If you’re thinking of replacing a totaled vehicle or upgrading to a more up-to-date option, it’s important to remember that buying a new car won’t be cheap. If you can’t afford a new vehicle, the best alternative is to opt for a secondhand option, but it’s vital to be cautious during this process.
You may be fortunate enough to score a deal for a classic car only to realize that it has a defective engine. Even in secondhand dealerships, you still need to get your money’s worth. Here’s an easy guide to help you make the right choice as you scour the secondhand market for the best finds.
1. Set a budget and profile the best car
The first factor you will need to consider is how much you’re willing to pay for a secondhand car. For this, consider the kind of lifestyle you lead. If you travel a lot and you’re looking for a vehicle with good mileage, it might be best to consider a sedan. For off-roading, a pickup or SUV should be a priority. From there, you can look up the average price for the type of vehicle you’ve picked and run an estimate for buying secondhand.
Alternatively, if you don’t think you’ll have enough money to buy the secondhand car you want outright, you can opt for a lease agreement. If you end up loving your car by the end of your lease, you can always seek a lease buyout loan to help you purchase the vehicle.
2. Find a dealership with good reviews
The next phase of the process is to find the right dealership. You can start by asking people you know for recommendations. A Google search won’t be enough, as the top results aren’t always the most reliable. You will need to do a deep dive into the dealership’s reputation based on what former customers thought about it.
If you’ve found a dealership you think is right, give it a second thought and look up reviews published by former clients. Focus only on the downsides of the dealership and see if there are any red flags you should be aware of, such as overpricing or tampered repair histories. You should also avoid dealerships with shady reviews from unverified users because there’s a good chance for you to get scammed.
3. Get the dealer to provide a full disclosure
When you buy a new car in Orlando, you’re well within your rights to a replacement or a refund if Florida lemon law attorneys confirm defects that go beyond repair. The same can be said for buyers of used vehicles. If a used car is offered to you as “road-worthy,” you can launch a claim if the car breaks down within just a few weeks of being sold. Dealerships also risk violating the Federal used car rule and paying large fines if they insist on selling you a car with issues they should have communicated to you.
It’s best to ask the dealer to disclose the vehicle’s repair history, as well as other issues that could affect the vehicle’s performance, longevity, and safety. It’s good practice to have a qualified mechanic go with you to the dealership and check the vehicle’s condition. For sure, there might be issues that were not revealed in the repair history, so it helps if you get someone to give a second opinion. This will give you more room to negotiate a better price if you want to proceed with the transaction.
4. Give it a test drive
Even if your mechanic says the vehicle is road-worthy, you will want to take it for a drive first before signing the paperwork. Get a good feel of the interior and test the seatbelts, air conditioning system, and even the radio. You can also test the steering wheel if it allows for a firm yet comfortable grip. When it comes to the upholstery, check the quality of the leather and check for scratches. You may have to ask the dealer if it's made from authentic leather.
As you hit the road, check how the clutch and brake engage. Look for speed bumps and feel the quality of the suspension system. You should also listen to the engine for indications of loose parts and rattling every time you shift gears. If you think the car allows for comfortable cruising, then you might have found the right one.
Endnote
When buying a secondhand car, you wouldn’t want to jump right in and buy the first one you see. You need to come prepared with the right budget and the right expectations if you don’t want to end up buying a vehicle that won’t give you your money’s worth.
