Buying a used car is fun, exciting, and challenging. However, a big mistake many people make is that they don’t take the time to determine what used car best fits their personal needs. They end up with a car they are not totally satisfied with.
This article will help you discover for yourself how to go about buying a used car that is best for your needs. If you’re unsure of the car you want – or how much money to spend – fear not. The methods below will help lead you through the process painlessly.
Ready to begin? Let’s go!
Defining What The ‘Perfect Car’ Is When Buying A Used Car
A lot of bad car buying decisions aren’t because of sneaky used car dealers, shady private sellers, or co-workers seeking to unload a junk car. Rather, buying a used car takes a turn for the worst (no pun intended) when people are unclear about what kind of car is really right for them. They have not thought about what kind of car would be ‘perfect’ for their lives.
True, a good car is nothing more then a means of transportation. However, this means of transportation can and (if possible) should satisfy preference – and more importantly – specific travel needs you have.
For instance, let’s say you had a large family. An Eco-friendly (and tiny) ‘Smart’ car probably won’t fit your needs. Why? Because it simply won’t carry the entire family. Therefore, as much as it might be a good car for other people, it is not good for you. Even though it is transportation, it does not fulfill your needs.
Finding out what you need when buying a used car is not too time consuming. Uncovering specific reasons not to get a particular car (and more importantly, determining the one to get) is not very complicated at all.
Brainstorming is one of the best ways to come up with the needs and wants you have in a vehicle choice. Knowing what you already desire will be essential in buying a used car that best fits your needs. Make a running list of wants and needs with a pen and pad. The list may contain things like the following:
• I want a car that gets at least 20 miles per gallon.
• I want a simple car that that drive to work and also allow me to run errands.
• I want a car that can help me haul fire wood every fall.
Don’t just think up these things and then leave them to float in your head where they’re likely to be forgotten in the heat of a decision. Write them down. Define them in words. By doing so, it makes your desires more clear. And with clarity you will be far more likely to buy a used car that fits the desires you have now.
Buying A Used Car You Can Afford (I Know, It’s a Bummer)
Let’s face it…we can’t always have everything we want. Finances often get in the way. However, that doesn’t mean you cannot buy a used car that still will best fits your needs.
Truth be told, buying a used car that conforms to your financial realities while providing some, or most, of the things you want is really the key to getting the best car for you.
So define your financial realities. Set a price range. Make it a dollar amount as high or as little as you feel comfortable spending.
Buying A Used Car
Okay. You know what you want from your car. You know what you’re willing to spend.
Now it’s time to start shopping.
The key to success is simple. You’ll want to buy a used car that is closest to meeting your personal standards -your wants and needs – but one that doesn’t exceed the price limit you’ve set. Make sense? You’ve got to find a car that is balanced between what you can afford and what you want. Often, this may mean upping your limit…or lowering your wants.
You’ll also want to find the best deal you can when buying a used car. Perhaps you’ll arrive at the best deal through negotiation, by carefully comparing prices of available used cars, or by sheer luck in stumbling across a great deal.
As a used car buyer you have a lot of different places in which you can find – and make – such deals on used cars. These include:
• Online (i.e. Craigslist)
• Buying from a used car dealership
• Buying from private sellers
Take a patient approach to buying a used car. The less prone you are to acting on impulse, the more likely it is you’ll get a good deal.
Buying a used car can be a pretty tough challenge. I hope that by using these tips you not only end up buying a used car that you want, but that you’ll also find it easier (and even fun) to shop for your next used car.
Good luck and happy shopping!