Car-Buying Tips
General Tips for Buying a Car
-
Get all the details…Learn about the features and associated costs of the vehicle. Consult a reference guide for a general idea of fair market values like NADA Guides.
-
Anticipate vehicle expenses. Fuel, maintenance, auto insurance, and repairs can add up. Understand what you are commiting to before you buy.
-
Consider purchasing an extended warranty. Due to the high cost of repairing today’s vehicles, you may decide the added protection of a limited warranty is a worthwhile investment.
-
Consider purchasing Guaranteed Asset Protection (also known as GAP). GAP provides financial protection from certain types of loss that are not covered by standard auto insurance. Specifically, it is designed to cover the unpaid balance of an auto loan in the event of a total loss on the vehicle.
-
Arrange financing before you start shopping. Getting qualified for financing ahead of time helps you determine the best vehicle for your budget. Plus it gives you confidence when negotiating with a dealer.
-
Check the details carefully before signing any documents. If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.
-
Take your time. Review all of your options. An educated and well informed purchase will ensure your new ride is all that you expected and more.
Tips for Buying a Used Car
-
Check the history. Services like Carfax.com are a good resource for a detailed vehicle history report. This type of report is the best way to make sure the vehicle you are looking at is being presented fairly and accurately.
-
If buying from an individual ask to see a copy of the title. This will way you know they are the legal owner and have the authority to sell. Also, ask if there is an existing lien on the car or if it was leased. If the car was leased, additional steps may be required to complete the transaction.
-
Inspect the car thoroughly in daylight hours. It is easy to miss minor blemishes or other important details if inspecting a vehicle at night, in a garage or other dimly lit area.
-
Test-drive the car on the highway. A car behaves differently on the highway so put it to the test to make sure it performs the way you expect.
-
Have a mechanic inspect the car. This should be done before you make an offer. A certified mechanic knows what to look for and has the necessary equipment to test functions you cannot on your own.
