Buying a used car can help you save money when it comes to getting a set of wheels. If you're considering a used car purchase, here are five things to consider first.
1. Safety
Cars have become significantly safer over time, so make sure you look for a used car with safety features that helps protect you and your family while you're on the road. According to PR Newswire, safety is one of the biggest priorities for new car buyers with 51% of new car buyers looking for a rearview camera and 45% looking for blind spot monitoring included.
2. Vehicle History
You can tell a lot about a used car by looking at the vehicle's history. A car's vehicle history will tell you how many owners the car has had, whether it's been totaled before, and more. A detailed vehicle history report will even show you how well previous owners have kept up with maintenance and repairs, so you can make sure you're buying a quality car.
3. Fuel Efficiency
If you don't want to spend a fortune on gas, check out the fuel efficiency (MPG) of the car you're buying. Newer cars tend to get better gas mileage, and you can opt for a hybrid or electric car to save even more. When it comes to saving money driving, fuel efficiency is one of the biggest things to look for in a used car.
4. Mileage
Vehicles tend to develop more problems as they rack up miles, so check the total mileage of the car you're buying. You can expect most cars to last for about 200,000 miles with good maintenance, but some well-maintained vehicles can last well beyond 300,000 miles. Ideally, you want a used car with 100,000 or fewer miles.
5. Value
Check price guides to make sure you're not overpaying for your used car. You can find recommended values for used cars based on features, condition, color, and more. Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book are two popular vehicle price guides.
Buying a used car is no small decision, so it's important that you take your time to find the right car at the right price. Look for a fuel-efficient car that's safe, has low miles, and has a relatively clean vehicle history. Now that you know what to look for, you can start shopping and buy your used car today at Fair Oaks Jeep Dodge.