Buying a used car can be a great way to save money. If you buy a vehicle that is only a few years old, you could end up with one that is almost identical to the most recent model but at a fraction of the price. Buying a used car comes with a few risks, however. You could end up with an absolute lemon on your hands and spend thousands in repairs on it. The worst part is that you might not be able to find someone to take it off your hands once you’re done with it. This is why you need to be somewhat savvy about cars in general before you start shopping and so you can avoid crucial mistakes. Let’s take a look at some of the things to consider when buying a used vehicle.
The Brand
Unless you absolutely want one specific model, it’s not a good idea to simply pick a used vehicle because you like how it looks. You need to know what kind of issues this particular vehicle or brand is known for first.
Volkswagen vehicles, for instance, are known for having electrical issues, while Fiats are known for overheating. On the other hand, you have cars that are known for being absolute workhorses like Skodas and many Japanese brands, so you might want to look in that direction if you want something that will last longer and retain residual value.
Pick the vehicle from a reputable supplier, however. If you’re looking for a used Skoda Barnsley, for instance, then CarCreditNow by Autozone would be a good place to start. Going with a reputable supplier will ensure that the vehicles have been properly vetted and you’ll have greater recourse if something goes wrong.
Repair Costs
Another thing you have to pay very special attention to is how much it’s going to cost to perform repairs on the vehicle of your choice. There’s a good chance that one or multiple major components will give up over the car’s lifespan, or you might have to routinely make maintenance fixes. This is why you must know how much you can expect to pay for common repairs but know the cost of aftermarket parts as well.
The Age of the Vehicle
This one is also extremely important. If you time your purchase correctly, you could get a vehicle that looks great and is still under warranty while taking away much of the depreciation. It’s usually recommended that you get a used vehicle that is between two years and five years old if it’s within your budget. This will allow you to get right into the depreciation sweet spot and land a vehicle that is covered or just about to go out of warranty.
These are only some of the things you should think about before buying a used car. These tips could save you tons of money in unnecessary repairs and help you get a great deal, so keep them in mind and take your time before you make your final choice.
