We all have been there…at the car dealership and trying to get the best deal on a car. How exactly do you know if you should buy new or used?
The new year is coming very soon and whether you choose to invest in a new car or an used one, Davis and Clark Auto Repair will be there to handle all your automotive service & repair needs.
If you are going to buy a used car, here are some helpful tips.
Shop Online & Also In Person
By seeing what is online, you can do virtual tours and research the car’s history. This will help narrow down your decision making process and avoid wasting your time unnecessarily.
Find The Car That Best Fits Your Family’s Needs
When you buy a car, it is a big decision. It is important to think of what you will need on a car in 3-5 years from today. You may not have kids now but adequate space is something to take into consideration.
Research The Reputation & Reliability
You can check out websites like Kelley Blue Book, Consumer Affairs or J.D. Power for evaluations on every vehicle.
Consider What You Can Afford
If you are expecting a pay raise in the next 6 months or so, do not let that be a factor when setting a budget for a car payment.
Consider Anticipated Costs
Do some research to understand the long term expenses like insurance, repairs, depreciation and maintenance.
Look At the Car’s History Report
One of the most popular car history reports to get is by CarFax. It will allow you to see what services the previous owner had on the car and whether it has been in an accident. By doing a little homework and getting this report, you can save a lot of headaches later.
Get A Pre-Purchase Inspection
Most dealers will do their own inspection but you have the right to pay for a separate one and we at Davis and Clark Auto Repair in Bend, OR highly recommend it. Some dealerships will allow you to cancel a car sale if your car presents any issues within a certain timeframe.
Take The Car For A Drive
Once you see the car online that you like, make sure to take it for a drive. You want to listen for any noises, pay attention to odors, feel the upholstery, open all compartments, look at the engine, review the dashboard for alerts, check the tires and make sure all the internals are working like the what, AC and sound systems.
Make sure to call us at Davis and Clark Auto Repair for any help you may need in determining whether the used car you are looking at is a wise purchase.
