TOP 6 TIPS FOR BUYING A USED CAR

Even when you decide to buy used, purchasing your next car is still a big decision. Give this choice the careful consideration it deserves, and you’ll end up with a car you can use and enjoy for years to come. These six tips will help you select a great used car.

1 – Know Your Budget

If you’ve decided to buy used, it might be because you’re conscious of how much you’re spending. This is a great idea because buying a used vehicle can help you get the most bang for your buck. Most experts say you should spend 25% or less of your monthly income on vehicles. That includes all of your cars as well as other costs that go with them. Account for insurance costs, as well as fuel, maintenance, and repairs. Depending on the rest of your budget and expenses, you may want to spend even less than 25% of your monthly household income, because that’s the maximum.

2 – Consider the Different Ownership Costs of Different Cars

This tip goes hand in hand with knowing your budget. Different cars come with different risks and expenses. Use review sites and online resources like Edmunds or Kelley Blue Book to see what you can expect from a car’s history. You can learn how long a car is likely to last, how expensive it is to repair and maintain, and what kind of gas mileage it will get. All of those elements affect ownership cost. Some models will be more expensive to insure too.

3 – Narrow Your Options Down To a Few

Don’t just show up at the lot without thinking about some of your top options. Do your research online to get a feel for the vehicle that fits your budget. Start by deciding if you want a car, truck, or SUV. How important is legroom and cargo space to you? Also, know which cars have better gas mileage. Creating a short list of options will help you make your final decision. From there, take your time on the test drives to see which car is the best for you.

4 – Learn About Financing Options

Learn about your credit score and what kinds of options are available to you if you plan to take out a loan. Do some research about used car loans to make sure you know what you need. Most importantly, work with a lender or dealership you can trust.

5 – Decide Between Used or CPO

A used car is usually your least expensive option, but certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles offer some great benefits as well. They’re still cheaper than new cars, and they have to meet specific requirements to qualify as CPO. You can often get better warranty protection if you opt for one of those vehicles. You just have to decide if the benefits are worth the extra expense.

6 – Know How To Negotiate

If you’ve done your research, you should have a pretty good idea of what you want and what you can afford. All that’s left is to go to the dealership, find the car you like and get the best deal for it. Negotiations are always easier when you work with a dealership you can trust.

Used Cars for Sale Near Bartlett, TN

To learn even more about finding the perfect used car, contact the experienced staff at Serra Chevrolet Bartlett. We can walk you through the entire experience from start to finish, and you will drive away in a great used car just for you. Check our hours and directions, then visit us for a test drive. You’ll be glad you came to see our wide selection of used vehicles near Memphis!