Do's and Don'ts of Buying a Used Car | York PA
Do's & Don'ts of Buying a Used Car in York, PA
Here at Toyota of York, we understand that the car-buying process can be overwhelming for some. Given the multitude of new and used models on the market, it’s beneficial to equip yourself with knowledge when shopping for your next vehicle. With years of experience inspecting cars, we’ve gathered several tips along the way to assist our customers on their purchasing journey. While most of these points apply to car buying in general, they’re particularly crucial when shopping for used cars. Keep reading below to discover the do’s and don’ts of buying a used vehicle!
What are the do’s and don’ts of buying a used car?
1. Do know your needs.
A solid understanding of the features, body styles and amenities you’re looking for is important when shopping for a used model. Create a list of must-haves for your next vehicle purchase, such as a third row if you have a large family, and explore options with this criteria in mind. As a result, you’ll streamline the search process and find a ride that perfectly fits your lifestyle needs.
2. Do your research.
Utilize third-party resources like Kelley Blue Book® and Edmunds to familiarize yourself with the current market. Simply enter the details of your preferred make and model, and take note of the numbers that appear. Equipped with a better understanding of vehicle pricing, you’ll be more prepared to negotiate when you visit our finance office.
3. Do stick to your budget.
Set a budget for yourself to ensure that you don’t overspend when a flashy model catches your eye at our dealership. We recommend purchasing a model that's no more than 20 percent of your monthly income. When factoring in taxes, insurance and maintenance costs, as well as dealer and registration fees, expenses add up quickly. If possible, it’s best to put down as much upfront to reduce your monthly payment or shorten your overall loan term.
4. Don't trade in a car that's worth less than what you owe on it.
A great way to save on your next vehicle purchase is by trading in your current car. However, if you still owe more than the current value of your vehicle, it might be best to pay it off first. Try to avoid carrying negative equity from one loan to another — we recommend holding off your purchase in this scenario.
5. Don't rush your test drive.
Before committing to your purchase, take the car you’re interested in for a test drive! This offers the final assurance before buying the vehicle. Don’t rush your test drive — take your time and be sure to test each system and function, while enjoying the ride. Ready to kickstart your used car purchase? Contact one of our experts and we’ll help answer any questions you may have!
If you have any questions or would like to test-drive any of our quality used cars, please feel free to contact us or stop by Toyota of York at 1885 Whiteford Road, York, PA 17402. We look forward to serving our customers from Hanover, Lancaster and Elizabethtown.