{"id":1213593,"date":"2023-12-20T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-20T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.prime-wow.com\/?p=1213593"},"modified":"2023-12-20T09:00:00","modified_gmt":"2023-12-20T14:00:00","slug":"the-most-important-things-to-consider-before-buying-a-used-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.prime-wow.com\/?p=1213593","title":{"rendered":"The Most Important Things to Consider Before Buying a Used Car"},"content":{"rendered":"

While used\u2014sorry, pre-owned<\/em>\u2014cars are more affordable than brand-new models, they also come with the potential for more problems in both the short- and long-term. It’s always a good idea to do your homework and fully understand what you’re buying; but if you don’t know what to look for, the process can quickly start to feel overwhelming. <\/p>\n

Of course, not every used car shopping experience is going to be the same, so I asked three automotive experts what they think are the most important things to consider before purchasing a pre-owned vehicle. <\/p>\n

Consider your finances<\/h2>\n

Before you start browsing used car inventory, it’s essential to figure out how much you can realistically afford, says Mark Scholl, the executive vice president of operations and retail sales at Montway Auto Transport<\/a>. “If you\u2019re thinking about financing, start by determining how much money you want to put down, along with current interest rates, and loan length,” he says. “Doing this homework upfront will give you a clear picture of the vehicles that will fit your budget.”<\/p>\n

According to Scholl, the prices of used electric vehicles are falling, making 2024 a good time to consider if one makes sense for your lifestyle and budget. “While some EVs may have a higher initial purchase price, with lower maintenance costs, they can save you money in the long run,” he notes.<\/p>\n

Also consider whether you can afford a car that still has a balance of the manufacturer\u2019s warranty, or is Certified Pre-Owned, says Jon Albert, Partner and Vice President at JKR Advertising & Marketing<\/a>. “[This way], you have a bit more peace of mind built into the purchase,” he tells me. “It gives you time, however much is left in the warranty, to detect any issues that may arise and have them repaired before it expires.”<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also a good idea to find out how much labor costs for the car you have in mind, says Albert. “You might be shocked at how much more luxury-brand vehicles are to repair than their non-luxury counterparts,” he notes. “This will help you eliminate an unpleasant surprise down the road.”\u00a0<\/p>\n

Consider the mileage<\/h2>\n

When comparing vehicles, Scholl encourages used car shoppers to look at mileage in a new way. “While a low-mileage vehicle may seem like a better option, this isn’t always the case if it hasn\u2019t been properly maintained,” he explains. “When you compare a used vehicle with low mileage to a new vehicle, the savings are significant. For example, the price of a slightly used vehicle with a few thousand miles averages about 11% less than the brand-new model.”<\/p>\n

Consider the vehicle’s history<\/h2>\n

Whether a used car is being sold by a dealership or private seller, be sure to request the vehicle’s history report. <\/p>\n

If the seller can\u2019t provide the report, Hunter Brabham, a vehicle modifications and maintenance specialist and category manager at\u00a0CarParts.com,<\/a>\u00a0suggests asking them for the vehicle identification number (VIN), and ordering your own report. You can get a vehicle history report from the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System, and companies like CarFax, AutoCheck, and VinAudit\u2014though you may have to pay a fee of $25 to $40<\/a> for those. <\/p>\n

“The information [in the report] can reveal previous accidents, ownership history, and maintenance records, helping you decide if the car is a sound purchase,” says Scholl. The report will also let you know if the vehicle has ever been totaled. “You can also go to the National Insurance Crime Bureau to find out if the vehicle was ever stolen,” says Brabham.<\/p>\n

While vehicle history reports aren’t always 100% accurate, Albert stresses the importance of insisting on one. “Some states will even give you the name of the previous owner if you\u2019re buying from a dealer\u2014contacting them could be another potentially good source of information,” he adds.<\/p>\n

If buying from a private seller, Scholl recommends asking them:<\/p>\n