Buying a car is one of life’s most exciting and liberating experiences. You’re free to leave your old clunker behind and take off in style while driving a car that exceeds all the boundaries you put on yourself. It’s the first big purchase you make out of college, so trust your gut reactions when it comes to finding the best deal possible. Here’s what you need to know about buying an excellent used cars in lebanon pa for any budget:
#1 Figure Out Your Driving Needs
The type of car you buy will depend heavily on how often, where, and how far you drive. If you drive an average of 10,000 miles each year and commute about 25 miles to work per day, you don’t need an SUV to tow the boat or haul the kids. On the other hand, if you take a road trip every weekend and drive 300 miles per month, you need a tailgating beast that can cover any ground quickly and efficiently.
#2 Don’t Skimp on the Maintenance Spending
Buying a used car is a lot like buying any car. You have to pay attention to details like oil changes and tire rotations. You can’t afford to drop $50 on the oil or neglect a basic service. Learn the difference between boring old basics and maddeningly expensive maintenance that can ruin your whole weekend. In addition, don’t forget that it’s illegal to sell a car with a mechanic’s inspection sticker inside.
#3 Invest in a Car Warranty
Even if you’re fairly mature, buying an excellent used car should still include a short-term warranty for at least 60,000 miles. Most good used cars come with at least 3 years of coverage and some even come with 5 year warranties. You can also purchase extended warranties if your new car is worth over $3,000.
#4 Buy Used Cars on Craigslist
Craigslist is the holy grail of inexpensive vehicles. There are tons of excellent used cars for sale every day in nearly every neighborhood for under $10,000. That’s a huge savings from your local dealership, where sales people will inflate prices and lie about the condition of the vehicle.
#5 Take Your Time and Shop Around
Don’t rush into a new car purchase just because you found one on Craigslist that seems great at first glance. There’s no reason to settle for a clunker just because everyone else has already picked over all the good ones. Before you buy anything, shop around and make sure the used car you’ve chosen is in excellent condition. Test drive the used car and make sure it drives well.
Finally, once you’ve narrowed your choice down to a couple of cars for sale, take your time to find out what the actual prices are before you contact the sellers. You’ll find that every seller will happily tell you that their car is worth a lot more than what they’re selling it for, so don’t make a decision based on their price alone.
More Stories
Elevate Your Lifestyle: Acquire Pre-Owned Luxury at Affordable Prices
What are the benefits of buying a certified pre-owned vehicle?
Tips for Finding Your Dream Car at a Used Car Dealer in Fort Myers