Originally posted on https://www.drifted.com/top-6-things-you-should-consider-when-buying-a-used-car-in-2019/

There’s on the obvious reason that people look at purchasing a used car over a new car and that’s because it’s cheaper.

Anyone who is on a tight budget or just don’t want to overspend appreciate the need to save on large purchases wherever possible. Buying a used car doesn’t always necessarily mean you are dropping on quality.

Many still have life in them and often you will find that a car that is a few years older is considerably cheaper than new but has been kept in tip-top condition.

Before going out to buy your next used car, you should consider the following to help you make a sensible choice to suit your needs:

Budgeting

Before you even start looking at your next car you should be thinking about the budget that you have to play with. You should not only think about the budget for the car price but also factor in considerations such as insurance, road taxes, and running costs. You also should have a good idea of how you are going be financing the car.

Most cannot buy straight out and need to research car financing as a priority. (e.g., through the car dealership you are buying from, a bank loan, specialized car financing, family, etc.) Bear in mind that when purchasing a used car, you should put some money to one side for inspections, services, and parts that may be needed.

Arrange A Test Drive

This should be a priority for buying any car let alone of a car that is used. You should always test drive the car and never purchase unless you’re happy. It’s important that you spend some time behind the wheel of the car you are thinking of buying, it will allow you to get the feel for how comfortable you are going to be with your purchase, not everyone is suited to every car.

When booking a test drive it’s a good idea to plan a route that includes things such as highways and an area where you will have the chance to park it.

Research

It’s highly recommended that you do some research about the vehicle. The Internet offers you a great opportunity to find out more information about the model of car before you think about purchasing it. Have a look at things like reviews from people who have used it for similar use to what you’re looking for to gather an idea of if it will meet your expectations.

There are several auto-related websites that have reviews of hundreds of makes and models of cars, including used ones. It’s a little bit more effort to take the time to do this but reading reviews from professional reviewers and regular people who have been driving the cars can really help with deciding if a car is for you.

Be Smart About The History

Although unavoidable at times, especially if you’re purchasing a car privately, it’s a good idea to try and gather the information on the history of any vehicle you are looking to buy. Every used car has a back story, and this shouldn’t be ignored.

Having the service history and information on things such as major work can really help to identify any potential problems.

Suitability

This may seem like something really simple however it’s not something to ignore. You should try not to get caught up in purchasing a car that isn’t suitable for what you require. Looking for a reliable Used Car Dealer can help with this as often the specialists can point you in the direction of cars that fit your list of needs.

You may find that a small part of you wants to cave for that top of the range sports car however you should be shopping for a family SUV. The used car that you eventually purchase should suit the lifestyle that you need it for.

Carry Out An Inspection

One of the best things you can do when purchasing a car that is used, especially if it privately is the arrange an inspection to be carried out. Not only does it give you peace of mind it also allows you to see any issues that there may be. So think about having a qualified professional mechanic take a look at the car before you purchase.

This isn’t to try and catch people out although sometimes it does that’s not what it’s designed for. When purchasing second hand it’s not always possible to see any hidden problems with a vehicle even for the seller.