Cars and Credit Master
Aug 14, 2019

How to Make a Plan Before Buying a Used Car? Things to Do Before Buying a Used Car

Did you know that a new car loses 20% of the initial value immediately after you purchase your dream vehicle? Yes, new cars lose a part of their price even before you get a chance to sit behind the wheel. That new car smell might be priceless to you as a driver with a dream of driving a new car, however, buying the same car model only which is used might be a great financial move and a smart investment.

The market of used cars is not what it used to be several decades ago, so rarely any buyers of used cars will end up with a lemon in case the purchase of a used car is not an impulse but a carefully considered purchase.

To make your investment in a used car a definite win-win situation, there are some things that you need to do to make sure your purchase will go as smooth as possible, while you should end up with a decent used vehicle and not a wreck, at the same time saving up the difference between the price of a new car and the same model of a used car.

Here is how you can make an effective plan before buying a used car.

Decide What Kind of a Car You are Looking for

One of the main things on your to-do list should be deciding what kind of car you are looking for as you need to determine how many people will be driving in the car on average, what kind of vehicle body you are looking for, what kind of options and features you are looking for, and more.

Anything that crosses your mind regarding car specifications, you should write down and put on paper, so you would be able to narrow down your search for the perfect vehicle. The list should also help you find the right car model that would match your needs and preferences. Make sure to put all the important features and requirements on the list you are making so you would be able to find the perfect used car.

Perform a Fair Amount of Researching Before Buying a Used Car

Although it may appear as a too demanding task perhaps, you should definitely invest some time in researching the cars you are interested in. Make sure to narrow down a list of car models that you would like to buy then research these models online. Check for different dealerships and price differences as the same used car model at one dealership can be a couple of thousands more expensive at another dealership near you.

CarsMaster has 400 different car models and offers high quality used cars that come with an AutoCheck history, inspection papers, clean titles, low prices and a possibility to buy a used car under a car loan through in-house financing.

Make sure that you know what kind of car you are looking for, and in case you need some help with making a final decision, Cars and Credit Master agents are trained to help you with purchasing a used car at one of six CarsMaster dealerships.

Know-How Much You Can Afford to Spend on a Car and Plan Your Purchase Accordingly

When looking for a used car, make sure that you know the exact amount you are willing to spend before going to a car dealership and predetermine your budget.

In case you are buying in cash, you will be able to save a couple of thousand dollars, however, rarely any car buyers can afford to cash out an entire amount for a car at once, even at low prices and favorable conditions, unless specifically having saved some money to buy a car.

In case that you would like to buy a car on a budget and can’t afford to pay in cash, CarsMaster offers in-house financing with low down payments, low-interest rates, and affordable monthly payments that start from $350 per month.

Choose Your Financing Program Before Buying a Car

Once you have planned out what kind of car you would like to buy and have defined your budget, you need to make a final choice on the type of financing you would like to use. More importantly, you need to decide what type of financing you can afford.

In case you have saved a certain amount to buy a car, you can of course pay for your new used car in cash, but make sure that you also count in other expenses that you have on your payroll.

If you are planning to buy a car through a car loan, make sure to prepare the needed documentation and check your credit score beforehand.

CarsMaster offers car loans with in-house financing under some of the most competitive rates and low down payments, while you can check car credit conditions and requirements online or in person by visiting CarsMaster dealerships.

Car Inspection, AutoCheck History, and Test Driving

Once you find the perfect car dealership that has everything you are looking for, make sure to check whether the used car you are looking to buy has inspection papers, available AutoCheck history, and a clean title.

A perfect car dealership should allow a test drive, so you could get a taste of what you are buying. CarsMaster, in this case, has a limited warranty that lasts for 90 days, which is in a way a prolonged test drive as well as assurance that you are getting quality and functionality for your money.

CarsMaster dealership also has inspection papers, AutoCheck history and clean titles for used vehicles, so you can check the history of ownership, maintenance, and repairs that were made on the car before the vehicle has been placed on the market for sale.

Inspection papers are extremely important although it may appear as a minor convenience as this documentation can make a difference between buying a lemon or a perfect used car that will serve you well.