Purchasing a vehicle doesn’t have to cost a fortune or be stressful. You can ride into summer deals by going secondhand shopping for a new-ish car. Since cars go down significantly in price as soon as you drive them off the lot, chances are you can find a great used automobile for a bargain.
Check out these secondhand car shopping secrets to get you started on your way to a great new ride!
Do Your Research
One of the best ways to ensure you get a good deal is to research different automobiles. You can start by checking out vehicles you like or are interested in, then branch off from there if needed.
When reviewing information about the car you are considering, read the online reviews to see what others are saying. You can also look up the Kelley Blue Book price for that year and model to see the car’s fair market value.
Look the Vehicle Over
When you find a car that you’re really interested in, go and look at it in person. Bring a friend with you, so you’ll have two sets of eyes looking it over. Check for wear and tear, the tires, the condition of the body, and the engine. Take it for a test drive to get a feel for the vehicle.
Obtain a Car History Report
After you’ve narrowed down what type of car you want and find one you like at a dealer or private seller, take the next step. This involves obtaining a vehicle history report. You can easily obtain one by visiting the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) website and entering information about the car. Other places that may contain additional information about a vehicle’s history are AutoCheck.com and CarFax.com.
Get an Inspection
Even though you may look the car over yourself, having a certified mechanic check it out is a good idea. You can get an inspection on the vehicle to make sure it passes all the regular safety and standard protocols. There may be something you overlooked that a trained mechanic would spot.
The inspection and check-up give you an idea of what condition the car is currently in and what types of things you’ll need in the near future. If you find out something is wrong with the vehicle, but you still want it, you can ask the owner to bring down the price.
Consider the Insurance Costs
Research the insurance costs before purchasing an automobile. Insurance premiums have a wide range of cost factors that can affect the cost you’ll pay. These factors include the make, model, and year of the vehicle. So, if you have your eye on two or three different vehicles, the difference in the insurance premiums can vary greatly.
If your current insurance carrier is a bit too costly, and you have your mind set on a specific car, Freeway Car Insurance can help you find better rates. They have a fantastic reputation for helping people find affordable car insurance, so why not give them a call and see what they can do for you?
Good luck and have fun shopping for your secondhand vehicle!
