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Buying a used car can be daunting. It can be a tricky process to do because not all used cars are the same. To help put your mind at ease, you need to know the steps required to get a good deal on a perfect used car for you. Wherever you are, or no matter where you live, the following advice for buying used cars can be of great help. So here are the steps that can make hunting and buying the perfect used car extremely easy.
Consider your budget. If you plan to take out a loan to pay for the car, it is recommended that the monthly payment should not be more than 20 percent of your take-home pay, or lesser if your budget is tight.
Create a target list of brands or models. You may want to consider one to three brands that meet your budget and needs. Also, consider certified pre-owned vehicles with warranties backed by the carmakers– this is most especially for vehicles less than 5 years old. These cars should come from franchised dealerships selling models or brands you are considering.
Check the prices. You can hunt used cars in many places like car dealership used-car sections, independent used-car lots, and on the websites for private sellers where they post their cars for sale. You can also find used cars in raleigh car dealers like Apex Imports, where you can visit and find the lowest selling prices that suit your budget.
Contact the seller. Contact the seller or the dealer once you find the perfect car for you. You verify the information about the vehicle and see if it’s still available. When buying at private party sellers, ask the reason for selling and if there’s any mechanical problems. You need to dig more in-depth information as some details are not on the ads.
Check the vehicle history. Checking the vehicle history report is an important step to follow. Of course, you will want to know about any problems before purchasing. To get this information, you would often need to use the car’s vehicle identification number or VIN, or the license plate number.
Test-drive the car. Test driving is the best way to assess the car’s condition and determine if it is the perfect car for you.
Have the car inspected. Consider having a mechanic inspect the car before you purchase it. It is better to pay the mechanic now than spend more on repairs later on. However, getting an independent mechanic is not much needed if it is a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle.
Negotiate a deal. Building a plan can make a deal quickly and easily.
First, decide how much you’re willing to spend and make a range of amounts. Second, make an opening offer lower, but around the average price, you found in your research. Lastly, you are in good shape if you and the seller arrive at a price near the average price paid.
Do the paperwork. You will be taken through the necessary steps if you are at a dealership. As a buyer, it is your responsibility to review the contract thoroughly. It lists the vehicle’s cost, a documentation fee, a small charge for a smog certificate, license fees, sales tax, etc.
Make sure that the transfer of the title and registration is done properly, especially if you are purchasing from an independent owner. Have the seller sign the title over to you before any payment transactions. Also, check for past-due registration fees you will shoulder once you buy the vehicle.