For some looking to buy a used car, the process may seem intimidating. There are plenty of budget and maintenance concerns to consider, and for the busy worker, arranging these can seem like a lot.
At Auction Direct USA, we’re here to tell you that this doesn’t have to be the case as you search for used cars. Our pros can help you through every step of the process and make things as simple as possible. Here are the basic steps to a standard used car search process.
Budget
For starters, you have to lay out your budget for a larger purchase like this. The way to do this is to calculate monthly net income after taxes, then subtract all your other bills and expenses – with what’s left over, are you in good financial shape to take on a car loan? Most experts recommend staying below 20 percent of your disposable income each month on a car payment, and you have to consider things like maintenance as well.
Wish List
Once you have your budget set, you have an idea of the kinds of features you can look for. Narrow down your must-haves versus your basic desires.
Shopping Around
There are tons of options available to you out there, so take the time to look around. Our online resources are an excellent place to start. Make comparisons as you shop, asking about things like warranties and performance features.
History and Maintenance Reports
As you narrow your list down to specific vehicles, keep a careful eye on CARFAX and other vehicle history reports. Look for cars that have bad accident histories, have changed hands several times, or have a spotty maintenance history – these might be options to avoid. In person, ask about test driving the vehicle as well.
Fair Price, Finalized Deal
Once you’ve settled on a choice, it’s time to set a final price and get the deal finalized. The rise of vehicle history reports has made it so there’s less haggling in this process than ever before, and you can get a good deal without making enemies of your dealer.
Paperwork
Finally, there’s a good chunk of paperwork to complete to finalize the sale – luckily, your dealer can help with lots of this. This will include things like a final inspection, a bill of sale, a title transfer, valid payment, maintenance record transfer, key transfer, and the seller removing their insurance policy.
For more on the process of buying a used car, or to view any of our used cars for sale, speak to the pros at Auction Direct USA today.
