When buying pre-owned cars, it’s essential to do your research. Check out pricing guide sites and be ready to haggle if you’re dealing with a dealer. Always take a car on a test drive and pay attention to how it looks, smells, and drives. Ask for service records to ensure the vehicle was well maintained if possible.
Warranty
Buying a pre-owned car will likely get an extended warranty, including a limited powertrain and bumper-to-bumper coverage. Ask the dealer to explain the details of these warranties. Ensure you understand what is and isn’t covered by the warranties, and save all the warranty receipts, which will be useful if you ever need to file a claim.
For instance, quality pre-owned cars in Kingston are used cars that are reconditioned and inspected to meet manufacturer requirements. It’s usually sold at dealerships that sell new cars of the same brand, and it typically comes with longer warranties than a non-CPO used car.
Beware of extra options and warranties that add to the cost of the car. These may include paint and fabric protection, rust-proofing, or extra security systems. Also, ensure the warranty you’re getting is backed by the manufacturer and not just the dealer. Also, check that the Buyers Guide doesn’t say the vehicle is being sold “as-is,” and note any changes to the warranty in your contract.
Price
Before you even consider purchasing a used car, find out its price. Use pricing guides like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds to help you determine the current market value of the model you’re interested in. This information will help you negotiate with the seller and avoid overpaying. In addition to knowing the vehicle’s price, you should also check its title and registration. Doing this early on is important because a used car’s history can be hidden or obscured in many ways. A professional pre-purchase inspection can help you discover any problems hiding under the hood, such as body repairs or mechanical issues.
Inspect the vehicle’s exterior and take it for a test drive to feel its handling and comfort. Also, look for signs of damage, such as body putty or uneven tire wear, that could indicate a lack of maintenance. If you’re buying from a dealership, ask about their warranty coverage. Many dealerships offer Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles that the manufacturer has inspected and have extended warranties.
Condition
When evaluating the condition of a used car, look for signs that it was well cared for. For example, if the carpets and upholstery show no obvious signs of wear, that may indicate that it was kept in good shape. A positive sign is that the seller has service records readily available.
Find out whether the car has been in an accident and, if so, how it was repaired. A poor repair job can result in expensive problems later on.
Also, ask how long the current owner has owned the vehicle and if it’s changed hands several times. This information may clue you into future issues with the car’s reliability.
Regardless of whether the dealer or private seller is selling a used vehicle, insist on taking it to a mechanic for a thorough inspection. If the seller objects, that’s a red flag. If they have a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program, that’s an even better sign, as these vehicles are thoroughly inspected and often come with an extended factory warranty.
Financing
In addition to researching pricing, buyers should also research car ownership costs. These include insurance, fuel, and maintenance expenses. Shoppers should also calculate a monthly payment and ensure it fits their budget.
During the car buying process, shoppers should ask about manufacturer-backed warranties. These may be offered on certified pre-owned vehicles, often returned leased cars, or newer trade-ins with low mileage. Those vehicles can have a lower price tag than used models and can come with extended warranties.
Shoppers should consider whether they qualify for financing before visiting a dealership or private seller. It will speed up the purchasing process and give them more room to negotiate the price of a vehicle. To pre-qualify for financing, shoppers can visit a credit union or online lender.