Do’s and Don’ts of Buying a Used Car
Do’s & Don’ts Of Buying A Used Car in Albertville, AL
Are you in the market for a high-quality used vehicle? You’re not alone — many drivers today prefer to buy used because of the reduced price, but there are still several unique considerations you need to take into account before making the final purchase. What does that entail? Well, keep reading to find out!
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Do Know Your Needs
Since there are so many body styles to choose from and a variety of features and amenities available, it can be hard to know where to begin in the used car-buying process. However, when you narrow down categories like how much cargo space, passenger seating or towing capacity you need, you can start to figure out which vehicle is right for you.
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Do Research
Once you’ve narrowed down the type of vehicle you want, make a list of your deal-breakers in a used vehicle. Research different models and manufacturers that provide all the amenities and features you want.
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Do Know How Much You Can Afford
Creating a budget can be the hardest part of the experience. You may have found the vehicle that fits your taste perfectly, but choosing one that fits your budget can be more difficult. When purchasing a new vehicle, it’s recommended that you put about 20 percent down, limit the term to no more than 60 months and keep your monthly payment under 10 percent of your income. Plus, you’ll want to make sure you consider the cost of regular and unexpected maintenance. Some cars cost more than others.
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Don’t Trade In A Car That’s Worth Less Than You Owe On It
Negative equity can be a major burden. The balance of your old loan may be consolidated into the new car’s loan amount, meaning you could be paying the debt of two cars in one big loan. Get ahead by researching what your trade may be worth.
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Don’t Rush Your Test-Drive
Take your time with the test-drive to ensure you actually enjoy the car and can get a feel for how it handles on the road. Ask questions, play with the various features and look around the vehicle. Make sure the car has enough space for everything you need.
If you have any questions about what you need to do before buying a used car or would like to test-drive any of our quality used cars, please feel free to contact us or stop by Sand Mountain Toyota at 9167 US Highway 431, Albertville, AL 35950. We look forward to serving our customers from Boaz, Guntersville, Scottsboro, Rainbow City and Gadsden.