Buying a used car from a dealer or privately is not always easy. So, here’s our advice and tips on how to buy your second-hand dream car
When buying a used car – whether privately, through a dealer, or online – there are several risks. But if you do your research, learn what your rights are as a consumer, and know what to research, you can save a lot of money and avoid any bad surprises down the line.
Follow this guide – when using our used car inventory – and you can enjoy peace of mind and much more your new pride and joy.
How to buy a car online
When buying a used car, most buyers tend to look at the ‘sweet spot’, when the car is three years old. This is because most new cars are bought on cash deals or corporate fleet leases that run for up to 36 months, after this they are returned to the dealer or sold through auctions and often find their way into the used car market.
At the age of three years, the car should be about half the price it was new, depending on the model and mileage, but it should have a lot of life left in it. It is a generalization but data from warranty providers also shows that the reliability of a car tends to decrease after 5 years so it is a reasonable point to move your used car and look for a replacement.
Used car buying advice: the basics
When buying used cars for sale in alabama, there are different hurdles to clear compared to buying new, but it’s just as important to get these. Here are some general tips to consider when choosing and looking for a second-hand car…
- Get your finances in order
Any car is a big investment, so the first thing you’ll want to do is work out your budget and stick to it. If necessary, find the best way to pay for your car, whether it’s a personal loan, car finance or outright financing. Find out how much you can put into a deposit, then calculate the monthly payment you can afford.
Do this, and you won’t end up looking confused when the salesperson asks, “how much do you have to spend every month?”.
- Stay on top of used car prices
If you’re in the market for a used car, then checking out various places on the internet is a great way to see what’s nearby and what you can buy. You’ll get a good gauge of what you’re paying for over the odds, and with so much choice, you don’t have to rush into buying a car if you don’t think it’s the right one for you. If you are looking for standard models, there will always be more models on offer if the price is not right.
- Carefully review all documents
There’s no point in attaching any value to the pile of paperwork that comes with a used car if you’re not ready to look at them. If you are buying from a private person rather than a dealer, first check that the registered keeper is selling the car from the address listed on the V5C logbook, then check the logbook registration and chassis numbers for the car’s occupants.
After that you can start looking for any inconsistencies in the service record, check if the cambelt needs to be replaced (this can be an expensive job on some cars), and check the trade-in rates that show ownership and the end of any finance contracts. An HPI check will also help uncover any hidden money or hidden history.
- Carefully inspect the car in the afternoon, and the weather is good
The rain of the paint can hide many sins, as will the street lights or torchlight, so try and look at the car in good weather, and carefully inspect it during the day. Take your time to look at all the panels, and all the trim inside.
Older cars are bound to have the odd scuff, so it’s very important to ensure that all switchgear and accessories work. Do the power windows all open at the same speed, and does the air conditioner blow cold air?
- Take a thorough test drive
It is critical to make certain that the car drives and handles well, and plays as you would assume. Are there any unusual noises from the engine or brakes? Is there any smoke coming from the vent?
Recollect to make sure you have got coverage in place before you activate on a take a look at force.
- Is everything there?
Look under the boot floor to see if the tire and/or repair kit is available, the original jack and tools, as well as the locking alloy wheel nuts. Also check the glove box of the car’s manual and ask the owner if there are spare keys available. If one of these is missing, it can cause a lot of grief – and everything is expensive to replace.
- To conclude the agreement
If you agree on a price and are going to buy a car, make sure that all agreements are agreed in writing, with a receipt that both parties can sign and keep a copy of. It must show the vehicle’s details, price, and terms of https://imagineautos.com/used-in-alabama auto sales in alabama and both the seller’s and buyer’s name and address.
- Car payments
If you buy through a reputable dealer there should be no worries here, but it is worth repeating the clear instructions about paying for a car in a private sale. Be careful taking out large sums of money for car payments.
If possible, use travel expenses. Never take money to a meeting place that is not the seller’s home address.
