When you need a replacement vehicle from our used car dealership in Abbotsford, you need to know what not to do. Used car shopping requires a lot of time and effort, as you want to make sure you drive home in the used car of your dreams. Below, we’ll take a look at what not to do when used car shopping so you can make the best decision:
Don’t Forget To Get Finance In Place Before Shopping
Buying your car for cash could mean getting a better deal. However, we understand that this isn’t always possible, and many people do need to finance their vehicles in order to get one that suits their needs. When you get finance in place before shopping, you will know how much you can spend on a used car. In short, this means you’ll know exactly what your budget is, and this makes negotiating prices much easier.
Don’t Shop Based On Monthly Payments Alone
Our team at our used car dealership in Abbotsford want you to get the best deal for your car, but this also means understanding what you are paying for. You should not shop based on monthly payments alone. Many people make the mistake of only looking at the monthly payments they will be making when purchasing a used car. A lower monthly payment will be good for your monthly budget, but a longer payment period means you’ll be paying more for the car overall. It might make more sense for you to take on a higher monthly payment so you don’t have to worry too much about compounding interest.
You should also know the difference between a lease payment and a car payment. Your monthly lease payments may be lower than your monthly loan payments, but you will have to return the car at the end of your lease. A used car is something you will later be able to trade in or sell on as you like.
If you do have enough cash to purchase your used car outright, you will save a lot of money over the long term. It’s advisable to see if you can do this before you think about financing or leasing as an option.
Don’t Skip The Test Drive
You might think you know what kind of car you want, but if you haven’t given it a test drive, you can’t really be sure if it’s the right car for you! Around 20% of buyers don’t test drive the car before making a purchase, and this can be a huge mistake. It’s normal to test drive 7 cars on average before you purchase one, so don’t be afraid to test out all of the cars you think might suit you and your situation.
The last thing you want is to get home with your new vehicle and experience buyer’s remorse. Along with making sure you enjoy driving the car you are thinking of purchasing, this will also give you the opportunity to make sure all is right with the car. You can take this time to listen for any unusual noises, make sure there are no warning lights, check over the interior, and ensure that everything else is as it should be.
Not Having The Car Looked At By A Mechanic
Very few people have cars checked over by a mechanic before finalizing the deal. You might think everything is in order, but how can you know for sure unless you have the car looked at? This will be an extra expense for you, but it’s worth it to ensure you are taking home the right car and that there won’t be any nasty surprises later on down the line. Our used car dealership in Abbotsford can arrange for your car to be checked over by a mechanic, or you can select your own. Our team want you to take home the perfect car!
Failure To Do Your Own Research At Home
Of course, it’s fine to go to a car dealership with no real idea of what you want, as a good car salesman should be happy to help you with any questions you have. However, it’ll shorten the time it takes to find your new car if you can do your own research at home before arriving. You’ll have a good idea of what sort of car you need, how large it should be, the mileage, and more. You’ll be putting yourself at an advantage.
Buying Based On The Way The Car Looks
The last thing you want to do is buy a car based on the way it looks. This is why it’s important to do your research so you get a car that both suits your lifestyle and appeals to you aesthetically. You don’t want to fall in love with a car that looks great but really isn’t right for you! You’ll know what to avoid looking at too. Don’t test drive a sports car if you know you’re easily swayed and you can’t really afford it!
Not Running A Vehicle History Report
Running a vehicle history report will help you check for accidents, previous problems with the car, and the number of previous owners. Checking the history will give you peace of mind and help you to ensure you’re getting a great car and good value for money. Bear in mind that if it does turn out the vehicle was in an accident, it’s not always a reason to avoid it. It all depends on the circumstances. Asking a member of our team in Abbotsford for help with this won’t be a problem. However, if you happen to be used car shopping from a private seller, then you will need to arrange to do this yourself.
Hopefully you now have a better idea of what you shouldn’t be doing when used car shopping. To avoid buyer’s remorse and to make sure this car lasts a long time, make sure you avoid the mistakes listed here. Get in touch with a member of the Abbotsford dealership today if you’re looking for a used car!
