Finding a good used car is the most difficult part of the used car buying process. However, doing a little homework can save wasted trips looking at vehicles. Go online and view used car buying sites to compare vehicles and prices. This will give you an idea of availability and pricing.

Once you found a vehicle be sure you follow the steps below:

• Take it for a test drive: A test drive should last at least 10 minutes over different road conditions and speeds. Be sure you check all electrical components and accessories.
• Negotiate a price: Call one of our loan officers and ask for the “Book vale” of the vehicle. When you negotiate a price always make it contingent upon a profession pre-purchase inspection. You cannot determine the true value of a used vehicle without knowing the true condition of the vehicle.  
• Make arrangements to have the vehicle professionally inspected. Do not let the salesperson or seller talk you out of your right to an unbiased professional inspection.

• Quick Tip: CARFAX and other vehicle history reports cannot tell you the true condition of the vehicle. It also cannot tell you the quality of any repairs made to the vehicle.
• Quick Tip: Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles have no standard for certification. A certified vehicle needs to be inspected to determine if there are problems that are not covered under the certified vehicle’s warranty. 

NEXT:  Step 3: Getting a Professional Pre-Purchase Inspection

If you need additional assistance, please contact us.