In 2021, the options for finding and purchasing a new or new-to-you car are no longer limited to dealerships and used car lots with pushy salespersons. There are more options now than have ever been available before. The three best options for buying either new or used vehicles are:
- Buying from a private seller
- Buying from a dealership
- Buying from an online source
Each of these options has advantages and downfalls that deserve to be considered before a final decision is made. There are some across-the-board key points to remember, regardless of which buying a car avenue you decide to take.
Universal Guidelines to Keep in Mind
No matter what option you choose, the very first action to take is to decide on a flexible budget leaving room for the expenses of insurance taxes and a tag. You’ll also need to do a basic search to see what type of vehicle you’re most interested in. After you decide what you’re looking for, it’s advisable to do a little deeper research on your top picks. Check out some reviews and familiarize yourself with the specs on each pick. When you’ve weeded out any not-so-great options, check how much the buying a car fair market prices are. Kelley Blue Book is an excellent resource to get an educated idea of a vehicle’s value. One last universal guideline would be to get a copy or view a copy online of each vehicle history report. You will have to have the vehicle identification number or VIN in order to search for that specific vehicle. However, a vehicle history report will tell you about the previous owners and any accidents or repairs made to that vehicle.
All of these guidelines should be applied to any option you decide to go with when buying a vehicle.
Buying from an Individual or Private Seller
There is some element of fun and the Gamble of buying from a private seller. You really never know what condition the vehicle is in until you go and do it in person. It could be anything from a total piece of junk to a barnyard gem in perfectly mint condition. When you find the vehicle you are interested in checking out, write down a list of questions to ask the seller. If the information isn’t already listed, you’ll want to know about any accidents or repairs that have been made, how many miles the vehicle has on it, the status of the title, and any problems the vehicle may have. You will probably have your own questions to ask, these are just a few major things you’ll want to know. When you do go check out the vehicle, be sure to test drive it and if possible have a mechanic inspect it during the test. It’s easier to negotiate the price with an individual than a dealership. However, there’s a great deal more risk involved with private seller transactions.
Buying New or Used from a Dealership
It seems that in general car dealerships, especially used car dealerships, have an unfortunate stigma attached to them. The stereotype of a salesman putting excessive pressure on a customer to buy is not quite as common as you may have been led to believe. Still, before you decide to buy new or used vehicles, it’s a good idea to look into the reputation of the dealership you are considering buying from. Reviews from previous buyers are a handy way to get an idea of what to expect from a dealership. KBB Car Value Finder can still be used to make sure you’re getting a fair and honest price. Shop around at several different places and don’t be intimidated by the used buying a car label. Just also don’t make an impulse but or go outside of your budget.
Buying a Vehicle Online
Shopping for cars for sale online is almost Identical to the process of searching for cars locally, except you can extend your search range. Many online dealerships provide an option for a salesperson to bring the exact vehicle you want to your home to test drive. The search options also open more doors to vehicles from all across the nation.
No matter which avenue you take when in the market to buy a new or used vehicle, be sure to use your best judgment. If the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
