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What To Look For When Buying A Used Car

Buying a Used Car Guide

What To Look For When Buying A Used Car

Buying a used car can be a good option when you're looking for a quality vehicle without the higher price tag. While a used car can be a sensible option, buyers still need to make smart choices. There's a lot to look for when buying a used vehicle, but here are some ways to help you choose the right car for you.

INSPECT THE CAR'S EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR

Inspect both the outside and inside of the vehicle. Look over the exterior of the vehicle, says CARFAX, checking for scratches, dents and rust. You probably don't need to be worried about small dings or scratches, but larger areas of damage may be cause for concern. CARFAX also recommends checking to see that body panels line up evenly, as uneven panels may indicate the vehicle was in an accident but not repaired well. It's also a good idea to open and close the doors, hood and trunk to see how easily they move. Kelley Blue Book (KBB) suggests checking for paint overspray on the inside of the hood, trunk and doors and to be sure the color of the vehicle matches on all parts. If you notice overspray or mismatched paint, that part was likely repaired and repainted. Inspect the interior by sitting in all the seats and looking for unusual wear and tear in the upholstery, says CARFAX. If the interior of the car smells musty, check the carpet and floor mats for signs of a a leak or water damage. Taking a used car out for a test drive before buying

GO FOR A TEST DRIVE

Going for a test drive can help you determine the condition of the car and whether it's a good fit for you, according to Edmunds. You may want to turn the key to the "accessory" position before starting the engine, says KBB. You should see all the dashboard warning lights go on. If they do not light up, or stay on when you turn the ignition, make sure the issue is inspected. When you start the engine, KBB recommends listening for tapping and clicking sounds, which could indicate a problem. While on a test drive, keep your eyes and ears open. CARFAX suggests driving the car on different types of roads and at varying speeds to see if the transmission shifts smoothly. Make sure to note any unusual engine or brake noises, and whether all of the electronics in the car are working properly. Also, be sure the brakes work properly and do not pull the car to one side, says CARFAX.

IS LOW MILEAGE ON A USED CAR BETTER?

Low-mileage used cars can certainly be appealing, but it doesn't necessarily make them a great deal. Low mileage can certainly mean less wear and tear and a longer life. However, if a car is driven infrequently, AutoTrader says that the plastic and rubber parts on the vehicle may dry out and get brittle. It's also better for the drivetrain when the vehicle is used consistently. You may end up with a vehicle that needs a lot of repairs and reconditioning, says AutoTrader; which could cost you more in the long run. It's smart to check the mileage on a used vehicle, but keep in mind that how the vehicle has been maintained and used may be more important that what the odometer says. Checking a used car for oil leak before buying

CHECK FOR LEAKS

Any car leaking fluids is generally a red flag for a needed repair. Check under the car to see if there's any fluid leaking, says CARFAX. Black fluid might be an indicator of leaking oil, while green, yellow or pink fluid may indicate a leak in antifreeze and reddish fluid could be a leak in the transmission or power-steering fluid, says Cars.com.

DETERMINE A FAIR PURCHASE PRICE

To help ensure you're being charged a fair price, make sure to compare prices for the same make, model and year with several sources. Checking and dealer prices can simply be done online. There are a number of online tools you can use to compare prices, including KBB and National Automobile Dealers Association Guides. Even though condition and mileage will play a role in price, you can still get a ballpark figure of the vehicle's market value.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

There's a lot of information online that can help you check on a particular vehicle's history as well as whether there are any recalls on it.

LOOK UP THE VIN

The Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN, can reveal a lot about a car. Checking a VIN decoder chart is a quick way to see if a used car's VIN information matches up with what's in the vehicle title and records, according to Edmunds. There are a number of VIN decoders available online, including one from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).The VIN can also be used to see if there are any recalls on the vehicle. You can look up a vehicle by VIN on the NHTSA's Safety Issues and Recalls page to see if the vehicle needs repairs due to a safety recall. Keep in mind, however, that there may not be information on an older vehicle, any non safety-related recalls or recently announced recalls. Certain brands and international vehicles may also not be listed.

REVIEW THE VEHICLE HISTORY REPORT

A vehicle history report can help you see title problems, ownership history, service points and previous accidents, says KBB. You can get a vehicle history report online for a fee by entering the VIN or license plate number, says Edmunds. If you're buying through a dealer, though, they may provide a history report for free.

CONSIDER A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLE

Purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) car can be a wise choice because it usually offers the buyer an extra level of quality assurance. KBB states that each manufacturer has different standards for CPO vehicles, but they're typically less than five years old and have less than 75,000 miles on them. Generally, the dealer has checked all major systems and reconditioned the vehicle. Many dealers also offer these vehicles with warranties.
You can find a great deal on a quality pre-owned used car at Wallace Auto Group located in beautiful South Florida in Stuart, Florida. Just minutes down I95 highway off exit 101. They have been proudly serving the Treasure Coast and surrounding areas for over 45 years with New & Used cars.
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How to Buy a Used Car in 10 Easy Steps If you're looking to buy a used car, you're far from alone nearly 40 million used vehicles change hands each year. Here is our used car buying guide for South Florida drivers. With so many choices, finding that one right car for you can be a challenge. So we've created a list of steps to help make finding and buying your perfect used car a breeze. 1: How Much Car Can You Afford? A rule of thumb: If you're taking out a loan to pay for your car, your car payment shouldn't be more than 20% of your take-home pay. If you're sticking to a tight budget, you may want to spend even less. Used cars will need a little extra attention from time to time: new tires, maintenance and the like. And then there are the other ownership costs shoppers sometimes forget to account for, such as fuel and insurance. If the car you're planning to buy is out of warranty, it might be a good idea to set aside a "just-in-case" fund to cover any unexpected repairs. Check to see how much you are approved for with our quick and easy pre approval finance application here at Wallace Auto Group. 2: Build a Target List of Used Vehicles It's no secret that the Chevrolet Jeep and the Kia Sportage make for good used cars. But they might cost a few thousand more than a comparable Hyundai Elantra or Kia Optima, even though these are good cars too. So if you're looking to save money, consider more than one brand. We suggest making a list of three cars that meet your needs and fall within your budget. Wallace reviews have great information to guide your choices. If you're planning to buy a vehicle that is less than 5 years old, consider one that's certified pre-owned (CPO). CPO vehicles have long-term warranties that are backed by the carmaker, not just the dealership selling it to you. Franchised dealerships that sell that same brand new are the only ones who can sell a CPO car of the same brand. 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Is there a lumbar support adjustment for the driver? How about the front-seat passenger? Is the check engine light on? If so, get that problem checked out before buying. How is the visibility? Check the rearview mirror and the side mirrors. Look for potential blind spots. Use your nose. Do you smell gas, burning oil or anything amiss? Check out the tires. How old are they? Is there enough tread left? How are the brakes? Are they doing the job of stopping the car? Do they squeak? Pop the hood. You don't have to know a lot about cars to see if something looks wrong. If something is leaking, steaming or covered in oil, it's time to ask questions. Does the air conditioning blow cold? Do headlights, brake lights and turn indicators work? Test them to be sure. After the test drive, ask the owner or dealership if you can see the service records. These will show you if the car has had the scheduled maintenance performed on time. 8: Have the Car Inspected If you like the car, consider having a mechanic inspect it before you buy it. If you don't have a mechanic, Google and Yelp are good places to read local shops' reviews. A pre-purchase inspection costs between $100-$200 and can alert you to problems you may not find yourself. It's a smart investment that we definitely recommend doing before you finalize your purchase. A private-party seller will probably allow you to do this without much resistance. Most dealerships will let you borrow a car for an outside mechanic to inspect. You'll be paying for this, of course. If it is a CPO car, there's already been an inspection and the car has a warranty, so there is little reason to take it to an independent mechanic. 9: Negotiate a Good Deal Does the idea of "talking numbers" fill you with dread? It shouldn't. Negotiating doesn't have to be a drawn-out, traumatic experience. If you are reasonable and have a plan, chances are you can make a deal pretty quickly and easily: Decide ahead of time how much you're willing to spend to get the car. But don't start with this number in your discussion. Make an opening offer that is lower than your maximum price, but in the ballpark based on your average price paid research in Step 3. Explain that you've done your research on Edmunds or wherever else, so you have facts to support your offer. If you and the seller arrive at a price that sounds good to you and is near the average price paid, you're probably in good shape. And remember, the people on the other side probably dislike negotiating too — even if it's their job. Get a monthly payment, low interest rate, and ideal auto loan with the negotiation process. 10: Get the Paperwork Done If you are at a dealership, you'll sign the contract in the finance and insurance office. There, you will likely be offered additional items such as a warranty, anti-theft devices, prepaid service plans or fabric protection. Some people want the peace of mind that comes with extended warranties, so this is something you might want to consider unless the car is still under the manufacturer's warranty or is a CPO vehicle. Review the dealership sales contract thoroughly. In most states, it lists the cost of the vehicle, a documentation fee, possibly a small charge for a smog certificate, sales tax and license fees. If you are buying a car from an individual owner, make sure the seller properly transfers the title and registration to you. It's important to close the deal correctly to avoid after-sale hassles. Before money changes hands, ask for the title (which is sometimes called the pink slip) and have the seller sign it over to you. Rules governing vehicle registration and licensing vary from state to state. If possible, check with your local department of motor vehicles to make sure there are no past-due registration fees you'd be responsible for should you buy the car. Whether you buy from a dealer or a private party, make sure you have insurance for the car before you drive it away. Once you've done the paperwork, it's time to celebrate your new purchase — maybe with a drive-thru dinner. You deserve it!

21 Car Buying Tips for Local Car Buyers

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21 Helpful Local Car Buying Tips & Expert Advice If your prehistoric Junker has finally driven its last mile, or if you’ve been researching new cars to buy for months on end, a trip to your local auto dealership looms just over the horizon. (Congratulations!) For lots of shoppers, however, even thinking about purchasing or leasing a vehicle can launch their blood pressure through the roof. The haggling, negotiating, down payments, paperwork… everything about buying a car can be stressful for the average person. So, how does one get through the entire car-buying process with all their hair intact? What’s the best way to shop for and buy a car? Store these 21 great tips in your brain’s filing cabinet to ensure you don’t get too frustrated when shopping for and buying your new vehicle. 21. Know Your Budget Your heart may crave that new 2021 Kia K5 in White, but what does your head say? If your budget doesn’t support a purchase that big, don’t even try to convince yourself otherwise. You may just end up with an upside-down car loan, and that’s much less enjoyable than a more affordable pineapple upside-down cake. But how do you calculate your budget when buying a new car? Most experts recommend spending less than 25% of your monthly income on all the vehicles in your driveway. This includes monthly lease or finance payments, insurance fees, registration costs, and any costs associated with fuel and auto maintenance. You can also use our online car payment calculator to help you determine your budget before even setting foot in our Sedalia Toyota dealership. Get Pre-Approved Schedule Test Drive Value Your Trade 20. Buy vs. Lease Do you know whether you want to finance (buy) or lease a new vehicle? You should look into buying a new car if: You drive more than 12,000 miles annually; You like building equity and selling or trading in your vehicles; You have enough for a down payment; Your credit rating is excellent; You like to add aftermarket parts and accessories to your cars; You’re good at keeping up with repairs and maintenance; and You can pay more each month, as financing a car can be more expensive than leasing in the short term. On the other hand, you should consider leasing a new vehicle if: You want lower monthly payments; You don’t have an adequate down payment on hand; You like the convenience of having a vehicle always under warranty; You keep a tidy car, inside and out; Your love for the latest technology knows no bounds; You enjoy getting a new car every few years; and You don’t drive too often/too many miles each year. 19. New vs. Used vs. Certified Pre-Owned Similarly, do you know if you’d like your vehicle new, pre-owned, or something in between? You’ll pay more overall for a new car than you would a used or CPO vehicle, but you’re also benefitting from the newest technology, better fuel economy, advanced safety features, and a full New Vehicle Warranty. If those are important to you, consider buying a new vehicle, like a Toyota Corolla. With a used vehicle, your wallet will thank you. However, you won’t always be guaranteed a warranty or any of the modern features available in newer vehicles. If you do choose to go pre-owned, we suggest researching and test-driving the best used vehicles you can find before making a decision. Certified pre-owned vehicles are great options for shoppers who enjoy the reliability of a new car at a used-car price. For instance, every affordable Certified Pre-Owned Kia or Hyundai at our dealership is a late-model vehicle that’s been inspected and comes backed with an extended warranty. Get Pre-Approved Schedule Test Drive Value Your Trade 18. Research, Research, Research As mentioned above, it’s imperative that you do your due diligence and research every vehicle of interest to you. What are their 5-year value estimates? Are there any ongoing recalls with each particular model? Do any of the vehicles have features that you absolutely need? What have owners said about these models? Has anything changed from the previous model year? Narrow down your selection to the top 5, follow up with step 27 (below), then visit local car dealerships near you to take each for a test drive. 17. Apply for Auto Loans Always review current interest rates and secure your auto financing before going into the dealership. You can apply for car loans online at most dealership sites, including right here at Wallace Auto Group in Stuart, as well as at local credit unions or banks. Oh – and get your quote in writing! There’s nothing worse than picking out the perfect vehicle, only to discover that your financing fell through because nothing was ever formalized. 16. Check for Incentives and Sales Do you know if your dealership has any cash-back promotions, lease incentives, or exclusive discounts that apply to the vehicle you’d like to buy? Have you checked the vehicle manufacturer’s official website for current offers? Sometimes deals stack, too, which is something you should absolutely take advantage of. View our current Kia specials, used car deals, and other Brand incentives such as military discounts and student discounts. There's even discounts out there for Educators and Teachers, just ask your local dealership! 15. Shop Everywhere As much as we’d love to say, “Only shop at our Wallace car dealerships,” we can’t do so with a clean conscience. It’s important to shop around to find the best rates, pricing, and dealer to handle your sale or lease. Having a quality relationship with your auto dealer is equally as essential as price, too. 14. Negotiate Confidently When the time comes to sit down at the negotiating table, let your salesperson know that you’re all business. (Easier said than done, right?) Be confident. You hold all the power in this transaction, even if you don’t feel powerful. Throw out a low number to start. If the salesperson bites, you didn’t go low enough. If the salesperson won’t budge, walk away. If the salesperson brings the price down to your level – well, you’ve just successfully negotiated your next car purchase. Get Pre-Approved Schedule Test Drive Value Your Trade 13. Add Add-ons Sparingly Although we like offering our customers the best Kia, Hyundai, Jeep, Nissan, Chevrolet and many other vehicles with the best features, we realize that add-ons and accessories can get expensive. So, as much as it pains us to say this, we suggest purchasing add-ons if they help your day-to-day commute, provide more safety, or make life more convenient. Do you need GPS navigation? It could help if you travel to new places frequently, but if you barely leave the sanctity of your living room or office, your smartphone probably suffices. 12. Get a Mechanic’s Advice When buying a used car, you should consider getting it looked at by a qualified third-party mechanic. A mechanic can inspect the vehicle for potential issues, which will give you more leverage to negotiate a better price – if you even want to continue with that purchase. 11. Know the Lingo Like any industry, dealers and salespeople have their own language. If you don’t speak that language, you may have a difficult time getting the best deal. Review industry terms and common phrases here. 10. Don’t Grow Too Attached You really wanted to drive that beautiful Hyundai Palisade home, but something just didn’t click – and that’s okay because there are plenty of four-wheeled fish in the sea! If, for whatever reason, you can’t come to terms on your top pick, search elsewhere. Don’t go over your budget or sacrifice anything just to be able to claim a victory. Oftentimes that victory turns into a defeat. 9. Don’t be Afraid to Walk Away Again, you have the power. If you aren’t satisfied with your experience at the dealership or with a salesperson, calmly stand up and walk right out those doors. You don’t even need to utter a word – powerful people speak with their actions, right? 8. Embrace Suggested “Alternatives” Traditional and modern shoppers, like yourself, will typically visit our Wallace Auto Group car dealerships with a particular model in mind. However, don’t automatically turn a cold shoulder to the idea of buying a different vehicle. Salespeople may recommend alternative models with features that better match your wish list, budget, and situation. For instance, if stock is low on Kia Telluride SUVs, prices may be higher; but if your dealer has a big selection of Tellurides for sale, you may be able to get one for a great price. Ask and ye shall receive (suggestions, at least). Get Pre-Approved Schedule Test Drive Value Your Trade 7. Always Double Check Paperwork Tiny print. Missed signatures. Amended terms. If you don’t check these out, they may haunt you. Don’t sign papers that have errors or terms you didn’t agree to; contracts are difficult to break. If at all possible, attempt to complete some of the paperwork online. This allows you to take your time reviewing documents, while also speeding up your purchase at the dealership. 6. Read Dealership Reviews If your chosen dealership lacks good customer reviews, there may be a reason why. Be sure to read the reviews to see if there’s a common thread between bad ratings. Oftentimes, customers will share common complaints about an aspect of the dealership that wouldn’t impact you and your new car purchase, such as poor recall repair support or long waiting times. 5. Try Refinancing Did you know you can refinance an existing car loan? Depending on when your original financing went through, you may be able to get a better auto loan with a lower interest rate. After purchasing your vehicle, check auto finance rates every few months to see if refinancing is a good option. 4. Get Auto Insurance Quotes Before Buying Request quotes from your insurance agent for each vehicle model you’re interested in. You should also consider requesting quotes from multiple auto insurance companies to ensure you’re getting the best rate available. 3. Don’t Assume Never assume that something should be a certain way. If you want a specific feature in your Hyundai Santa Fe, ask about it. If you want that gift card or free oil change for taking a test drive, ask about it. If you want to sign up for that 3-month trial of SiriusXM Radio, ask about it. Otherwise, you may get home to find your dreams dashed. 2. Schedule Your Test Drive You can always swing by your local dealership to check out their inventory, but scheduling a test drive online or by phone is best. This way your dealer can have your car cleaned, prepared, and waiting outside for your arrival. Click here to schedule your test drive at Wallace Auto Group in Stuart, FL. 1. Bring the Family Shopping for a car is a family-friendly event. So, when you arrive for your test drive, be sure to bring the entire gang. That way, everyone can test out the back seat, climate controls, safety or driver-assist features, and whatever other gizmos and gadgets are crammed in the car. Get Pre-Approved Schedule Test Drive Value Your Trade