Tips to Buying a
Used Car from a Dealership
Different
people purchase used cars for different reasons. For some people, financial
constraints and the high depreciation rate of new cars is the main reason they
opt for used cars. Regardless of the motivation behind buying a used car, the
demand for used cars has remained high over the years. Buying a used car comes
with numerous benefits including affordability, lower insurance costs, and
reduced depreciation rates. Once you have made the decision to purchase a used
car, the other issue that you need to decide on is whether you will be buying
the used car through a dealership or a private owner. Purchasing a used car
through a used car dealer is a preference for most people since it comes with
several advantages compared to engaging a private owner when looking for used
cars for sale.
For
those who are interested in purchasing a used car, here are our top 10 tips
that should guide you in the purchase process. The guide will ensure that you
get the right vehicle at an affordable price.
1. Research Which Vehicles You Are Interested In
There
is a high probability that after deciding to purchase a used car, you have
already picked the model that you want. After picking a model, it is important
that you conduct research on the vehicle you want to purchase and remember to
consider its alternatives. You should seek information from sources such as
consumer reports, car magazine reports, and web reviews to familiarize yourself
with the benefits and limitations of each model. When conducting your research,
make sure to source information from reputable sources that provide reliable
reviews to ensure that you have the exact model's particulars.
2. Make Ensure You Inspect the Vehicle Before Purchasing It
When
you are purchasing a used car from a dealership, you should avoid the
temptation of only considering the price; you also need to conduct a thorough
inspection. You should ask about the vehicle's history, especially by inquiring
about previous owners, the origin of the vehicle, accidents it has been
involved in, and any repair and maintenance schedules. It is imperative to check
that vehicles that have been involved in an accident are okay and have been
fixed properly. In fact, you are likely to save more when purchasing a vehicle
that has been involved in an accident.
3. Ask for The Vehicle's Maintenance History
Another
factor to consider when purchasing a used car from a dealership is the
maintenance history of the vehicle. Request documentation on the previous
maintenance schedules for the vehicle by previous owners and on any servicing
the dealer made to it. The maintenance history will provide you with a preview
of the current condition of the car to help you make a decision on whether to
buy it. If you find that the dealership seems reluctant to provide the
information, it is wise to walk away from the deal because it could be an
indication of underlying mechanical issues.
4. Buy from A
Reputable Used Car Dealership
Before
you decide on which dealership to purchase your vehicle from, conduct research
on the reputation of the area dealerships. Make sure to check the online
reviews of the dealerships because they provide a preview of the experiences of
its previous customers. Positive reviews are often an indication that you can
trust the services of the dealership and the quality of the vehicle you are
getting while negative reviews could be a precaution.
5. Inquire About the Dealership's Policies and Incentives.
Before
purchasing a used car from a dealership, inquire about the policies that guide
its operations. Some dealerships have some hidden policies that could result
into more costs when finalizing the purchase.
Besides
reviewing a dealership's policies for hidden costs, ask whether they offer a
money back guarantee, exchange policies, and a warranty. If they do, compare
the terms of these policies with those of other dealerships before you purchase
the vehicle. Ask if they offer an exchange policy that allows you to get
another car if you find that the one you just bought is not ideal for you.
6. Ask About Financing Options That the Dealership Offers
When
financing a used car, most dealerships offer credit financing options while
others may only offer cash purchasing. Always inquire from the dealerships
about the financing options that they offer to determine whether they will be
viable for you. You can ask for quotes on the expected monthly payments that
you will make on the vehicle you are interested in and remember to include the
sales tax that will be involved. If you want a lower rate, it may depend on
your credit status, down payment amount, and the specific vehicle you select.
7. Request A Test Drive
Once
you have narrowed down the number of vehicles that you are most interested in,
it is time to schedule test drives. Test
driving a vehicle will give you the opportunity to get first-hand
information on the comfort level of the vehicles and how they handle on the
road.
8. Determine Whether the Vehicle Is Certified
Before
you purchase a vehicle from a dealership, inquire whether the vehicle you want
to purchase is certified. Many dealerships offer certified used cars that have
undergone extensive inspections and are warranted for a specified number of
months and/or miles. In most cases, the benefits of buying a certified car can outweigh
the slightly higher cost of a non-certified vehicle.
9. Physically Inspect the Vehicle
Inspect the vehicle inside and out to ensure that it is properly
cleaned and that it doesn’t have more than a few minor dings and dents. If you
find out that there is more serious damage, this could be an indication that
the vehicle was not properly maintained by previous owners.
10. Conduct the Final Negotiations.
The
last step is to finalize the transaction and drive away happy with your
purchase. When negotiating the final details, ensure that you focus on both the
cost and the features that the vehicle comes with. You should not be enticed solely
by a low cost; instead, focus on the service that you will get from the vehicle
and ensure that you are getting value for your money.
At
Eden Autos, we are committed to providing our customers with the best
hassle-free buying experience in the Delaware Valley. We have over 150 Quality
Pre-Owned vehicles in stock to choose from. Each vehicle comes with a 5-Day
Unconditional Money-Back Guarantee and a Free Carfax Report.
Certified Bumper-to-Bumper Warranties are available and with financing
options for everyone, getting pre-qualified instantly at Eden Autos
is as simple as 1-2-3. View our online
inventory or stop by our dealership
anytime and talk to one of our knowledgeable staff members.