I'm Buying a Cheap, Used Car. Do I Need to Insure It?
There are plenty of things to consider before buying a cheap car. Some things you might not even think about. For example, what kind of car is it? Well, there's no guarantee that if you buy a used car, it will still be for sale when the time comes to trade in for a new one. It's better to get one that is clearly listed as "certified pre-owned. This means the owner has gone through an official inspection by a third party and the car has been detailed, meaning that it's less likely to have sustained damage during its use or time on the road. Also, this type of model comes with a warranty--meaning you'll be covered if there's ever any major problems with your car.
How old is your car? You want to get one that at least has two or three more years left in its "warranty service life" if you're going to keep it for a while.
How much money are you willing to spend? Perhaps the first thing to consider is whether or not you can afford a used car outright. There are low-cost options such as prepaid auto insurance, but some people think they're not a good idea. In general, there are more affordable ways to pay for your car than by selling it after you've purchased it outright. For example, if you're interested in a used minivan for under $10,000, there are trade-in values that make sense and you may avoid adding much additional cost to your monthly budget.
Let's just say you have enough money to buy a used car outright with only a $500 down payment. You might want to consider waiting before making your final decision. Low-cost car loans will usually require that you take out additional loans to reach the full amount of the purchase. If at all possible, call around to get several quotes on your used car from credit unions and other financial institutions that specialize in vehicle financing. There are some low-cost options out there, and they'll be worth looking into if you're on a tight budget and don't have much time to decide what kind of car you'd like.
Does the car have enough room? You'll be paying for something to drive even if you're buying a low-cost used car. It might make sense to consider your family's needs and how they differ from yours before settling on a model.
When considering all the factors that go into buying a used car, you'll need to decide whether or not it's a good choice for your particular situation. The best advice is probably to find out as much information as possible about any used cars you're interested in before visiting any dealerships. Even if you decide on one vehicle, there are plenty of other models available, and one of these could fit your lifestyle better, depending on your needs when it comes to transportation.
As always, you're the best judge of your car needs. It might make sense to wait a few weeks or even months before buying your next used car. Before making any purchases, always make sure you fully understand the terms of any financial obligations, and try to avoid taking out any additional loans--even if it means delaying your purchase until you have more money in hand.
Before deciding on a used car, be sure that the entire process is completely transparent and that you know exactly what's included in your payment as well as what it will cost in terms of extra payments and related fees. If possible, visit a dealership in person before making any commitments.
My wife bought a used car recently from Cars Plus. She bought the car online and saved thousands on the price. She loves it, but she was a little nervous about buying it without seeing it first. Her fears quickly disappeared when she arrived at Cars Plus to complete the transaction.
We're not really into cars, but we both agree that this company's customer service was top-notch. The salesman who helped her with the sale knew his stuff and was very helpful--even going out of his way to make sure our experience at this particular dealership was a good one.
All in all we had a great experience with Cars Plus. We'll remember them when we're ready to buy another car.
Author: Ryan Cameron
Title: How to Afford Your Next Used Car [Easy Steps]
A used car is the perfect way to cut down on your transportation costs without lowering its overall value. This option may be especially attractive to you if you are on a very tight budget or don't have the cash for a brand-new vehicle. In most cases, used cars depreciate less than their newer counterparts. However, you do need to consider depreciation, which is a major factor in the overall cost of the vehicle.
Narrow Your Field of Choices Before Making a Purchase
Finding cheap used cars requires research and comparison shopping between different models and manufacturers. The best way to determine which used car is right for you is to take an honest look at your own needs and what you expect from the car. Think about what you will be using the vehicle for. Will it be mostly for commuting or as a family vehicle? Keep in mind that larger cars might not be the most cost-effective choice if you only need or want to carry yourself and one other passenger.
This doesn't mean that you should only look at smaller vehicles when looking for a cost-effective used car. Smaller can be better if it fits your family's needs better, though. For example, if you have a small family and will use the car mostly for commuting to work and school, you may only need or want a small car with the added benefit of extra space.
What are your transportation needs? What does it take to get to and from where you need to go? If public transportation is important in your life, consider buying one of the most efficient models available on the market that is powered by electricity rather than gas. They are usually less expensive, faster, and cleaner than their gas-powered counterparts.
Know Your Good Options When Purchasing a Used Car
When looking for a used car that meets your budget requirements and fits your needs, it's important to narrow down what makes up that budget. First, figure out how much you can afford to spend. Start by looking at your monthly budget, including other expenses in your life such as rent, utility bills, and food.
Now that you have a rough idea of what you can afford with your monthly budget, use it as a guideline for other expenses that may be added to the cost of a car. You likely won't be able to pay for everything on a fixed amount each month. For example:
* Gas – Also known as gasoline. While gas prices normally increase over time, finding good used cars with even lower prices is possible today than it was years ago. Look for models with an efficient hybrid or electric motor that is powered by gasoline and avoids gas stations completely.
Conclusion
Still not sure of which used car is right for you? Take a look at the Kelley Blue Book online database to get an idea of the market value of used cars. You can also check out Cars Plus, whose motto is "We pay less."
Author: Ryan Cameron
Title: How to Afford Your Next Used Car [Easy Steps]
New or used cars are an expensive investment that can put a large dent in your wallet if you don't carefully consider all of your options. Even if you're looking at the best new cars on the market, price is still a major factor in choosing which vehicle will fit your needs and expectations.