Don't Buy A Used Car Before Doing These 3 Things!
Posted on: 29 June 2020
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Buying a used car is a practical option for many people who don't want to pay full price for a vehicle that's going to massively depreciate as soon as they drive it off the lot. However, when you're buying used, there are a few extra steps you'll want to take (beyond taking it for a test drive) before you finalize your purchase.
Scheduling a Mechanic's Inspection
If you have a mechanic that you know and trust, it's a good idea to have him or her take a detailed look at the car in person before you decide to buy it. For a small fee, most mechanics are happy to visit the dealership and perform a thorough inspection on a used car, providing you with a detailed report of his or her findings. This can alert you to any mechanical issues that you can ask the dealership to fix before you purchase or that you can use as a negotiation tactic. And of course, if there are any serious issues with the car, this could encourage you to walk away from the deal altogether.
Scrutinizing Your Credit Report
Checking your credit may not seem like something you need to do before you buy a used car, but if you'll be applying for any kind of financing, this is definitely a step you'll want to take. Not only will this help you get a better idea of where your credit score stands (which can affect your ability to get approved for car loans), but it will also give you an opportunity to scrutinize your report for errors that could be harming your score. If there are any errors, be sure to dispute them and have them resolved before you apply for a car loan to ensure that you're eligible for the best possible rates.
Checking the Kelley Blue Book Value
Last but not least, be sure to get an idea of the car's Kelley Blue Book value before you sign on the dotted line. This free online resource allows you to get a better feel for whether the asking price on a used car is fair. Don't hesitate to bring in a copy of the KBB report when you visit the dealership to negotiate as well, as this will show your salesperson that you've done your research.
By taking just a few steps before you buy a used car, you can enjoy a little more confidence and peace of mind with your purchase.
Vist a car dealership, such as Car Craft Auto Sales, Inc. to get more information about purchasing a used car.