6 Things to Consider Before Buying a Pre-owned Car

1. Do your Research Invest some time to decide what you want from a car. Then see which cars fit your description and what their prices are. Before walking into any dealership, take information on cars from different dealerships so that you have a clear idea of what’s available and what you should expect to pay for the same vehicles in your area.
2. Set your Budget Don’t allow your salesperson to extend your budget just to get the vehicle you want. Setting a budget helps you narrow down your search and negotiate a price you are comfortable with. Remember, a used car budget doesn’t just include funds for the car, but also money for an inspection and any small repairs that may be required along the way.
3. Financing Whether you plan on taking out a bank loan or financing through the dealership, it’s important to remember your financing options while you do your research. You may be able to get a good rate on an auto loan. Get rate quotes from a few places and talk to each lender about the type of car and price range you want.
4. Run a Vehicle History Report Make sure to get a vehicle history report and know vital information about the car. If the car you’re looking at has been in an accident or any other worrisome events, the sooner you know the better. AutoCheck and Carfax are the best sources to know the vehicle history reports if you are running a report yourself.
5. Test Drive Test drive and know if it’s the right car make and model for you. Try to test it in a variety of situations, including on the highway and up and down hills before making the decision.
6. Get the Car Inspected Even if the seller claims there are no mechanical defects or major issues, you should verify that the car is in good shape with a comprehensive inspection by a trustworthy mechanic. No matter how decent the deal seems, be prepared to compare so you aren’t pressured into buying a vehicle that is not the perfect match for you.

Benefits of Buying a Pre-owned Car in Birmingham, Al

There are plenty of good reasons to buy a used car:

• Saves you money
• Certified and thoroughly inspected
• Warranties
• Lower insurance premiums
• Lower Annual Registration Fees
• Avoids Depreciation

If you are stuck deciding between new and used vehicles, consider purchasing a pre-owned vehicle from Donohoo Auto. With a budget of $15,000, you can choose from a whole lot of quality used cars. We have some of the best choices in our inventory!