Ultimate Used Car Buying Guide

Buying a used car is a really smart financial decision. Why is that so? When you purchase a used car, you can enjoy the same dream model you always wanted to buy but at a cheaper price. However, if you're looking to purchase a used car, there are a few factors that you need to consider to get the best bang for your buck.

Check out this guide that our team at Titus-Will Cars in Tacoma has prepared, where we provide you with insider tips on what to look for when buying a used car and to get the best deal possible on your used vehicle purchase.

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A Woman Buying a Car by Antoni Shkraba Studio is licensed with Pexels License

Before you start looking for a used car, take some time to assess your needs and set a realistic number for how much you're willing to spend based on your budget and lifestyle.

Assessing your needs before you buy a used car can help you decide what you want to purchase. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to determine your needs:

• Lifestyle and usage: What kind of a lifestyle and job do you have that a car can fulfill? Is it an everyday sedan with good fuel economy, or a spacious SUV to fit your family?
• Must-have features: What are some must-haves in a car? These can include infotainment systems, safety systems, or cargo space.
• Long-term plans: How long do you plan to have a car? Is it just two to three years, or more than five years?

After knowing what kind of car you need, you can then assess which vehicle you can afford based on your budget. Think about the total costs incurred when owning a car, including insurance, taxes, and maintenance, to see where it fits into your budget. A good rule of thumb is to pay up to 20% of the car's cost in a down payment. Your monthly payments should also not exceed more than 15% of your income

After assessing your needs and budget, you can then explore different financing options, such as financing from a dealership or applying for a bank loan. Dealership financing is often the most convenient way, and dealerships such as ours often offer flexible options. Banks might loan you a higher amount, but their interest rates may also be much higher.

If you're not sure about what kind of car would be suitable for you, you can also browse our online used inventory to get more information about the models. Websites such as Edmunds and Autotrader are useful resources, where you can read reviews about the vehicles you're interested in and compare prices. 

Aside from online research, it's also important to visit the dealership in person to inspect and test-drive the vehicle you want.

Another important thing to do is to check the history reports of the cars you're interested in. This can include checking AutoCheck  or CARFAX for reports on the car's service records or accident history. This is so that you have a transparent view of the car's history, since you'd want to avoid vehicles that have been through multiple repairs already.

Aside from the car's history, it's important to check its reliability and safety ratings. You can find this info from J.D. Power reports or Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash test ratings.

If you're looking for a used car, we'd encourage you to get a certified preowned (CPO) vehicle over a standard used car. A CPO vehicle is a used car that has gone through rigorous inspections to ensure that it's in top working condition, so you're getting a great quality vehicle at a lower price tag. You can also enjoy perks such as extended warranties and roadside assistance as part of a CPO program.

Navigating the used car market requires time and effort, here are some tips:

• Understand market trends and pricing: Knowing the supply and demand of vehicles on the market can help you understand what cars would be more expensive or cheap.
• Identify popular models in your budget frame: After you've worked out your budget, you can look for the popular models that fall within your budget range. Here's a tip: cars usually have the best value at 3-5 years old.

After choosing your car, inspecting and test-driving it is a crucial step to make sure its features are right for you. A good idea is to bring it for a professional inspection, where a mechanic can look out for any issues, such as external, internal, or engine damage. Test-driving the car also lets you decide if you like how it feels, while helping you identify any mechanical issues, such as braking or steering problems.

After you've chosen your used car, here are a few other factors you can consider:

• Insurance: When deciding which insurance to purchase for your car, compare rates across different companies to get the best deal for yourself.
• Extended warranties: You may want to purchase an extended warranty to prevent expensive repairs in the future.
• Guaranteed asset protection (GAP) insurance: While a little pricey, GAP insurance will cover most of your costs if your car gets totaled in the future.

Aside from warranties and insurance, it's also important to bring your car for regular maintenance and inspections to ensure it's in good working condition. Keeping your car well-maintained ensures that it lasts longer and keeps its value in the long term.

While buying a used car take some effort, it'll pay off since you can save money and still enjoy a great quality vehicle. Ready to get your dream car today? Check out our online inventory, or visit any of Titus-Will Cars' locations in Tacoma, Olympia, or Lakewood. Make an appointment with us today to test-drive and experience your desired car yourself.