Buying a used car is a high-stakes investigation. To ensure you end up with a reliable ride rather than a "money pit," follow this strategic roadmap from initial research to the final handshake. 1. The Financial Foundation
: Cap your total car expenses at 10% of your take-home pay . Remember to include insurance, fuel, and a "just-in-case" fund for unexpected repairs. things to do before buying a used car
: If financing, get a loan quote from your bank or credit union before visiting a dealer. This gives you leverage to ask the dealer to beat that rate. Buying a used car is a high-stakes investigation
: Use tools like the Edmunds Appraisal Calculator or Kelley Blue Book to find the fair market value for specific models. 2. Digital Due Diligence 10 Things to Look for When Buying a Used Car - Automart The Financial Foundation : Cap your total car