Used cars are a great, budget-friendly alternative to a brand new vehicle. It’s also not as difficult as you think to find one in great condition that will last your family for years. However, it’s important to make sure that you’re looking for the right things when you decide to buy used cars.
To help you on the road to finding a vehicle you can count on, here are a few essential things to keep in mind while you’re shopping for a new, used car:
1. Check out vehicles on used car sites
Up to 57% of internet users say they won’t recommend a business with a poorly designed website, but the good news is that there are a decent number of awesome and user-friendly used car sites where you can check out the information about used vehicles before you buy them. Sites like Carmax, AutoList, and Cars.com are easy to use, mobile-friendly, and let you find a vehicle that’s best suited to your tastes. Additionally, if you’re among the one-third of Americans with poor credit, you can still get financing for your vehicle. Carmax, in particular, provides different options for customers with a variety of credit profiles so you can find a vehicle that works for you and your family.
2. Consider gas mileage and your monthly budget
When you’re looking to buy used car, it’s important not only to consider how many miles have been driven on it but also what the gas mileage is. This is because gas can quickly eat into your monthly budget if the used vehicle you invest in is a gas-guzzler. The good news is that you can look up the gas mileage of the vehicle you’re considering pretty easily online. Compare the gas mileage of the car to how much you drive and how often you fill your tank. Keep in mind that other factors such as the weight of the car and how much stuff you have in your vehicle can also impact gas mileage because your car needs to burn more fuel to move. For instance, fully loaded semi-trucks can weigh up to 18,000 pounds and burn through 6.5 miles per gallon. In addition, you also need to consider the maintenance, which may need to replace or repair parts such as tires, oil, gas struts, and lights.
3. Figure out the car’s accident history
While you’re researching your potential new, used vehicle, it’s essential to take a look at the car’s accident history. Even if a vehicle doesn’t show any signs of damage and looks good both inside and out, previous accidents can sometimes negatively impact a car in some dangerous ways. In some cases, the vehicle may have hidden damage or may be more prone to rusting. In other cases, the vehicle’s airbags may be less likely to deploy should you get into another accident, which can be seriously scary let alone life-threatening. It’s better to be safe than sorry when you need a family car, so it’s recommended to avoid vehicles with a past accident history.
It can be tricky to find the right used vehicle for you and your family. But by following the tips above, you can feel more confident about choosing the right car.
