6 things you must know before buying a used car

Car shopping can be both exciting and daunting.

You might have an idea in mind of your dream car, but you may not be able to find it at your local car dealer or private seller.

There are also important aspects that you need to consider before purchasing a car, whether it is new or used, such as what the service history is as well as looking at more than just the price tag.

If you are interested in buying a used car there are simple tips to follow. Start by creating a budget for your car and then move on to doing some research into the type of car that will fit your needs. Having a budget in mind will help you to make a final decision on the car, and doing research is vital for any car search, especially if you are looking for a reputable car from your local car dealership. Below is everything you need to know before choosing your dream wheels.

Build your budget

The first step to take when purchasing your car is to set your budget and stick to it. Your budget should not only include the sales price of the car, but also the insurance payments, petrol costs, and all maintenance costs. This will provide you with a clearer picture of what you can afford and will help you to only shop within your price range. Additionally,  you can tell the salesperson that you have a strict budget and cannot look at models outside of this range.

Do your research

Performing research before buying a car will mean that you are better prepared when choosing a car. You should look online at the different makes and models available to you, as well as the market value of these cars and whether or not the prices on offer are worth it. This research should include the different dealerships in the area so that you have more than one option to shop at. Be sure to have an idea in mind of what you are looking for.

Know the lingo

Knowing different terminology can help you to find the perfect car and the right deal for your wallet. Some of the terms you should know include transmission (is the car manual or automatic), logbook (the details of all services and repairs), tyres and wheels (the rubber and metal parts respectively). If you are unsure of any terminology, be sure to ask the dealer for clarification on these as it can help you to understand your dream car.

Always perform an inspection

It is vital to inspect the car that you are interested in, as this will give you a clear picture of how the car has been taken care of and if any repairs and replacements have been made to it. You should always let a trained mechanic look over the car and perform any leak tests and so forth, as they will know exactly what to look for in terms of issues and mechanical problems. Be sure to verify the condition of the car before you make a purchase.

Take that test drive

Now, you might be in a rush to drive off in your dream car, but it is important to test it beforehand. You should be sure to keep the music off while testing the car so that you can listen out for any possible issues, and be sure to take the car through difficult traffic to see how it handles the situation. You should also include a few hill starts in the test drive to get a clear picture of how functional the gearbox and clutch of the car are.

Ask about warranty

Whether you are buying new, used or pre-owned, it is important to find out if the car is still under any sort of warranty. This will help immensely in figuring out what you can afford, as extending a warranty or purchasing another one can become costly. Speak to the dealership about any possible options for the warranty and compare these numbers. Some dealerships might offer a more affordable option, so be sure to keep an open mind when it comes to financial choices.

Drive off into the sunset

If you follow some simple tips and tricks, you will soon be driving off into the sunset in your perfect car. Start by building your budget and doing research on the car. Learn some car lingo so that you are not left in the dark and be sure to ask about warranty possibilities. An inspection and a test drive are essential for choosing the car of your dreams, so be sure to have these done before making your final decision and always think about a large financial decision before jumping into it head-on.