Head to the Dealership with These Excellent Tips for Buying a Used Car

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Getting ready to buy a used car for the new school year? Replacing an old one? We’ve put together some infrequently discussed tips you should consider when buying a used car.

Ah, summertime fun in the sun. Free spirits, no school, and good times. While we’re definitely headed into summer, and it’s sure hot enough to be the sunny season, eventually it will be time to head back to school for most students. Mark my words, it will be here before you know it, which means getting yourself prepared, especially if you’re off to college.

One thing on the gear list this year that might not have been there last year is a new car. But not new-new, a used car that’s new to you. Maybe you’re replacing an old one, looking for something more reliable to get you back and forth, getting your very first car, or grabbing a new family vehicle to share? Whatever the case, there are a few key points to consider.

Everyone knows to keep the mileage count as low as possible and to check vehicle history for potential accidents or damage, but that’s not all you should be on the lookout for. To help you get a top contender for your budget, we’ve put together a list of the best tips for buying a used car.

Grab a drink or a snack and let’s get started.

Don’t Just Budget, Budget for Value

While a lot of buyer’s guides for used cars talk about following a proper budget, especially if you’re seeking financing and loans to pay for your vehicle, what they forget to recommend is choosing a car based on value.

To clarify, let’s say your budget is $15,000. You don’t want to just select a vehicle in that range. You want to look up reviews, performance reports, and histories of vehicles around that price that offer the most bang for your buck, and not just in terms of technology or features. Consider the lifespan of the vehicle and try to select one that’s going to last you for quite some time.

Be practical. Sure, nobody wants an ugly car, and everyone would love to have a fun or sporty vehicle, but sometimes that’s not in the cards. Usability, longevity, and reliability are all more important than style or superficial elements.

Here are some other value factors to consider:

• The cost of parts and repairs, as well as the availability of those parts.
• Fuel economy.
• Additional features, like extra trunk space for tailgating or storage.
• Insurance costs.
• Regular maintenance costs in your area, including oil or filter changes.

Price Match, Always

Once you have a make and model in mind, if you go with the first seller you find, there’s always a chance you’ll pay more than you should.

For that reason, always, always, shop around and check for comparable prices of the make, model, and year vehicle you’ve selected. Kelly Blue Book is a great resource for this, but it’s not the only one you should be using. Prices have grown increasingly competitive thanks to remote access sellers like Carvana. Look at other dealerships, private sellers, and small dealers in your area, and be sure to factor in the mileage, condition, and year.

And don’t be afraid to get the salesmen and dealers to price match competitors. Sometimes, they won’t, but the worst that will happen is they’ll tell you no. In the best-case scenario, you get a better price than you would have without asking.

Test the Vehicle and Get Hands-On

When you do settle on a used car, whether the seller is private or a dealership, you need to get behind the wheel and give it a test drive. You also need to check various elements on the vehicle for additional wear and tear, including the tires, brakes, air conditioning or heating system, locks, windows, and so on. Make sure they all work and they work properly.

One of the best ways to double-check a used car — that most people don’t think to try — is to bring along an OBD2 scanner. Older vehicles and used vehicles, once they reach a certain mileage, like 100K, will persistently display the check engine light. It’s crucial that you use a scanner to check error codes when you see that light. Sure, it might be a routine reminder, but it could also be an indication of something seriously wrong with the vehicle.

Car scanners like the Innova 5610 allow you to read diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), which tell you what’s wrong with the vehicle through generic and manufacturer-specific codes.

We’d also be remiss if we didn’t point out that an advanced scanner is better than a basic scanner. They can also provide you with real-time, pro-level operating data that can help you spot an issue that regular tools might otherwise miss. More importantly, if there is an issue, you can quickly diagnose the problem and discern if it’s an expensive fix or something that can be done quickly and affordably, meaning it’s still worth the purchase.

That scanner will also be useful for regular car maintenance and repairs later on.

Have the Car Inspected

A test drive and a quick scan are always a must, but it’s also important to have the vehicle looked over by an experienced professional. It’s great to bring Dad (or Mom) along and get their advice, but unless they’re a mechanic, a pro is the way to go to cover all your bases.

It sounds like a hassle, but with a big purchase like a vehicle, that you’ll own and use — and pay for — for years, don’t skip it. In some cases, you may have a brief return (forgiveness) period, giving you leeway to get it checked out off-site, or you may be able to arrange an inspection with the seller.

Some mechanics will even accompany you to look over the vehicle, with pre-purchase inspections costing anywhere from $200 to $400, sometimes less. If you have a family friend or know a mechanic personally, well, that’s even better. Either way, the cost of a professional checkup is always worth it, more so if you run into a lemon. And nobody is ever prepared for a lemon.

What’s Next?

Next, you start your search for a vehicle! But even if you already have one, you should consider grabbing an advanced scanner tool like the Innova 5610. It’s the best and top recommended way to diagnose vehicle problems, administer preventative maintenance, and keep an eye on mission-critical engine systems.

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