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10 Easy Steps For Buying A Used Car

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April 23, 2017

Buying a second-hand car should be a source of financial saving as much as it should be an easy experience. There are many challenges involved in the process that you should be aware of.

A recent survey on what individuals feared most of the idea of buying a used car, 0.19 percent mentioned haunted vehicle as a deal breaker, 0.28 percent were worried of spiders in their target cars, 18 percent indicated that problems on the asphalt would be an issue, while 20 percent revolved around the issue of whether or not the said car was a dud car. Clearly, various issues cloud the purchase of a used car and the following steps should get you to work around driving yourself one.

1. Financing

 

When money matters come into question, it involves much more than just the initial purchase amount. It encompasses the maintenance costs, insurance costs, and the fuel consumption aspect. The important question you should answer is how much you would be willing to spend on the above against your financial muscle. As a golden rule, your car expenditure should be no more than 20 percent of your monthly take-home pay.

2. Vehicle’s On Your Target List

 

You should consider vehicles that meet your budget needs while sorting the particular reasons you are buying the car. Listing the various vehicles that fit your needs and fall within your monetary limits is the first step. The list helps you make an informed choice.

3. Fine-Tune the Target List

 

So the list of cars fit the bill when money is concerned as well as the intended use of the vehicle. This stage will require researching on the customer reviews on the cars, and their ratings. If they fall within your comfort levels, check out for deals and offers that may include trade-ins or price discounts that increase savings from the initial asking price.

4. Identify Sellers

 

Under this, you get to select the areas you identified as those that sell one of your target vehicles. This could include individuals, dealerships or auctions. Get all the contact details, working hours and how long their offers are available.

5. Make Contact With The Seller

 

Get in touch with the seller and ask for the details that were not have mentioned. Such details border around the age of the car, reasons for selling the car, the car’s mechanical issues, payment terms and what other offers they may not have mentioned.

6. Checking the Car Out

 

Feed your eyes with what you may just end up purchasing. Check out for the interior’s condition, the exterior look, the defects, and dents the car may have, the tire condition, all while ensuring there are no oil leaks, among other conditions that you should not compromise on.

7. Schedule A Test Drive

 

At this stage, you would want to get in touch with your mechanic. The mechanic has a higher probability of identifying the technical issues of the vehicle with a run on the asphalt. Professional mechanics will go a step further in advising you of whether the vehicle is all that it is passed on as on paper as well as the condition of the vehicle.

8. The Car’s History

 

With the help of the car’s records, identifying some key areas in the vehicle’s history should not be at all difficult. You will need to identify the service schedule, the vehicle’s inspection and also ascertain the ownership of the car. You do not want to buy a car with a police record or a stolen vehicle.

9. Price Negotiations

 

Talk numbers with the selling party, agree on a price and a payment plan. Make sure you get the best deal that works for you.

10. Finalize the Purchase with Proper Documentation

 

You need to ensure you sign the relevant documents of sale for the vehicle, pay the necessary fees attached and smile after a job well done.

These easy steps will help you sidestep some of the major hurdles involved in buying a used car. Once you follow them you can get your keys and drive off. You earned it.
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