Helpful Tips to Get a Good Deal on Used Cars

When it comes to buying cars, you have the option of choosing between a new car and a used car.

11:47 22 December 2020

When you come to think about it, the latter is a hidden gem if you know where and how to look for good deals. One encouraging fact about used cars is that even though their values depreciate by 15 to 20 percent every year since the time they were newly purchased, most used cars are still in excellent condition. Whether it is your first or nth time purchasing a car, getting a good deal when buying a used car gives value for your money.

 

If you are interested in buying a used car, read on as we share some helpful tips on getting a good deal on your used car purchase.

 

Research Your Options Thoroughly

 

Thanks to the internet, there are many used car dealer websites available for you to check out without having to visit the actual place. Also, there are plenty of helpful resources you can consult regarding car brands, year of manufacture, and the nearest used car dealer in your area. The website Autouncle in UK is a popular and useful resource for used cars because of its extensive list of car brands and various categories that users find helpful. From low-mileage cars to popular city cars, most of the user preferences can be found on this site and other similar used car dealer sites. There are also price options for the prudent used car buyers who want to narrow their search to used cars that are within their specified budget. The more options you can find in a website or app resource, the better it as a resource or reference for your used car purchase. 

 

Also, the availability of actual photos and images of the used cars is an essential bit of information in your research. A reputable used car dealer site should provide detailed photos of the external and internal features of the cars they sell. This can help save the time spent by users in visiting the used car dealer’s place. The images can give prospective buyers an idea of the features they need from a car and help them narrow down their choices. Conversely, the available images could also help add a category or criteria in a prospective buyer’s checklist, which can also help improve their purchase decision.

 

Work with Your Set Budget

 

We’re not saying that you should stick to your set budget at all times. Doing so might limit your options and you may sometimes have to compromise the quality of the used car. You may often reach a point where you will have to choose between two similar car types or models but with varying prices. While your initial decision might be to go for the cheaper car, you might be also missing out on the more advanced features that the pricier car has. If the pricier car does not exceed your set budget that much, it can still be a wise purchase option if you consider the long-term benefits. 

 

Some cars have long manufacturer’s warranty periods, especially those that are used for one to three years only. These cars may command a higher price, but you can benefit from the long years of service it can provide and the maintenance and servicing costs which may still be availed in the warranty. Still, the heart of the matter here when it comes to your budget is to find the best options without sacrificing the car quality and without ruining your budget plan.

 

Choose Between Private Sellers and Dealers

 

Another selection you have to contend with is choosing between private sellers and dealers of used cars. Both options have their pros and cons, and we will go over some of the basic ones.

 

Private Sellers

 

When it comes to used car pricing, private sellers often have lower car prices than dealers. Private sellers sell their used cars directly, which makes them cost at least 10% less than the price of the same car model sold by dealers. Also, negotiating for the final car price with private sellers is easier and more convenient than with dealers. However, when you buy from a private seller, you have to make sure that the private seller has signed the title over to you before you close the deal. 

 

Also, you will need to take care of the car insurance once its ownership has been transferred to you. Nevertheless, you get significant savings from private sellers if you know what to look for in your next car purchase.

 

Dealers

 

Dealers may have their used cars sold at a higher price than private sellers, but these markups also come with benefits. Dealers offer a more convenient car selection option by having a wide selection of cars available, rather than individually checking out cars from one private seller to another. Car dealers also do basic inspection and cleaning of their cars and their operations under government regulation. Most dealers offer short-term used car warranties, which can help keep your car in good form a few months from its purchase. You have to ask your dealer how their warranties are honored and if repairs and servicing are also included.

 

Learn the Art of Negotiation

 

Knowledge is essential when you are about to negotiate the price of a used car. Getting a good deal is your ultimate objective, so you need to find ways to reduce the price of the car as much as possible. Be strategic with your approach by checking how long the car has been on the market and pointing it out to the dealer. A car you may be interested in could be on the lot for weeks or months already, and you can negotiate a deal with the salesperson to help them free up space for another car to display.

 

Defects, damages, and alterations are also things you need to observe while negotiating for a used car’s price. Look for dents, scratches, chips, and other alterations or imperfections that you will need to have repaired if you were to buy the car and point it out to the dealer. Also look for defects in the vehicle’s transmission, engine, chassis, suspension, air conditioning, and other components. If you can get the dealer to acknowledge these defects, you can get a discount. 

 

Knowing what you need from a car and what it should cost are essential for your purchase decision. You have to make a smart move when purchasing used cars by researching your options, inspecting the vehicle, and checking the car’s history report. Applying these basic tips can help you get a good deal on a used car by getting a car that best suits your needs at the right price.