When you have decided to replace your old car with another one, that shiny new car may well be a temptation. But if you want to be practical about your choice, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t opt for a used model. Buying used gives you a clear advantage on price, but it also gives you an edge over another area: depreciation. New vehicles can depreciate by as much as 10 percent as soon as they leave the car lot, and in their first year alone, they can already depreciate by up to 20 percent. So in just three years, your ‘new’ car will only be worth around 60 percent of its original value.
Meanwhile, a good used vehicle under three years old can still be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, which is a good thing. But if you are thinking of getting a used car, it pays to be savvy and know what you should do to get the most suitable deal. Here, then, is how you can best plan your buying process for a used car.
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Go online first
The first thing you should do is go online and do your research on specific used vehicle models. Check if these models will have the specs and features you want, and if you find something that fits your requirements, you can easily find out its price range. Some good platforms you can use include the National Automotive Dealers Association, Kelley Blue Book, and Edmunds, and with these sites, you can check vehicle purchases and their pricing details.
Many car dealerships, such as used car Utah dealerships like Young Automotive, have detailed information about the vehicles they are selling on their websites. With this, you can gain a good perspective on the models you would like to check further. Going online gives you another advantage: you don’t have to deal with a salesperson face to face (yet), so it’s easier to focus on what you want instead of getting distracted.
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Check it personally
If you already have a list of prospective used cars, it’s time to check it personally. In other words, do a careful inspection of the vehicle and take it for a test drive. It is also crucial to ensure that whatever the seller is telling you about the car is true. It is also an excellent time to check the vehicle’s history report (available from AutoCheck and Carfax), so you can learn more about its history of ownership, confirm the car’s odometer, and see if it has been involved in an accident or has been damaged by flooding. Doing this will give you a better idea of the car’s actual value and worth – and it also helps you decide whether you are willing to buy that vehicle for the price. It may also be worth having it checked by a mechanic with certifications. They can assess the car for issues and confirm whether it’s worth the price they are asking.
Lastly, if you want to get the most out of a used car deal, it is often better to buy from a dealer. They will have a lot more models in store, for one, and they are more likely to perform a standard inspection on the vehicle.
If you already have a list of prospective options at nearby used cars dealers, it’s time to check it personally
