Car Buyer Labs

Car Buying Advice, Tips, and Reviews

2018 Ford Taurus

What To Consider Before Buying A Used Car

Buying a car is a big decision, and there’s no getting around it – cars can be expensive. It’s all too likely that the car of your dreams will be out of your price point, a far off “someday” car. But just because you can’t afford the nicest car in the world doesn’t mean that you must settle for a car you don’t like. Used cars, such as used Fords for sale, provide a viable option for soon to be car owners looking to purchase a vehicle. Used cars are often in great condition, particularly if you buy them through a dealership, and tend to be considerably less expensive than a brand new, never before been owned car.

 

So How Common Are Used Cars, Anyway?

The answer to this question: very. Used cars are a popular option for those in the market for a new motor vehicle. From used trucks to used SUVs, used motor vehicles are common all throughout the country. In fact, statistics show that a typical motor vehicle has as many as three owners in its lifespan and that in just a few short years, thousands of cars that are twenty years or even older will be actively used and on the road.

In just a single calendar year, nearly 50,000 total used cars are sold in the United States alone. These cars are sold in used car dealerships but also through private transactions. However, it is important to thoroughly inspect any used car bought through a private transaction, as it is more likely to have developed problems that have been left untreated or are even perhaps unknown to the seller.

 

Choose a Make and Model

Just as when you are looking to purchase a brand new car, it is important to consider the make and model of the used car that you are interested in. From used Fords for sale to used Hondas for sale, the range of used cars is comparable to the range offered of new cars.

Let’s take look at used Fords for sale. Used Fords for sale will come in at many different price points (as will new Fords) but tend to be less than five thousand dollars of the original sale price when the motor vehicle was new. Many different types of used Fords are for sale, all different models, dating back a considerable number of years to models as recent as 2015 and 2016. In fact, the Ford Motor Company is the second largest motor company not only in the United States but in the world itself.

Used Fords for sale are also a great choice because they tend to be some of the safest cars you can buy and drive. In fact, they’ve even made the Forbes list of safest cars to drive. Used Fords for sale are also often equipped with high tech features such as heated leather seats and a rotary gearshift dial.

 

Who Should Buy Used Cars?

The answer is simple: anyone and everyone. There really isn’t anyone who wouldn’t benefit from the reduced price of a used motor vehicle, but used cars such as Fords are particularly ideal for those on a tight budget. A great example of this type of person is the average college student in the United States today. College students are often juggling multiple responsibilities, such as rent, tuition, the cost of textbooks, and bills, among other things. Some college students are also parents or have other full-time responsibilities and many work part-time throughout their college years. For some, working full-time while also attending school is the only way to attainable and reasonably afford to make a living wage while getting an education. A used car can be ideal for such a person.

Buying a used car can also be a perfect present for a son or daughter that has recently obtained their driver’s license. As many of us are aware, teenagers are often desperate to get on the road. Many parents are hesitant about buying them a fancy, expensive vehicle, as it is often questioned how their teenage child will care for it. However, it’s crucial for parents to know that their child is as safe as possible while on the road. A vehicle that has been certified pre-owned is often an ideal compromise between the two concerns, as they are usually not as expensive as a brand new vehicle but are still highly rated safety wise.

 

How Should I Pay For My New Used Car?

Even in cases of used vehicles, financing your new (to you) car is often the most financially sound option. Even a particularly nice used car should only cost around $150 a month, if not just slightly more. Though it will likely still take you awhile to pay off the total balance of your new (used) car, it is far more feasible to pay it off in a reasonable amount of time without sacrificing the stability of your other financial responsibilities, such as insurance payments, rent, bills, and other day to day costs of living.

 

Get Excited!

Buying a new car – or a new, used car, a new to you car – can be stressful, it’s true. There’s a lot to consider, from your budget to what you’re looking for in a motor vehicle, be it a truck, an SUV, or a convertible. However, trust in your own decision-making skills. While it’s important to do your research and discover as much as you can about the cars that you’re interested in as possible – as well as test driving them to truly get a feel for the how the car is on the road and in the real world – trust your gut. You’ll know the right car when you see it, when you feel it, and when you drive it. Oftentimes, a used car is the best of both worlds: lower price, high-quality. A used car can become just as much a part of your identity as a brand new car, and you can feel better about your wallet after purchasing a used car.