Though many people believe the idea that a “quality used car” is a misnomer because they’ve had bad experiences in the past, it really is possible to purchase a used vehicle and be entirely happy with the purchase.
However, there are some tips and pieces of advice that you can follow to make sure that you get the best deal that you can on the best car for you – do an attitude check on the dealer before you go to a lot, always be sure to get legitimate accident reports, avoid high-pressure conversations, try the car before buying it, and have a friend come along during the purchase journey.
Do an Attitude Check on the Dealer
Just in terms of attitude, some dealerships are going to treat you more realistically and favorable than others. Consider a dealership that cares about how your car is running before selling it to you. That simple positive attitude, where the dealer actually goes through a physical and mechanical test of each car they sell, will tell you a lot about the quality and effort that goes into each potential customer. All other things being equal, professional attitudes by used car salesmen are going to ultimately get you driving away in a better-quality car.
Always Check for Accident Reports
If you’re not familiar with how accident reports work, you need to brush up on it before even beginning your search for the right used car. A car will never quite be the same after it’s been in an accident, and you need to know if you can expect those mechanical jitters when you’ve decided on a make and model you’re interested in.
Don’t Get Caught In High Pressure Conversations
Old-school used car salesmen were famous for using high-pressure sales tactics. Though it’s not quite so bad now, some of those techniques are still in play, and if you sense any of them happening when trying to make a purchase, it’s good to take a step back.
Try Before Buying
You may love how a used car looks. You may love the idea behind purchasing it. But it’s absolutely vital that you actually drive the car before you buy it! No matter what words are exchanged, until you actually operate the vehicle, never purchase a used car.
Have a Friend Come Along for Moral Support
If you have a friend come along when you plan on purchasing a used car, they can give you the moral support that you need if you have to say ‘no’ to a deal. That extra person present will give you a much better chance of improving the overall quality of your purchase.
