Buying a used car doesn’t have to be that much of a gamble, once you buy from a recognised dealership you’re sure to find a model which perfectly suits your needs. If you don’t know much about cars, be sure to bring along a friend, preferably a trained mechanic who can help you select a high-quality vehicle. Here are some important tips to consider before buying.
Consult with a Mechanic
Before purchasing a car, it is advisable to contact a mechanic, and discuss what type of make and model you plan on purchasing. Some vehicles are known to have problems, so you want to ensure you avoid these cars and choose something which is reliable. A knowledgeable mechanic becomes invaluable when buying a used car. For example, if you visit a car dealership in Auckland and you select a second-hand ford fiesta, don’t immediately make an investment, take note of the automobile and tell the garage you’ll be back soon to take a test drive.
Pick up the phone and call a trusted mechanic, tell them you are looking at a ford fiesta and you want to know what they think of this model? They’ll know exactly what to look for and they’ll provide some excellent advice.
Make a List
Conduct some research on the type of model you’d like to purchase, having some knowledge about automobiles is important when you approach the dealership. If the seller believes you have experience with cars you are less likely to be conned. Before you visit any dealership make a list of questions you’d like to ask about a specific model which interests you, do some background checks and create sensible questions which show you’ve some basic knowledge of cars. The more you read into the industry the more you’ll learn about problem areas and recommended buys, with some knowledge of automobiles, you can easily make a car dealer think you know a lot about vehicles by using some industry jargon. It might secure you a better deal when you make that final purchase.
Cash
If possible, bring cash with you to the dealership on the day you decide to buy a car. It’s a lot easier to negotiate a good price when the seller knows you’ll pay outright on the day and don’t need any type of finance or loan. If you find an automobile which you like, you won’t have to wait a few days to have your loan approved, you can finalise the deal on the spot. There is no doubt that having a wad of cash in an envelope when you arrive at the dealership is a good thing, it’s a powerful tool when it comes to settling on a price and maybe having some extras thrown in for good measure.
If you want the transaction to work in your favour, follow some of these guidelines. Always consult with a trusted mechanic and take note of their recommendations, create a list of questions about specific automobiles so you give off the impression of being a knowledgeable client and try to bring cash as a bargaining tool.