How to Pick the RIGHT Used Car
Used car shopping can be stressful and making sure you pick the RIGHT used car only adds to the stress. It’s so important to ask the right questions, do a full inspection, and get any repairs made before driving off the lot with a new used car. Follow along for my top 9 tips to making sure you are choosing the right car for you and your famiy!
For Other Car Buying Tips, Check These Out:
My Best Tips For Buying A Used Car
Buying a used car is a great way to save money! If you go for a brand new car you are going to be paying the max price for that car. A used car doesn’t have to have a ton of miles on it or be super beat up! Often times you probably won’t even be able to tell that it’s used. The most important thing to do before you buy a used car is to do your research! I can’t say this enough!! Here are my best tips before you buy and for more car buying help, make sure to check out my courses!
My 9 Tips You Should Follow
Look at the car during the day and in good weather conditions.
If you can help it, go to the dealership on a nice, sunny day. If you go in the evening after work or on a rainy day you may miss some dents, dings or scratches on the car during your inspection. While some wear and tear on a used car isn’t the end of the world you want to be fully aware of what you are getting.
Verify what comes with the car.
Make sure you know what all comes with the car. When vehicles are traded in, sometimes the previous owner will have forgotten or lost the extra key or head rests. Verify with the dealer this vehicle comes with keys, floor mats, head rests, etc. If it is missing any of these items you could use this to your advantage in negotiating. Ask if the dealer can throw these items in at no extra cost as well, if they can’t ask to get them at cost.
Ask to see the Vehicle History Report.
The Vehicle History report is SO important in a used car purchase. Be sure to review the entire report and feel comfortable about its history (accidents, service records, etc.) I have done a whole video on what to look out for in a Vehicle History Report. I highly recommend you watch this video to learn more!
Ask about what reconditioning the dealership did to the car when it was traded in.
Ask the salesperson to see the car’s shop records. Find out what exactly the dealership has done to the car since it was traded in. You will also want to know what type of inspection the dealer put the car through. For example, at the dealership I work at we put each used car through a 30-pt inspection but the state of Missouri only requires a 7-pt inspection!
Ask about the warranty.
Find out if the vehicle has any new car warranty left on it, if the dealership offers any warranty or if it has any Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) warranty on it. Warranties are expensive so if you find a used car with a good warranty you will want to add that into the overall value of the car when considering your options.
Do a ‘lifestyle’ test drive.
A test drive for moms is SO much more than just a drive down the block. Take the car out on the roads you regularly drive at the speed you drive. Put your carseats in the back, figure out how your kids will climb into the third row, etc. You really want to make sure this car is going to work for you in your current life so put it to the test!
Try out all the technology & safety features.
This is SO important! Make sure all the technology and safety features work! Test out the bluetooth, Apple Car Play, parking sensors, etc! I’ve heard stories of people buying a car in the winter and only ever using the heat and then when the summer rolls around they find out the AC never worked. So test it ALL OUT!
Request specific repairs be made before signing any paperwork.
Before signing anything, come to a written agreement with your salesperson that certain repairs will be made and at what cost (if any). If you do this after you buy the car the dealership is not responsible for any repairs!
Take the vehicle to a trusted mechanic for further inspection.
This is an optional step, but if you have a mechanic you trust and want a second opinion before pulling the trigger on a purchase you can take the car to your mechanic for further inspection! Make sure you make this very clear with the dealer this is your intention and only do this if you are confident in buying the car if the mechanic gives you the green light.
Choosing a new car for you and your family can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be! I’ll be here for you every step of the way!
Have you bought a used car before?
