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DO’S & DONT’S OF BUYING A SECOND-HAND CAR TEXT SKYE LAVIS

W..e can all get caught up in the excitement of buying a new or used car, leading to us acting a lot more impulsively than usual. With such a big fnancial commitment it is worthwhile taking a step back and really doing your research. Taking heed of the following advice can help you ensure your dream vehicle meets your need and budget.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE HAND Tanks to the internet, searching for cars and dealerships has never been easier. Simply punch in the name of a car or dealership and watch as thousands of results pop up. While learning about the dealership is important, your frst step is to look at the diferent types of used cars out there, since that will infuence the dealership you buy from. Is there a particular brand that you want? Or are you simply looking for a car that has a reliable reputation? Keep in mind that some cars cost more than others to maintain. Many new cars come with a maintenance or service plan to keep you covered for a period of time or distance, but second-hand cars nearing the end of their service plans could be costly in the long run.

DO STICK TO YOUR BUDGET Whether you are buying a used car because you don’t have the money for a new one, or you have more than enough money to buy the entire car lot, it doesn’t matter. You need to set aside a certain amount of money you are willing to spend on a vehicle, and then stick to it. Tat way, you aren’t tempted to ‘trade-up’ to a more fashy looking car that’s three or four grand over what you were initially willing to spend. Tis will have further implications down the line.

DO A BACKROUND CHECK If you’re buying a second-hand car, the frst test-drive is not only for your evaluation, but it also ofers you a chance to write down the Vehicle Identifcation Number, or VIN, so that you can run a vehicle history report. For a fee you can also get a verifcation report on whether the vehicle’s been reported as stolen, been in a major accident, had the odometer turned back, and other aspects that are handy to know.

DO A THOROUGH INSPECTION It’s of monumental importance to thoroughly inspect a used vehicle before you even think about buying it. Yes, it looks nice online, but it’s still imperative that you check and then double check the vehicle for any problems. Even the technicians who inspected it could have missed something. Pay close attention during the test drive, take your time and ask about any strange noises, feelings, or smells the car creates while driving down the road. Review the vehicle’s safety features, such as airbags, and active-safety electronics such as ABS brakes and stability control.

DO ASK QUESTIONS Make sure to ask any questions that pop into your head. For example, asking about common replacement items such as brake discs and pads. It might be just within your price range now, but you might fnd that its frst visit to the workshop breaks the bank. Whatever you ask, make sure you receive an answer that satisfes you.

DON’T BUY THE FIRST CAR YOU SEE What you don’t want to do in 2020 is show up to a dealership and buy the frst car you see without looking at the other cars they have on their lot. Most dealerships have their inventory up on their website. Tat way consumers can look at what they have to ofer before making the drive over. Perhaps that model you so desperately wanted is all but forgotten when you see another that ends up being a better overall investment. If you don’t look, you’ll never fnd the best deal. On top of that, carefully considering your options prevents you from making any rash decisions. Showing up to a dealership and telling them you want to buy a used car today (even though you might just be looking) is a good way to get yourself locked into buying something you will end up regretting a day or two later. DON’T BLINDLY BUY A VEHICLE Don’t ever, under any circumstances, buy a vehicle without at least giving it a test drive. If you don’t know what to look for, bring a friend along who does, or take it to a mechanic. If the dealer is hesitant to let you have a mechanic look at it, then walk away.

DON’T JUST BE SATISFIED WITH WHAT’S PRESENTED If you aren’t asking questions, especially when buying a used vehicle then you’re playing with fre. Don’t simply stand there and agree to everything you hear. Not because the dealership is trying to trick you, but because the more information you have about the vehicle and carbuying process, the more prepared and confdent you’ll be when it comes time to close the deal. ■