8 Tips For Buying The Best Used Car!
The fun bit about used cars is that they come in unique varieties that are harder to get in brand new models because previous owners have added their savvy mods. The tricky bit is knowing how to buy the best used car from all this range and many used car dealerships.
Cumberland Auto Center has a reliable data-driven used car checklist for you!
1. Scope Your Budget
If you're considering a loan to pay for your choice, it shouldn't cost beyond 10-15% of your take-home amount. Then account for the maintenance costs and change of tires & upholstery. These are ownership costs people often forget to factor in. Keep aside contingency funds.
2. List Your Used Car Options
Don't fixate on just one car; make a list of 3-4 cars with their best & worst bits at used car dealerships, so you still get the best in a compromise and fall into your budget. CPO cars are a good choice as warranties back them, and we're just the kind of brand dealership for that.
3. Scout For Prices
Rule of thumb: car prices are driven by locale and type of dealership. Private used car dealerships will have the lowest prices but more dodgy deals, but legit dealers will be pricey with better servicing, so decide well. Always check prices with Cumberland Auto for true market value, used car prices.
4. Extract Vehicle History
CARFAX is a trusted source for vehicle history reports as it can tell you if the odometer has been tampered with or if insurance can be bought on it. A VIN or a license plate number is sufficient for this. Usually, the dealership provides the details for free, but it's better to check nonetheless.
5. Call The Dealership
Establish a good rapport with the dealer once you have found your prospective car. This way, you can ask about the used car and find out about any hidden deal not mentioned on the inventory page which might influence your decision to purchase the vehicle.
6. Test Drive & Inspection
Once decided, take the used car for a drive. Check alignment, mileage, suspension, oil levels, maneuverability, ground clearance, rusting, paint chipping, undercarriage rusting, upholstery, & cockpit electronics for any issues. Keep these things on recall when you get to bargaining. Ask for regular maintenance records as well and consider a pre-purchase maintenance check. CPO cars don't require checks.
7. Get Bargaining
Have your budget spend and negotiation backed up with your research from local online prices. Be confident and stand your ground, and soon you will have a deal of a lifetime and your ride in your hands.
8. Hit The Paper Work
When finalizing the purchase, take up the offer for an extended warranty, prepaid maintenance & servicing plan, upholstery protection & anti-theft devices. Ensure the titles are passed on entirely to avoid after-sale hassles.
And now you're the proud owner of a pre-loved rig!
Cumberland Auto Center proudly serves Cookeville, TN, and provides a beautiful selection of used cars with servicing & parts. Visit our showroom today to look through our used car inventory.
We have some of the sweetest offers in town. You may have your current car appraised for a trade-in, and if you're interested in financing for a used car that has caught your eye, let us know!
