How to Purchase a Used Car the Smart Way

Most people think that the only way to get a good deal on a car is to buy it new.
However, this isn’t always the case.
There are many great deals to be had on used cars if you know where to look.
In order to get the best deal, you need to be prepared and knowledgeable about what to look for.
This article will walk you through some of the most important things you need to know to learn how to purchase a used car warranty the smart way.

What to Look for in a Used Car
When purchasing a used car, there are a few things you should look for:
-Check the car’s history. This includes checking the VIN number against Carfax or other similar services.
-Look for signs of wear and tear. This can include checking the condition of the tires, paint, and interior.
-Take the car for a test drive. This will give you a good idea of how the car functions and if there are any issues.
-Have a mechanic inspect the car. This is important to do even if you are buying from a dealership.
When purchasing a “new” used car, most people focus on the history of the car.
Most use services, such as Carfax, that compare the car’s VIN number to a listed number of repairs, recall fixes, and other damage.
While this is certainly important, Carfax reports can miss a few critical things; repairs are done at shops not participating in the Carfax reporting system or repairs done at home by owners.
Thus, while Carfax reports can be incredibly useful, they may not be truly indicative of the car’s past—meaning that you don’t have an accurate picture of what may go wrong with the car.

Getting a Good Deal on a Used Car
The best way to get a good deal on a used car is to be prepared.
Do your research, know what to look for, and be willing to walk away if the deal isn’t good.
There are plenty of great deals out there; you just need to be patient and be willing to put in the work to find them.
The following are a few tips to help you get the best deal on a used car:
-Know what you want and need. Before you start shopping, make a list of the features you must have in a car as well as the ones that would be nice to have. This will help you narrow down your search and focus on finding the right car.
-Do your research. Once you know what you want, start doing some research on different makes and models. This will help you learn about the pros and cons of each one and narrow down your choices.
-Look for deals. Once you have a few cars in mind, start looking for deals. Check online classifieds, dealer websites, and Manufacturer’s websites for special offers.
-Negotiate. When you find a car you like at a price you are willing to pay, be prepared to negotiate. Don’t be afraid to walk away if the dealership isn’t willing to give you a good deal.

Why You Need An Extended Warranty On Your Vehicle
The only way to make sure that you are protected from unexpected mechanical problems is to get a warranty on your used car.
By definition, a used car contains used parts. Used parts have wear and tear, making them much likelier to break than newer ones.
Not only do they have normal wear and tear but a non-Carfax participating dealer or home mechanic may have installed the parts incorrectly or used cheap parts.
Usually, this information is caught by dealership inspectors, but no one is perfect, and missing just one incorrectly fitted part can cost you thousands.
So remember: just because your car has been “inspected” doesn’t mean you’re safe.
There are two types of used cars: certified and non-certified. Certified used cars are usually bought at dealerships and not only have been inspected but also carry dealer warranties.
Depending on the age of the car, the certified it might even still have the original (bumper-to-bumper) warranty!
Certified used cars may also be given new warranties by the dealer, although under a new warranty certain parts and labor aren’t covered.
Certified used car warranties, whether original or new, often mirror those of new car warranties and can usually be brought to the dealer (or a participating repair shop) for service.
Non-certified used cars usually don’t come with a warranty, meaning you aren’t protected if anything goes wrong.
This can be quite dangerous because even though most used cars are inspected prior to being put up for sale, as I mentioned before, mechanics can miss critical failures.
You may be asking what you can do if you can’t afford a certified used car but don’t want to purchase a car that will end up costing hundreds, if not thousands, in repair. In this situation, your best option is to purchase an extended warranty from an outside company.
Extended warranties are provided by companies not affiliated with the dealership, but they still, give you the protection you need in case your car breaks.
They often work the same way as a certified warranty, although make sure to read the “fine print,” as sometimes they are less likely to cover certain aspects of car repairs (such as the transmission or drivetrain).
When purchasing an extended warranty, you are usually offered a choice of plans that vary in price and coverage, so make sure to take into account things like reviews and previous repairs when determining what parts of your car need more coverage.
Extended warranties cost extra, but even with this extra expense, they are still cheaper than purchasing a certified car with a dealer warranty.
Often, you can also finance the cost of an extended warranty in the same way that you can finance your car, making it even more affordable.
No matter what type of used car you purchase, make sure to get a warranty for it-otherwise you could be liable for thousands of dollars in repair costs.
Purchasing a used car can be a great way to get a good deal on a quality vehicle.
By doing your research, you can be sure to find a car that meets your needs and budget.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect used car for you.