November 2022

Get the Most from Your Ride with This Quick Checklist

Most drivers assume finding a trouble-free buy here pay here used car is all luck, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. It actually has to do with the inspection you do before you officially call it yours. Buying a new car is exciting, but it’s important you perform a proper, thorough inspection before you make your ultimate decision.

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to a used car, and you may feel a bit overwhelmed and unsure where to start. Here is a guide on what to look out for while viewing buy here pay here used cars.

#1 – Park it on Level Ground

Before you begin your inspection, make sure the car is parked on a level surface. This will allow you to spot any sagging in the undercarriage, or if it’s out of line. You’ll also be able to get a better view of the tires, and it’ll be easier to determine if they’re in good shape.

Check if the shock absorbers are working properly by pushing down on each corner of the car. They should rebound once, not bounce up and down.

#2 – Check the Car’s Body

The car’s body condition may affect how it drives, but it can affect how much you pay in the end. Make sure to carefully inspect each panel – and don’t forget the roof!

Look for any scratches, dents, or rust. Rust can be concerning, so check for blistered paint or visible rust on the car’s exterior. The paint color should be consistent on each body panel. You’ll also want to notice any unaligned panels or gaps, which are a telltale sign of a careless assembly at the factory or a poor repair in the car’s past.

Open and close each door, the hood, and the trunk to ensure everything is working in perfect order. Carefully lift and release each door to catch any loose hinges.

#3 – Take a Look at the Glass

Next, you’ll want to inspect the car’s glass to ensure there are no cracks or rough areas to be aware of. Small chips in the glass aren’t too big of a concern, but might be something you’ll want to consider as you assess the price of the car. If you notice any cracks, you may want to move on to another used vehicle at the dealership. Not only do cracks spread and worsen over time, but they could also lead to a costly repair later on.

#4- Assess the Interior

The interior of the car is important, as you’ll be spending a lot of time in the driver’s seat. When you first open the car door, check for odor. A musty, moldy smell can be a sign of water leaks. Look out for an acrid scent that could be from a past smoker. These odors might be difficult to completely get rid of.

As you inspect the interior, make sure to also focus on the upholstery. It should be in relatively good condition, with no rips or tears. It’s also a good idea to check that the seats can be adjusted with ease, and aren’t stuck in one specific setting.

#5 – Open Up the Hood

Before you wrap up your inspection and call it a day, don’t forget to also take a look under the hood. Make sure the engine is cool before you get started. Dirt and dust are normal and expected, but pay close attention to oil splatters, corrosion on the battery, or loose wires.

Check fluid levels by starting with the engine oil. It should be dark brown or black, but not gritty. Honey-colored oil is an indication it was recently changed. See if the dipstick has water droplets on it or gray, foamy oil, as this could be a telltale sign of a cracked engine block or blown head gasket, which are two serious issues.

Assess the automatic-transmission fluid with the engine warm and running. It should be a pink color and smell like oil, but not burnt. If the dipstick leaves visible metal particles on the rag, this is another indication of a serious problem.

Finding a Buy Here Pay Here Used Car Near You

Now that you know what to look out for while inspecting a buy here pay here used car, it’s time to start your search for one to call your very own. Begin by searching “buy here pay here used cars near me” to discover a list of dealerships in your direct vicinity that sell this particular type of used car. As you browse their lot, you’ll know just how to find a buy here pay here used car in great condition.

Things to Say and Do To Get The Best Deal On Your Used Car

In an ideal world, buying a car would be easy. No tricks, gimmicks, or smokescreens.

Unfortunately, we know this world is far from perfect, and shopping for used cars can be far from easy. It can feel like a game that, if you’re not prepared for it, leads to regrets and dissatisfaction with your car purchase.

Good news! You can help swing the game in your favor and come out with a positive experience and result of your car buying process as you learn to become a master at negotiating with used car dealerships. You’ll come away with great vehicle prices, perks, and performance, once you’ve learned how to talk to auto dealers.

Be Prepared

You may think you’re savvy and good at handling negotiations, but it is almost impossible to walk into a used car dealership and swing a truly good deal without some preparation.

Follow these Dos and Don’ts of preparation, and you will be able to see through the smokescreens and fluff to find the real value in your next vehicle.

• DO gather reliability, safety, pricing, and other important information about the top cars from the category you are looking to purchase from.
• DO a list of the makes, models, trims, and years of the vehicles that appeal to you the most. You always want to go into any used car dealership interaction with an idea of what you want and how much it should cost you.
• DON’T go into a dealership looking solely for recommendations from the sales team. Their priorities will differ from yours, and they won’t have as good of an understanding of your needs as you will. You should be guiding them through the search process, not vice versa.

Information is key to your preparation. A couple ways to gather some of this useful information include:

• Explore professional and user reviews on car information sites like Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, and Consumer Reports.
• Ask real owners about their experience, either in person or online.

Precede Your Visit With a Phone Call

The physical dealership is a great place to be. There’s free food and drinks, polite people all around, top-of-the-line vehicles on display indoors, and more. But all of that can be overwhelming to your senses. By the time you test drive the car you’ve been dreaming about owning, the new car smell, plush seats, and robust features will have you ready to sign the dotted line at any price you’re given.

Buying a car is an emotional experience, so avoid having to resist making emotional decisions by breaking the ice over the phone.

Give the dealership a call and gather information about your favorite car on their lot. Your ultimate goal should be to get a price quote on the phone. These usually beat the quotes you’ll get at the showroom and give you an edge when you finally do visit the dealership. You’ll know the price ahead of time, so you can avoid the posturing. Sometimes taking away the face-to-face element makes communication less stressful.

This phone call is also a good way to weed out dealerships to avoid. If a dealership is totally unwilling to talk prices over the phone and will only entertain an appointment, that is probably a dealership that will be difficult to work with.

Negotiate Price Instead of Payment

A classic trick that car dealerships like to pull is to talk about their deals in terms of monthly payment instead of the total purchase price. To maximize your car purchase, only focus on the out-the-door price. This is the dealer’s terms for the final price of the vehicle, including taxes and fees.

Keeping the focus on the out-the-door price will benefit you in multiple ways:

• Avoid hidden costs that dealers can hide in the purchase price.
• Keep flexibility on financing options
• Final price makes negotiating more straightforward

Unless you decide to finance with the used car dealership you purchase from, your “payment” shouldn’t even be a part of your conversations.

Be a Savvy Used Car Shopper

Using this guide, you can be as prepared as you’ve ever been to handle all of the curveballs and deception you may find at a used car dealership near you.

Your business is valuable, so make sure to do your due diligence and make your dealership work for your business. You should be greeted with a smile and given straightforward service.

Combine a good dealership selection with your preparation, pre screening, and price negotiation and you might just drive away with your dream car at a price you only dreamed of.