4 Things to Know When Buying a Used Car

How to Prepare – and Get a Good Deal – Before You Purchase a Used Car

We get it, there’s nothing like buying a brand new car knowing you’re the only one that has been behind the wheel. Not to mention, new cars are up-to-date on the latest technology and safety features. They’re also secured with a warranty that’s sure to last you a few years.

There’s only one problem when it comes to purchasing a brand new vehicle – price. In today’s economy, some people just can’t realistically handle a huge car payment.

For this reason, many people are perfectly content owning a used car. It’s common knowledge that new cars are likely to depreciate about 20% during their first year. Strategic drivers avoid this issue by only browsing previously owned vehicles.

If you do your research and have a plan, you can score a really great deal on a used car. Start now by simply searching “used car dealerships near me.” You’ll be surprised how many options there are. It can be overwhelming at first, so it’s important to have a strategy as you explore.

Follow these 4 tips before you purchase a used car.

Set A Budget

The first step to any big purchase is to establish how much you’re looking to spend. When deciding this, consider it from both a monthly and an overall standpoint. As you shop around, remind yourself of those numbers to ensure that you’re staying on the right track.

If you’re shopping online, you might want to filter the results by price range. This will guarantee you’re only looking at used cars that are in your price range.

Determine the Actual Cost of the Vehicle

As you search for your used car, keep in mind that the price up front isn’t always exactly what you’ll be paying. Other fees could come into play later and alter the cost. Interest on car payments and insurance are just a few examples of fees that will be applied later. Don’t forget about routine maintenance or repairs, either. They can sneak up on you.

Using an online payment estimator can help account for these variables and allow you to stay within budget.

Plan How You’ll Pay for the Vehicle

Now that you’ve established your budget, it’s time to think about how you’re going to pay for your new car. If you plan to use cash, you’re all set. If not, it’s important to start thinking about financing as soon as possible.

It’s a good idea to get in touch with your bank or credit union and inform them that you’re searching for a used car. Ask about what financing options are available to you.

Receiving a pre-approved loan also proves to a car dealership that you’re ready to make your purchase and are serious about it. It may even help you negotiate a lower price on your used car.

Know the History of the Car

You shouldn’t buy a car without learning more about it beforehand. Once you find a used car that not only catches your eye, but also fits within your budget, it’s time to do some research.

First, set up a test drive to actually get behind the wheel. Use your test drive to feel how the car operates. Make sure to drive it through neighborhoods and on the highway. Pay attention to how it brakes and accelerates. Think about whether or not you could see yourself driving this vehicle everyday.

You’ll also want to educate yourself on the vehicle’s history. Ask plenty of questions regarding how many owners the used car has had, repairs that have been made, and if it’s ever been in an accident.

Find Your Used Car at a Volkswagen Dealership Near You

Now that you know how to effectively shop for a used car, you can begin looking. Simply search “used car dealerships near me” to hone in on dealerships in your area. It’s likely that a Volkswagen dealership near you will pop up.

At VW Cypress, we offer both new Volkswagen models and used cars in all makes and models, so there’s no doubt you’ll find the perfect vehicle for you – and one that’s within your budget.

Once you purchase your used car from our Volkswagen dealership, feel free to bring it back to our VW service center at any time for routine maintenance or another service. You can easily Make an appointment on our website.

If you’re ready to finally purchase the used car you’ve had your eye on, visit our Volkswagen dealership near you, located at 19550 Northwest Fwy in Houston, TX.

You can also call us at (281) 532-8824 or use the contact form on our website to send us a message.

Important notification to our customers: Volkswagen Cypress SALES operations will move into its new location at 11411 Farm to Market 1960 West in Houston, TX, after the holidays! SERVICE operations will also move to a new location after the holidays. Its new stand-alone building can be found at 10828 Steepletop Drive in Houston, TX, located just one minute away from the SALES.

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