The “Dos and Don’ts of Used Car Buying

Make used car shopping easier on yourself with Vehicle Pre-Buy Inspection Service on your side. Whether you’re looking for the right car, wanting to verify that you’re getting a deal, or want to know if you’re car is going to last longer than 300 miles, we’ve got you covered with actionable pre-purchase car advice and tips!

It’s easy to get excited buying a new car, and sometimes even more so when buying a used car. It’s vital to your wallet to do your research and know what you’re getting yourself into before you pay for a used car, truck, SUV, or even more so, an RV. It can make the difference in leaving with a great deal or with buyer’s remorse over a too-late realized horrible purchase.

Use our actionable list of car buying dos and don’ts so you end up with the best deal possible.

1. Know The Type Of Car You’re Looking For
While it may be obvious to some, it’s important to plan a few years ahead with every car purchase. Start by choosing the type of vehicle that’s most useful for your lifestyle, family size (physically and numbers – don’t discount the value a a larger vehicle if you shop in big and tall), travel, and work use; compact car, truck, sedan, minivan, SUV, convertible, coupe, etc.

2. Research The Vehicle You’re Wanting To Purchase
Look up the value of the vehicle’s you’re thinking of buying before showing up to have an idea of what kind of deal you should expect on the car based on it’s current condition.

Be sure to have an accurate expectation of the vehicle features that you’re looking for in your next car purchase, as well as knowing what you can live without in order to prevent wasting money on options that cost more than they’re worth. Be prepared to give a little when buying a used car.

3. Do Know How Much You Can Afford
Now that you know what you want, search for makes and models that meet your needs within your budget. Don’t overreach on price just to make a quick purchase on the fastest depreciating high value purchase you’re going to make this decade.

4. Do Talk To Your Insurance Company First
Save yourself on the long-run expenses and take a moment to see what your premiums will be with that new vehicle that has your interest. Depending on the model, car insurance premiums can range greatly and you could end up feeling like your costs are ever-increasing.

It may seem backwards to check with your insurance agent before you actually purchase a new car, but if you knew the premiums were going to be prohibitive for a certain model, would you be inclined to choose a different vehicle or trim level?

5. Check For Recalls
Check with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at https://www.nhtsa.gov/ to see if the vehicle you’re interested in buying has any recalls that could cause extra maintenance and repair costs in the future. It’s not a bad idea to be wary of someone trying to cover up potential expenses just to be rid of their vehicle before it gets worse.

6. Do Take a Test Drive
Why? Because getting a feel and listening to the car’s condition let’s you know if you’re even going to make it home with your new used car.

7. Don’t Pay Cash
Pay with a check. The more you have in writing, the protection you have.

8. Don’t Accept The Purchased Vehicle Until All Agreed Repairs are Peformed
Confirm and validate agreed repairs were done with a follow-up inspection for only $85.

9. Do Get a Pre-Purchase On-Site Car Inspection
Be sure to get a complete on-site car inspection for your pre-purchase vehicle. We’ll provide a complete scan and check of the car to ensure it’s in good condition when you take possession of the vehicle.

Order your pre-purchase vehicle inspection now. >>