Learn How To Buy a Used Car at Buy Here Pay Here Dealerships
Car shopping doesn’t have to be stressful, but it's hard to know what to look for when buying a used car. With such a big purchase, asking the right questions will ease all of your anxieties and ensure you’re getting the best car for you. If you’re wondering how to buy a used car, we’re here to help.
We’ve compiled some questions to ask when buying a used car, so you can feel confident in your car-buying experience. Ask these questions before and during your trip to the dealership, to not only save, but also to save money!
How Old Is The Buy Here Pay Here Used Car?
Before you commit to buying a car, consider the age of the vehicle. Buy here pay here used cars range from recent years to decades old. Research the make and model of the car and it’s manufacturing year to decide what works for you. Older cars can be just as reliable, so don’t let age stop you!
Consider whether models built before a certain year are a dealbreaker. For example, if you don’t want to purchase a car older than 10 years old in 2023, don’t waste your time looking at models produced before 2013. Alternatively, if there’s a specific model year you’re after, target your search to save time sifting through hundreds of options.
What’s the Mileage?
Miles on the odometer can make or break your purchase decision. Always check to see how many miles are on a car before you decide to purchase it.
If you plan on owning the car only a short while and need an affordable ride for getting to work and school, a higher-mileage vehicle may be just fine. But if you plan to drive the car for years, you may want to spring for a car with slightly fewer miles on the odometer.
Does the Buy Here Pay Here Used Car Need Repairs?
One of the most important questions to ask when buying a used car is if the car needs any work done. The last thing you want to do is purchase a vehicle and then realize there’s still repairs needed.
Assess what repairs the car might need so you can factor this into your budget by letting a trusted mechanic look it over or asking to see maintenance and repair records for the vehicle.
Is There a Vehicle History Report For Your Buy Here Pay Here Used Car?
A vehicle history report is an important document when you’re wondering what to look for when buying a used car. This reports everything that has happened in the car's past, including the number of previous owners, accident reports, and any work done on the vehicle. A vehicle history report can indicate any underlying issues or prepare you for any future complications with the car.
Vehicle history reports use the vehicle’s VIN number to track this information, so be sure to carefully compare the VIN on the vehicle to the VIN in the report.
Is There Any Damage to the Buy Here Pay Here Used Car?
Typically, a dealership will disclose any and all information on damages on a car. Make sure to ask for a list of these damages, as this can impact the performance of the vehicle. This will also typically be listed in the vehicle history report.
Walk around the car and examine every part of it, including bumpers and fenders. Only you can decide if door dings or small scratches are dealbreakers in your car-buying process. But keep in mind that when shopping for a used car, it will be all but impossible to find one in mint condition.
Can I Test Drive the Buy Here Pay Here Used Car?
It’s important to always test drive a vehicle before you buy it. This way, you’re able to get a feel for how it drives, if you like the features in the car, and if anything seems off during the drive. Contact the car dealership location nearest you to schedule a test drive, or stop by in person.
Does the Buy Here Pay Here Used Car Have a Warranty?
Depending on the age of the car, sometimes a vehicle comes with a factory warranty. Ask this question when buying a used car, as it can be a huge plus in case anything malfunctions that is out of your control. A warranty often protects you from any mechanical issues that are out of your hands.
Some used car dealerships offer limited warranties on the used vehicles they sell, which means you can trust any issues with your used car can be settled without major cost to you.
Are There Any Upgrades On The Buy Here Pay Here Used Car?
With buy here pay here used cars, there is the possibility that a previous owner added modifications or upgrades to the vehicle, like an aftermarket stereo or window tint.
It’s important to ask this question when buying a used car, as it can be a positive or a negative depending on what you’re looking for. For some people these aftermarket upgrades are icing on the cake.
What Is The Valuation Of The Buy Here Pay Here Car?
The valuation of a car is how much the car is worth based on several factors, including the vehicle's year, make, model, mileage, condition, accident history, and depreciation.
There are several ways to find the valuation of a vehicle, but some of the most common methods are through websites like Kelley Blue Book. Compare the dealership’s price to these valuation sites to get an idea of whether you’ll get a good deal.
Is Financing Available For Your Buy Here Pay Here Used Car?
Most dealerships offer some sort of financing when you’re purchasing a car. It’s important to shop around and find the best interest rates on a used car loan, if you can qualify for one.
At a buy here pay here used car dealership, financing is done in-house. This is great for those looking for an affordable vehicle, but may not have a satisfactory credit score. With financing in-house, you make payments to the same place where you purchased your car. This creates a more streamlined process and allows for more flexibility in your financing options.
Have More Questions to Ask When Buying a Used Car?
Once you find a dealership near you with an inventory you like, the car-buying process should be a breeze!
Whether you’re going the traditional route or the buy here pay here method, with these questions in hand, you’ll end up with the right car for you. And if you think of more questions about particular vehicles for sale or the financing process, be sure to ask the salesperson at the dealership you chose.
