Used Car Buying Guide

If you’re in the market for a car, you’ll be surprised to find that there isn’t much out there right now. With chip shortages and shipping delays, many car dealers just don’t have the inventory right now. Prices for a new car are at an all-time high, with many people paying above the sticker price. This is bringing an influx of buyers to the used car market. It does make sense to buy used. It makes for a better investment, as when you drive a new car off the lot, it exponentially depreciates in value. The problem with buying used is that you need to make sure that the car still feels new. There are tons of things to consider to help ensure you’re getting a good deal on a used car.

There are tons of things you can do to make sure that the car you want is the car you’ll continue to want after you bring it home. Many people are buying used right now, which means that the market is more competitive than it’s ever been. That doesn’t mean you have to rush out to buy it. Buying a car should be well thought out and well researched. Let us help guide you through the process so you can feel confident with whatever decision you make.

Find financing that works for you

Used car financing is something of a caveat. Dealerships offer their own financing, but the rates could be exorbitant. Dealers work best for people whose credit could use a little boost. Those with exceptionally high credit scores could take advantage of any seasonal promotions, and it’s a good idea to check with your dealer to see if they have any low APR financing deals or ask if any may come up in the future. The issue is, you could find a much better deal from a third-party seller who wants to sell their grandmother’s car with limited miles. You may think you can’t finance this way, but there are ways.

You could let your bank know that you’re interested in purchasing a car. They will cover the sale and finance the car for you directly. Check with your bank and see what kind of rates they offer. Sometimes banks have interest rates that are higher than the national average, so it’s still good to shop around to a few banks. Your bank might be easier to work with, but the bank down the street might have significantly better rates.

Credit unions may offer fantastic rates as long as the buyer is a member and not just a customer, but there is a caveat. These lower rates come at a risk. Many credit unions don’t have the proper insurance, which makes the deal a tad risky. Do a little research at your credit union to make sure that you’re covered for whatever purchase you make. They work the same way a bank does and could help you get a good deal from a third party seller.

Don’t Forget to Test Drive

Buying a car takes a lot of time. Sometimes, too much time. Sometimes, people don’t take the time to test drive a car because they’re too trusting or they think they’re already familiar with the car. There are things you should note, from the engine to how the car moves. If you’re buying an out-of-state car, you may think that a test drive is out of the question. You can still go to your local dealership and see if they have the make, model, and year in stock. This way, you can make sure that you’re familiar with how the car works and the blind spots so you’re comfortable with the vehicle before you buy it.

Bring the Used Car to a Mechanic

Used cars are like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re going to get. One way to give yourself a little more information is to have a mechanic check it out. This could be done while you are doing the test drive. Ask the seller if you could stop by your local mechanic on the test drive. Just don’t forget to schedule a time with your mechanic to make sure your test drive isn’t stuck in the waiting room the whole time.

A mechanic can tell you things that you may not be able to figure out on your own. Things like how often they maintain the car and anything that may be on its last leg. Even if it’s something small like a cracked hose, this could offer you better negotiating points when it comes time to buy. It’s a small expense that could save you a ton down the line.

Check every Used Car for Paperwork

The downfall of many great people in history can all lead back to the paperwork. Don’t fall victim to lack of information. Make sure you can see the title and make sure you’re not dealing with a salvaged title, or worse, a missing title. You can find a lot about the car’s history through the title. Also, don’t forget to run the VIN in a history report like Carfax. This can tell you a great deal about the car, which can give you even more negotiating tactics. Most of these services are free; they just cost you time. But it could cost you even more if you don’t.

Not utilizing an Auto Shipper for Out-Of-State Vehicles

Sometimes, people buy their used cars out of state. This helps them get a good deal and, more importantly, in some cases, avoid sales tax. It’s important to note that most states will only allow you to use the sales tax laws of the state in which you buy the car if you have the car shipped back to your state. Additionally, it may be illegal to drive it back home until you register it with your local DMV. To help protect your new purchase and keep it safe and sound until it arrives in your driveway, it’s best to use an auto shipper if you’re purchasing a car from out of state.

If you need to find an auto shipper for your used car purchase, give Car Transport Chicago a call. They can give you an instant quote that includes insurance. They also offer door-to-door transport, which means they can pick up and drop off at any address in America.