Looking to buy a used car but are already feeling overwhelmed at the thought of scrolling endlessly online and having to haggle with sellers over the best price? While the hunt can be tiring, it is worth it when you drive away in your new ride and experience the freedom of owning your own car. That’s why we’ve put together a list of handy used car buying tips to help you find the perfect car without breaking the bank.
If you’re in need of vehicle wholesalers to help you secure your dream car, contact us online or call our team on 13002TOUGH to discuss the vehicle you are looking for.
Our Best Used Car Buying Tips
Decide What You Need
While it may seem obvious, one of the most important used car buying tips is to decide what you need before you start searching to avoid spending hours scrawling through irrelevant listings. Consider how your vehicle needs to suit your lifestyle and work, if you have any preferences like colours or styles, and most importantly, what your budget is. It is a lot easier to find the car you are looking for when you know where to begin, saving you time and stress.
Compare Prices
You will rarely find the best deal on your first try, so it is important to properly scour the market and research all your options. Browse private sellers, dealerships, and other online listings to discover the general price range for the car you are interested in. This will give you a good idea of how much you should expect to pay, helping you avoid being ripped off. Conversely, if a listing is priced way lower than the rest, the car may be in poor condition.
Inspect the Car
You wouldn’t buy a house without inspecting it first, so you should never buy a car without doing the same. One of our biggest used car buying tips is to contact the seller and arrange for you to inspect the car in person. Diligently check both inside and outside the vehicle, checking for any signs of dents, scratches, and chipped paint. Look inside for any hidden damages like torn seating, ripped flooring, or stains.
Take it for a Test Drive
Seeing the car is one thing, but you won’t truly know if it’s the right fit for you until you get behind the wheel. Take the car for a cruise nearby and test out all its features to make sure they are up to standard. These include acceleration, braking, steering, and the indicators. While driving, listen to the sound of the engine and if it is making any irregular sounds. If any faults are detected, bring them up with the owner and ask if they will be fixed before they sell the car.
Confirm the Owner
When it comes to used car buying tips, we always recommend investing in a PPSR vehicle check to give you the peace of mind that the car you are buying is legit. There’s nothing worse than thinking you got a bargain only to find out the car was stolen and needs to be repossessed. A PPSR check gives you a description of the vehicle and its registration so you can compare it against the seller’s paperwork to make sure they match. A PPSR search also reveals if there is any money still owed on the car.
Drive Away in a Used Car Today!
At Tough Automotive, we make it easy for you to find your dream car at a great price. If the thought of going through the hassle of navigating dealerships and talking to pushy salesman gives you a headache, we have the solution for you.
Our car buying service is the simple way to browse our extensive collection of new and used cars from the comfort of your own home. Contact us to learn more or call us on 13002TOUGH to discuss your situation with our friendly team.