You’re ready. Today is the day you buy a used vehicle and join the thousands of Americans who call the highways and byways home. If this is your first purchase, you might feel tempted to buy the first car that becomes available. There are plenty of mistakes that first-time buyers commit, and we’re offering seven steps to help the process go as smoothly as possible.
1. Figure Out How Much You Have to Spend
A common misconception some have is just how much money they shell out when buying a car. Besides the car itself, there’s taxes, licensing costs, and repairs. That’s not counting your monthly insurance payment and what you’ll be paying for milage. Plan accordingly, and you won’t fall into a financial pitfall.
2. Choosing Practicality over Desire
You might want nothing more than to race down the autobahn in a Porsche. However, that might not be practical for what you need. When purchasing a car, practicality is one of the best things to implement. Consider your daily commute, weekend activities, and if you have animals and children that need to be carted around from time to time. Consulting with publications such as Consumer Reports will help you make an informed decision.
3. The Price You Pay
If something is too good to be true, it probably is. If a car is selling for too low of a price, there’s a chance that there might be something wrong with it, or it might have a checkered past. Consulting the Kelly Blue Book will give you an accurate assessment of how much the make and model you’re buying sells for.
4. Get in Touch with The Seller
Not everyone is trustworthy. If you’re buying your car from a third-party seller, ask to see a detailed history of the car, as well as the VIN number. As a consumer, you have the right to know a detailed history of any car you purchase. If the seller doesn’t have all the paperwork or only has a salvage title, that’s a red flag you shouldn’t take a chance on.
5. Taking it For a Test Drive
While it’s natural to get excited about getting behind the wheel, it’s your best bet to curb your enthusiasm. Silencing the radio will allow you to keep an ear out for any rattles or suspicious noises. Keep close attention to how the car handles and accelerates; suspension and transmission work can be very costly.
6. Negotiating Price
As you talk about payment for the car, it’s important to not lowball the seller, or overpay the average aftermarket price. Most people are willing to sell for a lesser amount than what they were originally asking if it’s reasonable.
7. Deal or no Deal
Once again, this is where excitement can overtake logic and reason. Before you drive away, take the time to go over the paperwork, and make sure no stone is left unturned. Make sure everything is legitimate and good to go.
Whether this is your first purchase or not, The Truck Junction is your best bet for a quality used vehicle. We proudly serve the Sarasota area and would love to have you come in and see why we’re the best at what we do. You can view our online inventory, and you can also visit our lot located at 4791 Clark Road in Sarasota!