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12
Aug
Auto Transport Top Tips: Read This before Buying a Car
Car Dealer | Pixabay
You may have read it or heard it from everywhere. It is true that buying a car – whether it is new or used – can be very stressful. Not just for the amount you have to shell out but also the fact that the vehicle may have hidden issues.
The first thing to remember is to buy from a trusted dealer when you are buying a brand new ride. If you are buying a second-hand vehicle, you are dealing with a stranger, so you might want to bring your trusted mechanic for the inspection.
Knowing the basic steps in buying a car can help you avoid future problems and expenses for repairs. In this blog, we will walk you through several important tips that you can use in buying a vehicle.
Prepare Your Questions
Checklist | Pixabay
You might already know what to ask by heart but listing down the questions that you have in mind can be really helpful. Before meeting up with the car seller or dealer, you can jot down the questions or download this car buying questionnaire from Edmunds.
Know Your Car and the Price
Research | Pixabay
It wouldn’t hurt to do a little research before going to the dealership. It actually gives you the advantage to know the specific car you like and the price range. Car prices are available in several car websites like Cars.com or Edmunds.com
You can also get an idea of how much you can haggle (if you are buying a used car) when you are aware of the current market price of the car you are aiming for. You can also view statistics of how much sellers have sold cars in the past month.
If you are trying to take out a loan, keep in mind that banks usually offer newer or more expensive cars. And also consider the interest rates before making a decision.
Know the Fees
Invoice | PIxabay
Aside from the vehicle’s price itself, there are other miscellaneous fees that you need to settle. This includes things like registration, tax, and document fees. If possible, ask the concerned person to give you a breakdown of these additional fees. It is also important to ask if you do not understand the purpose of a certain entry in the list of fees.
Know About Financing
Car Financing | Pixabay
Use online car buying calculators to help you estimate the price of the car. Usually, these calculators will use the amount of you’re the car you are going to trade in, the amount you can owe, and the down payment you need to pay.
Trading-in your old car can help you lessen the price of the car you are going to buy. However, selling your car is better than trading-in. By trading-in your old car, you are giving the dealer an opportunity to mark down your old car’s true value by as much as $6,000.
Know the Car’s History
Damage | Pixabay
Secure the VIN or Vehicle Identification Number of the car. You can get a history report from AutoCheck or CARFAX. A legitimate dealer or individual seller will not hesitate to give it to you. If they refuse, treat it as a warning.
Through the vehicle history report, you can get a clearer picture of the car’s real condition. There are several instances where a car’s odometer has been rolled back.
Consider Car Insurance
Car Insurance | Pixabay
Most dealers require car insurance. Though that is not the case when buying from an individual. But remember, insurance protects you in case anything undesirable happens.
Have a Road Test Checklist
Road Sign | Pixabay
Road testing a car lets you check the actual feeling of driving it. It also gives you the opportunity to pinpoint hidden issues of the car. You can check a few tips on how to test drive a car.
Test drive during the time of day and on the usual kind of conditions where you usually drive. You can also put in gear that you usually bring to make sure that they fit in the car.
Bring a Mechanic
Mechanic | Pixabay
We have already discussed the pre-purchase inspection in our previous post. It is important to bring a trusted and experienced mechanic to inspect the car before buying. Hidden defects can only be seen by an expert.
Some cars may look good on the outside but not really on the inside. Mechanics can check and see parts that may need to be repaired or replaced. This may be an additional expense but it can help you save money on future repairs.
Secure the Car Title
Documents | Pixabay
If you are not taking out a loan, there is no reason for the dealer to not give you the car’s title. Many people have experienced some trouble in getting the car title. Do not fall into this kind of scheme.
You can verify the car title with the local DMV. You can check if the seller’s ID matches with the ownership details of the car. You can also ask them how to process the transfer of title.
Ready Your Negotiating Skills
Negotiation | Pixabay
The first few steps will help you in negotiating. Once you know more information about the car, you will be more equipped to negotiate. Researching about the car’s model, year, and, make can also give you an edge when it comes to haggling.
Know the Warranty
Car Dealers | Pixabay
Know if the car is still covered by warranty. Some dealers offer a service warranty. But if you see an “as is” sign on the car, it is most likely that you will shoulder any future repair once you drive it away from the dealership.
Deal | Pixabay
There you go! We hope you learned something from this post. If this post has been helpful, feel free to share it on social media. You can also leave a comment below.
For all of your car shipping, fleet leasing, household goods moving needs, and more, we are your trusted auto transport broker – Balch Logistics.
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Comments (16)
Very nice & informative keep sharing with us
Thank you for your feedback. We at Balch Logistics have our trusted network of carriers and years of experience in the field. Call us for your auto transport concerns and queries. We’d be glad to help!
You shared a very informative content thanks for sharing, I am also seeking a shipping company which provides me a secure and reliable auto transport services.
Thank you for your feedback. We at Balch Logistics have our trusted network of carriers and years of experience in the field. Call us for your auto transport concerns and queries. We’d be glad to help!
I really appreciate your tips for buying a car. I think it might be time that we get ourselves another car. Of course, we’ll be buying it used. http://www.malcomotors.com/
Thank you for your feedback. Whether it be new or used, your choice of car will always be the best.
We at Balch Logistics have our trusted network of carriers and years of experience in the field. Call us for your auto transport concerns and queries. We’d be glad to help!
Transport or transportation is the movement of humans goods from one location to another
That’s true! For all of your car shipping, auto transport, and household goods moving, we are your trusted auto transport broker – Balch Logistics. http://www.balchlogistics.com
Thanks for the feedback. We are glad you liked our article. Keep on reading and keep on sharing to spread the knowledge.
For all of your car shipping, auto transport, and household goods moving, we are your trusted auto transport broker – Balch Logistics. http://www.balchlogistics.com
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That’s a good idea to bring a mechanic with you to perform a pre-purchase inspection. My father is actually a mechanic, so I could bring him with me. I will be sure to keep this in mind before going out to look at used vehicles this weekend. https://www.garyromehyundai.com/used-inventory/index.htm
We are glad you learned something from this article, Lyla. Thank you for your feedback. We at Balch Logistics have our trusted network of carriers and years of experience in the field. Call us for your auto transport concerns and queries. We’d be glad to help!
That’s a good idea to bring a mechanic with you to perform a pre-purchase inspection. I have been thinking about using my tax return money this year for a downpayment on a car. My dad is a mechanic, so he may be able to accompany me to make sure I get a car that’s in good condition. https://www.genesisofhenderson.com/
Such an authentic piece of information. I appreciate you for this post. Thanks again!
Regards!
We are glad you learned something from this article. Thank you for your feedback. We at Balch Logistics have our trusted network of carriers and years of experience in the field. Call us for your auto transport concerns and queries. We’d be glad to help!
Thanks for sharing this authentic piece of information.
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Thanks for your feedback.