If you are thinking about replacing a current vehicle you may want to think about buying used cars instead of new ones
. There are a number of advantages to purchasing cars that are used rather than new but there can also be issues that you need to be aware of before you make your ultimate selection. Here are some things that you need to keep in mind and tips on how to make the process much less difficult.
The reason that used cars often make a great alternative to new cars is that a new car will lose much of its value the instant it is driven off of a car lot. If you want to make sure that you are getting the most for your money, a used vehicle may be the one that is best for you. However if you are not careful about the car that you purchase and end up with a vehicle that has many problems it may not be the best investment after all.
You can find used vehicles online and at car lots. You can also find vehicles through private sales and these are often advertised in classified advertisements in magazines and newspapers. You need to decide where you are willing to purchase a car from. Some people prefer to deal with a car dealership and other people prefer a private sale. You can apply the same car buying tips to any purchase but there may be some advantages to buying from a car dealership.
One of the first things that you should look at is the year that the car was made. Remember that cars are made with a model year that is generally one year ahead of the current calendar year. Therefore a car that has a model year the same as the calendar year has actually been around for one year. This can help you factor in how old the car is. It can also be helpful to ask when the car was actually manufactured. A good car dealer should be able to tell you this information.
Also look to see how much the car has been driven. The odometer can give you an idea of whether it has been driven a lot or a little. The more it has been driven the more wear and tear there is on the car. You want your used cars to last as long as possible so a lower odometer reading is often a better choice. Also ask whether it has been driven in the city or on the highway. City driving is often more stressful on a car because of the stops and starts.
When inspecting the vehicle, look for signs that it may have been repainted to hide damage. Checking in the wheel wells and around the doors will help you do this. Look for signs of paint spatter that may mean that it was repainted. If you see signs that they may have been trying to hide damage it doesn't mean that you should not buy that car but it does mean that you may want to be careful and ask more questions than if a car seems to be in good condition.
If you are purchasing a used car, see if you can get an extended warranty. This is often available through car dealerships rather than through independent sellers. An extended warranty will help pay for repairs if there is a massive problem such as a cracked engine block. It will drive up the price although it can help if you end up needing a major repair that you would not be able to afford.
Remember that used cars are plentiful and if you shop around you may be able to get a great deal. You should be willing to negotiate to see if you can get a better price and if you are willing to do so, you may end up getting a wonderful car for a lot less than it would cost to purchase it new.