Did you know that as many as 40.5 million used cars were sold in the United States in 2012 alone? What’s more, the used car industry is growing: from 2011 to 2013, research shows there was a 4.4% increase in used car sales, and over a five year period, the industry grew 3.5% annually. Today, there are as many as 126,097 used car dealerships in the U.S. However, while this means you have fantastic selection of used cars for sale to choose from, finding good used cars, much less the best used cars, is therefore much harder.
If you’re interested in buying used cars in this market, you have to have to consider a variety of details and make careful, smart decisions. Doing so is the only way to find affordable used cars that also offer the quality and value you need in your daily life. But how do you start? Just follow these three simple tips:
Set a budget
Take a good, hard look at your finances and set a firm image of what you can afford. While good used cars are often a much better value than new cars, paying more than you can afford helps no one, least of all yourself. Additionally, this budget should also apply to the way the car will affect your life: for example, consider if you can actually afford that model with the low gas mileage, or if you would be better off with something more fuel-efficient.
Research the car’s reputation
While every potential car buyer should insist on seeing the vehicle’s accident history report and other details, it is also extremely valuable to know how the model is generally known to function. After looking at the car on the lot, taking it for a test drive, and reviewing it’s prior history, excuse yourself and conduct your own investigation. Does this vehicle have a tendency towards certain issues? Are its repairs particularly expensive? These questions and more can help you avoid expensive problems later.
Buy from people you trust.
This applies to both dealerships and individuals, although you don’t need to decide if you trust the salesperson on a personal level. Instead, think about their professionalism: do they seem like they would knowingly sell you a damaged car? Would they willfully lie to you over the course of your business exchange? Your gut instinct may not be infallible, but going against your feelings will likely leave you with misgivings about the purchase and lead you astray. While the used car market has expanded, finding a dealer or seller you consider trustworthy is still a vital part of the sales process.
The modern used car market is a great place to find the perfect vehicle for you and your family, at a price you can afford. By following these basic tips, you are likely to find a number of good used cars to compare and choose between, allowing you to make the best possible decision. Put them to the test at a used car dealership near you today!
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