Test Driving a Used Car
PERPLEXITY
Here are the steps to buy a used car:
- Determine your budget: Decide how much you can afford to spend on a used car. If you’re paying with cash, make sure you don’t spend all your savings and set aside money for registration, insurance, and possible future repairs
- Choose the features you need: Make a list of the features you need in a car, such as fuel efficiency, cargo space, or safety features
- Research: Look for good used cars that fit your budget and feature requirements. There are many websites that list used cars, some of which also have car-buying apps, if you’re shopping on your phone. Consider online car-buying retailers and marketplaces such as Autolist, Autotrader, and Used Car Search Pro
- Price the cars: Once you find a listing you like, check the price of the car to make sure it’s within your budget. You can use websites like Kelley Blue Book or TrueCar to check the fair market price of the car
- Get a vehicle history report: Before buying a used car, get a vehicle history report to check for any accidents, repairs, or other issues with the car. You can get a report from websites like Carfax or AutoCheck
- Contact the seller: After you’ve researched the car options you’re interested in pursuing, contact the seller to see if the vehicle is still available and to ask specific questions about the vehicle – especially if you’re buying from an independent seller. If you’re buying from a private-party seller, ask to see the car’s title and registration to make sure they match the seller’s name
- Examine and test drive the car: Inspect the car thoroughly and take it for a test drive to make sure it’s in good condition and meets your needs. If you’re not comfortable inspecting the car yourself, ask a mechanic to check it out
- Negotiate a price: If you’re satisfied with the car’s condition, negotiate a fair price with the seller. Use the information you gathered during your research to support your offer
- Do the paperwork: Once you’ve agreed on a price, complete the necessary paperwork to transfer ownership of the car. If you’re buying from a private-party seller, you’ll need to submit a title application and pay the vehicle sales tax
- Get insurance: Before you can legally drive the car, you’ll need to get insurance. Shop around for the best rates and coverage options
Sources
nerdwallet
1. How to Buy a Used Car – NerdWallet
1. Determine how much to spend · 2. Choose the features you need · 3. Find good used cars · 4. Price the cars · 5. Get a vehicle history report · 6.
kbb
2. How to Buy a Used Car in 10 Steps – Kelley Blue Book
The best place to buy a used car is at a reputable car dealership. Dealerships make it easier for the purchaser than a private party seller …
edmunds
3. How to Buy a Used Car in 10 Steps | Edmunds
1: How much car can you afford? · 2: Build a target list of used vehicles · 3: Check prices · 4: Locate used cars for sale in your area · 5: Check the vehicle …
autotrader
4. How to Buy a Used Car from a Private Seller – Autotrader
1. Create a Budget · 2. Find Cars Offered by Private Sellers · 3. Contact the Seller · 4. Inspection and Test Drive · 5. Schedule a Professional …
consumerreports
5. How to Buy a Used Car Now – Consumer Reports
Weigh All of Your Options … Look at websites like the CR Used Car Marketplace and TrueCar. If you’re willing to buy from an individual rather …
aceable
6. 6 Tips for Buying a Used Car in Texas (and What to Expect) – Aceable
1. Run a Title Check on the Vehicle · 2. Go for a Test Drive · 3. Ask a Mechanic to Check It Out · 4. Negotiate a Price and Close the Deal · 5. Apply for a New …
usnews
7. Complete Guide: How to Buy a Used Car | U.S. News
One of the easiest ways to get a great deal on a car loan with a minimum of effort is to use a car loan comparison website. After you fill out just one …
What to look for during a test drive of a used car?
PERPLEXITY
When test-driving a used car, here are some things to look for:
- Do your homework: Before you go for a test drive, research the car you’re interested in and make a list of things to look for and ask about during the test drive
- Check the exterior: Inspect the body panels to see if the color matches and look for any signs of damage or rust
- Check the interior: Check the seats, dashboard, and other interior features for any signs of wear and tear
- Open and close the doors: Make sure the doors open and close smoothly and that the locks and windows work properly
- Check the gaps: Check the gaps between the body panels to make sure they’re even
- Start the car: Listen for any unusual noises when starting the car
- Test the brakes: Test the brakes to make sure they work properly
- Test the acceleration: Test the car’s acceleration to make sure it’s powerful enough for your needs
- Test the steering: Test the steering to make sure it’s responsive and easy to control
- Test the suspension: Drive on different road surfaces to test the suspension and ride quality
- Test the air conditioning: Test the air conditioning to make sure it works properly
- Take your time: Don’t rush the test drive and take your time to thoroughly inspect the car
- Bring your driver’s license: Make sure you have a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit with you
- Create a checklist: Make a checklist of specific features or concerns you have about the car to make sure you don’t forget anything during the test drive
Sources
nerdwallet
1. How to Buy a Used Car – NerdWallet
1. Determine how much to spend · 2. Choose the features you need · 3. Find good used cars · 4. Price the cars · 5. Get a vehicle history report
kbb
2. How to Buy a Used Car in 10 Steps – Kelley Blue Book
The best place to buy a used car is at a reputable car dealership. Dealerships make it easier for the purchaser than a private party seller …
edmunds
3. How to Buy a Used Car in 10 Steps | Edmunds
1: How much car can you afford? · 2: Build a target list of used vehicles · 3: Check prices · 4: Locate used cars for sale in your area · 5: Check the vehicle …
autotrader
4. How to Buy a Used Car from a Private Seller – Autotrader
1. Create a Budget · 2. Find Cars Offered by Private Sellers · 3. Contact the Seller · 4. Inspection and Test Drive · 5. Schedule a Professional …
consumerreports
5. How to Buy a Used Car Now – Consumer Reports
Weigh All of Your Options … Look at websites like the CR Used Car Marketplace and TrueCar. If you’re willing to buy from an individual rather …
aceable
6. 6 Tips for Buying a Used Car in Texas (and What to Expect) – Aceable
1. Run a Title Check on the Vehicle · 2. Go for a Test Drive · 3. Ask a Mechanic to Check It Out · 4. Negotiate a Price and Close the Deal · 5. Apply for a New …
usnews
7. Complete Guide: How to Buy a Used Car | U.S. News
One of the easiest ways to get a great deal on a car loan with a minimum of effort is to use a car loan comparison website. After you fill out just one …
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