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Mistakes To Avoid When Buying a Used Car

 

Mistakes To Avoid When Buying a Used Car

Shopping for a new car is stressful, especially if funds are tight. Unfortunately, sometimes cars break down or become too expensive to fix, and that means they need replacing. Here are the most common mistakes people make when buying a used car so you can avoid them.

Not Focusing on the Big Picture

While it’s tempting to let a car’s appearance or amenities sway your decision, having a small budget for a new car means you need every dollar to count. Focus on researching the model’s safety and reliability ratings, as well as the individual vehicle’s history report that will tell you if the car has had any problems in the past. You don’t want to waste your money on a car that will need replacing soon afterwards.

Ignoring Red Flags

If you see a deal that seems too good to be true, it might be because the model is discontinued. In recent years, major car manufacturers have had to stop producing certain vehicles with low safety ratings, but they still show up on the used car market. Do your research and don’t get tricked into buying one of these dangerous cars!

Choosing Poor Gas Mileage

With gas prices skyrocketing, it’s more important than ever that you pay attention to a car’s efficiency before purchasing. Choosing a car with poor gas mileage is like sailing in a boat with a leak—you’re basically buying a permanent opportunity to throw money away instead of a tool that helps you get back on your feet.

Choosing Difficult Maintenance

All cars need maintenance eventually, but some vehicles are more difficult to fix than others. Some manufacturers, like GM and Dodge, are notorious among mechanics for cramming car systems into tight places, forcing mechanics to remove five or six parts just to have room to work in. Even if the fix is simple, the time spent removing and replacing all those parts drives up labor costs.

Not Doing Research

While we know that your time is precious, don’t skip the research step of car shopping. Once you get in front of a salesperson, you’ll have a harder time focusing on your needs instead of whatever they’re trying to sell you. Go in with a game plan and you’re more likely to spend your money where it’s most effective.

We hope this list helps you avoid mistakes when buying a new car. Even though it’s a stressful time, you’ll be able to make the right decision for your household by researching options and sticking to your priorities.



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