How to: Buying a Car From a Used Car Dealer
How to: Buying a Car From a Used Car Dealer

How to: Buying a Car From a Used Car Dealer

August 12, 2021

Buying a car from a used car dealer may seem more secure than going through a private seller.

You automatically pay higher prices, but you can count on honesty, and you know that the salesperson is helping you pick the best car for you. Doing your research helps eliminate problems. Thankfully, the internet offers many tools that can help.

Figuring Your Budget

Buying a house is not like buying a car. Cars are enjoyed in the moment, and decrease – versus increase – in value. It’s important to finance your car the right way, or you’ll wind up owing the bank more than your car is worth.

A variety of calculators exist online to help you figure the total cost of the car you can afford, how much you’ll need for a down-payment, or total cost based on monthly payments you can afford. When a cash purchase isn’t possible, it’s time to check out the terms available through banks and credit unions.

If none of these work out for you, you may feel forced to go to a Buy Here, Pay Here lot. These places are infamous for bad cars, and inflated prices. Before you take this plunge, check out your public transportation or carpooling options. It may be worth it to take the bus for a few months, and work on saving for a cash purchase or improving your credit.

Finding Your Car

It’s easy to drive by a used car lot and fall in love with the pretty little convertible sitting in the corner. The dealerships know this or that beauty would be safe indoors. They’re banking on your excitement getting the better of your wallet.

Before you can make common sense decisions, you need to decide what you really need in a car versus all that you’d like. One person’s wants might be another person’s needs, too. You have to be happy with your overall purchase.

There are car selectors at sites like AutoTrader.com that help you select the type of car based on a variety of factors. They can also help you find specific used cars for sale. Once you know what dealerships are offering cars that you like, you have information you need to see if they’re really cars you want to buy.

Researching Dealerships

It’s important to remember that online listings can be deceiving. You’re relying on dealerships to be honest with their assessments. The availability of Carfax reports help establish credibility, but they aren’t a guarantee a lot is on the up and up, or that a car is in good condition.

Work with dealerships that offer guarantees. These usually say you can return the car within so many days if a mechanic finds serious problems. You may also be able to find reviews of the dealership online, or at the Better Business Bureau.

Buying Online

Once you find a car you like at a lot you trust, there are even services to help you make your purchase online if you want. Mechanics all over the country have become accustomed to doing inspections for long-distance customers, and car shipping operations have seen a recent boom.

The basics of buying a used car from a dealer haven’t changed. You still need your finances in order, you still need to research your car and find a reliable used car lot. The internet has just made it faster to safeguard against the risks of buying used.

About us

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Our dealership has been Serving Calgary Alberta since 2013.

We specialize in used cars and always try to get the best deals for our customers.

Award-winning, family owned car dealership of pre-owned vehicles with several locations across the city. Lowest prices and the best customer service guaranteed.

Feel free to contact us and test drive one of our cars today. We value your business. Referrals are welcome and remember we pay cash for referrals.

Award-winning, family owned car dealership of pre-owned vehicles with several locations across the city. Lowest prices and the best customer service guaranteed.

Business hours:

Monday to Friday: 9a.m. – 8p.m. Saturday: 9a.m. – 6p.m. Sunday: Closed
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