledgeable friend with you to check over the car or a mechanic who can provide their assessment.
Negotiate A Price
It is worth negotiating with a used car dealer as you could save a significant amount of money. Here are a few tips for negotiating for a used car:
- Have a maximum figure in mind and do not go higher than this
- Start low
- Be friendly yet firm
- Do not shy away from walking away
- Research prices in other dealerships
Completing The Purchase
If you are happy with everything up to this point, then you can complete the purchase. Make sure that you get all of the important documentation that comes with the car and have some form of insurance in place so that you can drive off the lot and start enjoying your new vehicle.
The used car market can be an intimidating place to shop for a vehicle if you do not know how to navigate it. The above information should help you to stay clear of scams and fraudulent sellers and find the right vehicle for your needs at an affordable price.
