What you Should Know Before Buying a Used Car

St James Preowned Car Dealer | Suffolk County Cars Under 10k

Buying a Used Car can be a daunting experience, even for experienced car owners. Navigating the pitfalls and hazards that accompany such a life-changing event is quite a challenge, but we've put together a guide to help you plot a safe course. When buying a Used-Car, there are a couple of key categories to review.

Cost is King

It doesn't matter if a vehicle is just perfect for you or if it has the best ratings imaginable, it's a showstopper if you can't afford to own the vehicle. You should first start by establishing the value of the vehicle you are interested in, Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com) is the gold standard for this metric and will carry a lot of weight when you go to negotiate with your dealer. Be sure to get a full understanding of additional costs, including Tax, Title, and Registration. These costs can add almost 10 percent to the final purchase price, so make sure to plan around them. Don't forget to get a quote from your insurer as well, as premiums can vary significantly between different models and types of vehicle. Once you have a firm grasp of what costs you can expect, you should shop different financiers for the best auto loan rates and develop an idea of what lending amount you are likely to be offered based on your credit score.

Knowledge is Power

Knowing what you are buying when shopping for a Used vehicle is critical to your long-term happiness. Brand-new vehicles are identical as they roll off the assembly lines, but no two Used vehicles have the same experience and each has its own unique history. Ask the dealer what they know about the car's history and don't be afraid to ask questions. You should order a CarFax report (www.carfax.com) or ask the dealer for one, many of them offer this as a free service. Don't fret if something does show up in the report, the vehicle is "Used" after all, oftentimes it's a minor issue. If you aren't sure about something, contact your local mechanic or ask the dealer if they can provide additional information regarding the specifics. Many dealers will have their mechanical staff review an item in question if you request it.

Do Your Homework

Although new vehicles usually come to mind when you think of car reviews, they can be equally valuable when purchasing a Used vehicle. Edmunds (www.edmunds.com) has past reviews of almost every vehicle on the market and can provide valuable insight when making your final decision. The Safety ratings of a vehicle are generally included in these reviews and are a detail worthy of special consideration, especially if you have children. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (www.iihs.org) also provides safety reviews and ratings with breakdowns on specific metrics for each category of concern.

Regardless of which tools you use, your Used car buying experience will be a snap if you focus on these key areas. Knowing is half the battle and going car shopping armed with the right knowledge will see you victorious.

If you are in the St James area, you can learn more by talking with our experienced sales associates. We're Certified Headquarters and our lot is located at 873 Middle Road.