There are few things as exciting (and possibly as stressful) as buying a new car. Whether it’s brand new or new-to-you, there’s nothing like driving off in your new wheels. Buying a used car is definitely less expensive than buying brand new, but that doesn’t mean it’s less complicated and stressful. Both require that you do your research before purchasing, and when buying used, there are some extra things to consider.

 Create a Budget

The best place to start is with your budget. What can you realistically afford to spend on a car? This will set your expectation for what kind of car you are able to purchase. Maybe skip the BMW dealership, when you have more of a Ford budget. It’s generally recommended that you spend no more than 20% of your monthly take-home pay on a car payment. Consider your monthly expenses like groceries, rent or mortgage, phone bill, credit card, utilities, and savings, and calculate how much you have left over for a car payment. Remember the extra costs that come along with buying a car, not included in the monthly payment: gas, taxes and fees, repairs, insurance, and maintenance. You’ll need to budget for this as well.

Starting Your Search

Now that you have an idea of what you can spend, you can start your search for the types of cars that are in your price range. You can search online, shop your local dealerships, or check the classifieds. When buying used, a lot of consumers look for certified pre-owned vehicles. They usually come with some sort of limited warranty, and the cars have been inspected to give the buyer more peace of mind when buying a pre-owned car. While shopping, keep in mind what you need in a car, not just what you want. Will this be the family car? A commuter car? How much seating do you need? Is it important that it gets good gas mileage? Don’t let all the bells and whistles distract you from your purpose for a car, but also enjoy the hunt. Test driving and checking out all the features can be fun! After lots of looking, perhaps you’ll decide you want a Volkswagen. It’s important to take your time and check out several different makes and models, like these new Volkswagen models in Buford, to compare and contrast the different perks of each car.

Selecting a Car

You may have an idea of what you want, but you never really know until you see what’s out there. So set time aside to car shop. Visit big dealerships that have lots to offer. You don’t necessarily need to purchase from them, but they’ll have a good selection to look at, all in one place. Branded dealerships will often have used cars from other makers as well as their own, meaning it’s not unlikely that you can purchase a used Chevy from a Toyota dealer.   Lots of makes and models all on one lot = huge time saver! Plus, dealerships generally are more knowledgeable about the cars you have questions about. The downside to dealerships can be the sales team. They can be very aggressive and pushy, which is really off-putting. They may mean well, but in the end, they do work on commission and have to earn a living. So, be clear in what you are looking for, and firm on your budget. Don’t get talked into something that you really shouldn’t buy. His or her goal is to get you in a car, any car, and the higher the price, the higher their commission. So, ask questions, get it all on paper, and don’t be suckered into buying more than you need.

Sealing the Deal

Once you’ve selected a car, you’ll want to see its vehicle history report. Every car has a vehicle identification number (VIN) that can be used to look up its history.   You want to know its ownership history, accident history, whether or not is was a rental car, miles per year, and if there are any existing warranties on the car. This information helps you negotiate a fair price on it, and it helps you decide if this is really the car for you. Do you really want it if it’s been in 3 accidents and has no warranty? Even if your answer is yes, these are all factors that need to be considered when planning for the longevity of your car. Starting off your car ownership with repair bills is an absolute pain, and sometimes you can end up paying just a much for repairs as you did for the car itself. Be sure to choose wisely.

Once you’ve done your research, found a car you like in your budget, and negotiated a fair deal, you’re ready to sign the paperwork and drive off in your new (to you) car!