Steps Needed for Buying a Car
When searching for a car you should first consider what your ideal car is: the looks, the function and what level of car maintenance you tolerate or prefer. Secondly comes your budget: how much you can spend on this car, gas, maintenance and car insurance. With these considerations in mind, you'll be prepared to purchase a car that fits your needs without breaking the bank.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Figure out your budget for buying and owning the car. The budget should include many factors: the price of buying the car; a car loan with an interest rate and payment schedule that you can manage; a fund for car repairs and maintenance; a fund for gas that matches the car's gas mileage and an allotment for insurance based on the car and the insurance status of the person driving it. Young drivers or those who have had accidents before will have a higher insurance premium. Also, sports cars tend to raise insurance prices compared to economy cars.
-
2
Do the research on the car you wish to purchase. Pick a model and year and read reviews by people who have bought and dealt with that car. Compare several models and decide which car has the sturdiest, lowest-maintenance design. Since no car is perfect, decide which set of problems you would rather have with your car, such as deciding which models cost less to maintain. Go to a car lot with these considerations in mind, looking for what you have already decided is a good buy before you step on the lot.
-
-
3
Investigate a car by its history. Get the Vehicle Inspection Number (VIN) of each car you are considering as a purchase option. Find the number on the car title or sometimes under the windshield on the dashboard. Look up a company that provides vehicle history reports, such as CARFAX, eBay Motors and AutoCheck. Feed the numbers to your company of choice and find out the history on the vehicles. Read these reports for any reported previous damages to the car and whether those were repaired; odometer history to make sure that it has not been reset; inspection histories and how the car has been used, such as for taxi or personal use.
-
4
Look at the car carefully yourself. Get a second opinion by bringing a car mechanic friend or someone knowledgeable on car quality. Take the car for a test drive. Pay attention for any unusual noises. Pick a mechanic you trust to inspect the car before agreeing to sign a contract. Take the VIN to the local Department of Motor Vehicles office. Find out whether the car has a lien on it and confirm the person selling it to you is the rightful owner.
-
5
Read the car purchase contract carefully. Decide if you agree to the terms listed, including the terms of warranty and whether that warranty will be transferred to your name. Negotiate, and make sure every clause agreed to is in the contract, in writing, before you sign it. Make sure a notary public validates the signatures.
-
1
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
