If you are in the market for a pre-owned car, it is definitely one of the best decisions you could ever make – especially if you want to save more than a few bucks. The used cars in san diego market is quite lucrative, which means that you have a lot of choices when it comes to makes and models, and you are sure to find a car that’s the perfect fit for your expectations, budget, and lifestyle. There are many models nowadays which are less than two years old, and even older models can give you some excellent value for your money. But if you really want to make sure that you are making the proper choice of vehicle, here’s your ultimate guide to purchasing the best used vehicle.
Decide how much you should spend
Ideally, when it comes to the budget for your car, it’s best to follow the 20-4-10 rule. The rule is relatively simple; you should have a down payment of a minimum of 20 percent for the vehicle, and then you should look for a car which is not over four years old. Lastly, when you finally own the car, its monthly cost should not exceed 10 per cent of your income before taxes.
Know what to expect
You should be aware of what you can expect to spend based on the car you would like to buy. But aside from asking how much you should spend for a pre-owned vehicle, you should also consider the actual make and model you would like to purchase first. When you have a list of the makes and models you are interested in, then you can do your research on their prices and see if they fit your budget. If not, it’s time to compromise and go for a cheaper make and model.
Check out the history of the car
It would also be good for you to check out the history of the car, which is referred to as the Carfax report. This report can give you details of the car’s history, including whether it has been in an accident, whether it has been repaired or refurbished, and so on. It will also make you doubly sure that the car you are interested in hasn’t been reported as stolen.
Choose a reliable and efficient car
There are many models which have a good reputation for being reliable and efficient and for not continually breaking down, so find out what these are. Also, figure out your needs. If you have kids, it’s better to go for a mini-van or SUV rather than a two-door sports coupe, and if you want to do a lot of driving in the countryside and want a vehicle that can withstand rough driving, a pickup would be a good choice over a sedan, as confirmed by an experienced truck dealership in Wyoming like Rocky Mountain Yeti Evanston.
Go for a local car dealership
If you want to make a good deal and be more confident about your choice, it’s also better to go with a trusted car dealership in your area than go with an individual or private seller. Private sellers may have various reasons for selling a vehicle, but they most likely will not care about your satisfaction once the vehicle has been sold. Dealerships will make sure that the car passes professional inspection before they put it on the market, and with a dealer, you may be able to save more money and time on the paperwork as well.