Buying a used car is a big decision and one you need to understand fully when you are about to do it. Used car dealers are notorious for luring unsuspecting and unknowledgeable car buyers into their dealerships and selling them cars that look and even run great for a short period of time and then quickly turn rotten.
For this reason, you need to set some guidelines for yourself when shopping for a new car. Ones that will keep you knowledgeable about how to get a good one for the right price. Here are some important parts of the guideline for buying a used car.
Pick a Reputable Dealer
Choosing a dealer who has a great reputation like Robert Bassam helps you to avoid the majority of problems one can encounter when purchasing a used car. Reputable dealers will make sure the vehicle you buy does not have scary issues like undisclosed previous accidents, inaccurate odometer readings, low quality and uncertified parts, sloppy paperwork, and other things that will cause you trouble once you buy the car.
If you live in Washington, finding Washington owners of cars who are reputable is paramount. Luckily, finding a reputable dealer has gotten easy because of the availability of locating relevant information on the internet. There are organizations that rate dealers and that provide buyers with information on the dealer’s licensing and track record. You can also look for those who previously purchased vehicles from the dealer to see what their experience was during and after the purchase. Did the dealer use hard sell tactics? Were they courteous? Were they pressured into buying more can then needed? Dissatisfied customers are happy to share their horror stories on-line. And conversely, those who have had great experiences never mind letting others know. So use these resources to find out which dealers are trustworthy and which ones to avoid.
Bring a Mechanic to Inspect the Car
If you have any doubts about the dealer or if you feel the need for any other reason, bring a reputable mechanic with you to look at the car before you purchase. Let the dealer know you intend to do this and that the mechanic will need to be given full access to the vehicle. A reputable dealer will welcome this step and one who is looking to seize an opportunity to cheat you, will give one million excuses about why this is not a good idea.
The mechanic should be given full access to the vehicle and check tires, fluid levels, hoses, the transmission, the brakes and the engine. Meanwhile, you should check the exterior and interior for any excess wear and tear or any signs of rust or previous undisclosed damage.
Always be Prepared to Walk Away
You might find a car you absolutely love, but the price is too high or the terms stretch you too much. Car dealers will often lengthen payments or ask for more money down to make payments fit your budget. If you find yourself in this situation you are probably buying too much car. Start with a budget and stick to that budget no matter what how excited you get during your shopping. Take your time and you will find the car you need for the budget you have, patience is the key.