Top Tips for Buying a Used Car the Smart Way

1. Top Tips for Buying a Used Car the Smart Way The economy remains unpredictable these days, with the threat of COVID-19 still around. It’s important to be careful with how you handle your finances—especially when considering a big-ticket purchase like a new car. If you want to save money, it makes sense to look at used cars and vans for sale instead of buying a brand-new vehicle. The good news is that there’s a wide selection of used cars under $10000. But how do you know if a great deal is too good to be true? Can you negotiate the price—and by how much? To minimize your guesswork, we put together these tips on buying a used car. 1. Set your budget and try to stick to it. Have you saved up some cash to buy a used car? Great. But don’t spend all of your savings on the car itself. Be sure to set aside some cash for insurance, registration, and other expenses—including potential repairs. If you intend to get a loan, get yourself pre-approved to simplify the buying process. Knowing exactly how much you can afford will make it easier to narrow down your choices, too. 2. Pick the right vehicle. Make sure you’re selecting a vehicle that will serve your needs now and a few years down the line. For instance, if you have kids or are planning to grow your family, consider a spacious SUV or van with enough room for everyone and their cargo. Safety is also important, so do your homework on crash test results. Be sure to factor in the ownership costs and reliability of the used cars under $10000 that you’re interested in. 3. Don’t forget to test drive it. You’ve met the owner of the used car and you’re serious about buying their vehicle. Before you commit, ask if you can test drive the vehicle. You might want to bring a professional mechanic with you when you check the car. If you see or experience any problem, you may be able to use it to negotiate the price. 4. Do your homework. Find out the car’s current market value according to the Kelley Blue Book. You can use that information to your advantage when you want to negotiate for a fair or lower price. 5. Check online. Whether you’re looking for vans for sale or used cars under $10000, you should be able to find them at Savannah Pennysaver. We make it easier to search for used cars online from many private sellers.