Things to Consider When Buying a Used Car

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There comes a time in all of our lives (well, mostly) that we need to buy a new car. Sometimes that means new to us, but technically a used car. There are some serious benefits of buying used vehicles, namely the affordability. So what are some things to consider when purchasing a used vehicle? Here are some pointers for when that time comes for you!

1. Know what you need. This goes a long way in the end game. If you’re using the vehicle to haul your family of 6 to and from school, sports, and band practice, well then it’s probably pretty obvious that you’re going to need lots of cargo space and passenger seating. However if it’s strictly a commuter vehicle, you don’t really need a whole lot of space or size in your car, you’re more likely to want the best gas mileage.
2. Know your budget. Sit down and calculate what you can afford to spend each month on a car payment. By knowing this, you will be setting yourself up for an easier buying process.
3. Know the vehicle value. Once you’ve found a car that you’re seriously considering, find out the worth this vehicle has by visiting KBB.com or Edmonds.com to ensure you’re getting a fair deal. Doing your homework in this sense can go a long way.
4. Know the vehicle’s history. While you’re online checking out the value of a vehicle, run the vin number through CarFax.com to find out the car’s history. Here you can find everything from maintenance records, to number of car owners, and even if the vehicle has ever been in an accident or even worse, a flood.
5. Know the safety ratings. Obviously we all want a vehicle that’s going to be safe for our family. Websites like safercar.gov can provide useful information on safety ratings along with details on air bags, technology, crash tests and more. You’ll sleep better at night knowing you’ve done your research to keep your precious cargo safe.

I’m a big advocate for doing research on big purchases, and even word of mouth can be a great way to figure out what vehicle would be a good match for you. What advice do you have for buying a new (used) car? Let me know if I forgot anything in the comments below!