Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Used Car

**Full Disclosure: This is a sponsored post which also contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

You see used cars for sale practically everywhere these days – at auctions, at dealerships, in newspapers and online. Buying a used car is cost-efficient and practical for most people. However, there are some common mistakes that people make when buying a used car; mistakes that can be avoided!

Not shopping around – With so many different avenues for buying a used vehicle, it is important to shop around before making a purchasing decision. Don’t limit yourself to just car dealerships. Explore other options, including auctions, newspaper ads, private sellers and websites.

Not going for a test drive – Test driving a vehicle before purchasing it is an important step in the car-buying process. By test driving a vehicle, you can get a sense of how the car drives, feels and handles.

Not researching vehicle history – All used cars have had at least one previous owner. This means that every used vehicle has a history behind it, so you’ll want to obtain a Vehicle History Report. This report will provide you with important information on the vehicle, including previous owners, accident history and odometer readings.

Not having a mechanic’s inspection – By having a mechanical inspection of the vehicle that you are considering, it may save you thousands of dollars down the road. There may be a mechanical problem that you can’t visually see. So, it is important to have your trusted mechanic look over the vehicle.

Not getting everything in writing – Salespeople will sometimes say just about anything about a vehicle, just so they can make the sale. This includes misrepresenting the vehicle’s condition and history. If you don’t get all this in writing, the dealership may later deny anything they may have said.

Not researching financing options – Unless you have the cash to purchase a vehicle outright, you’re probably going to need a loan. While you may be tempted to get a loan through the dealership you are purchasing the car from, this isn’t always the best choice. You may want to check out the loan options from your bank or credit union, as they may offer better rates!

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