Buying a used car is a great way to offset expenses and save money. While it may be ideal for the budget, it’s still important to buy a used car that is reliable and fits your lifestyle. Fortunately, used car dealerships are a great resource. If you live in Texas, visiting the right San Antonio used car dealership will give you access to a wide range of affordable and reliable vehicles, with knowledgeable professionals guiding your experience.
Before visiting your local dealership, read below for helpful tips on how to best navigate the process of buying a pre-owned vehicle. What steps are necessary before you begin shopping around? Which car is right for your lifestyle? How do you finalize the purchase? We’ll answer these questions and more.
Determine Your Budget
Before you start searching online inventory or visiting local dealerships, it’s important to evaluate your finances and set a clear budget. Look at your monthly income, bills, and debt. How much car can you afford? Set a budget you can comfortably manage.
When creating your budget, make sure to include any costs associated with owning a car. These can include:
- A down payment
- Car loan payments
- Insurance premiums
- Maintenance costs
Once you have determined your budget, look for vehicles within that price range.
Check Your Credit
It’s important to understand the state of your credit if you intend to apply for car auto loans. Lenders use your credit score to assess risk level and whether you have a history of making payments on time. The better your credit score, the less risk you are to a lender and therefore the more likely you are to qualify for loans with better rates and terms.
If you have a lower credit score, lenders mitigate this risk by offering loans at higher interest rates. You can improve your credit score by making timely payments and reducing debt. If your score is less than ideal, you may want to consider financing your pre-owned vehicle directly through the dealership. Since dealerships want your business, they are more flexible and willing to work with buyers with lower credit scores. Talk to the financing department at your trusted dealership and learn how to get a loan approval without a credit hit.
Make a List of Preferred Features
Once you have your budget calculated and your credit score where you want it, you can begin searching for vehicles within your price range. To narrow down your choices, make a list of preferences. What type of car do you prefer, and which features are necessary? Do you need an SUV for extra space or prefer a more economical sedan to save money on commuting? Are you big on adventure or need to haul heavy loads for work? If so, consider a truck. Or maybe you are ready to switch to an electric or hybrid vehicle. Features to consider include cargo capacity, passenger space, tow capacity, all-wheel- or four-wheel-drive capabilities, fuel economy, and overall size of the vehicle. Think about your lifestyle, daily driving needs, and hobbies.
Once you’ve made a list of necessary features, have fun and make a wish list. If all things are equal among your choices, your wish list will help set them apart. Have fun exploring features such as a sunroof, heated seats or steering wheel, or advanced tech for entertainment, safety, and navigation.
Choose a Reputable Dealership
Look for dealerships with a reputation for excellent prices, reliable cars, and superior customer service. Check online reviews and customer experiences for dealerships with positive feedback. Make sure to select a dealership that meets the highest standard of quality when inspecting the used vehicles in their inventory. Also, look for dealerships with a full-service approach, from offering great used-car deals to after-care maintenance.
For your trusted San Antonio used car dealership, choose Ingram Park Pre-Owned. For over 45 years, we have delivered on our promise of quality. Our pre-owned vehicles are reliable, safe, and ready to take you places.
Head to the Car Lot
Once you’ve found a dealership you can trust, bring a friend or family member to help you explore the used vehicle inventory. When navigating a used car dealership, keep these tips in mind to help you find the right vehicle:
- Visit a dealership during the weekday, when they are less busy and you can receive personal attention.
- Utilize the knowledge and recommendations of the salespeople. They will be familiar with their inventory, the vehicles that best fit your wish list, and any special deals or incentives that might make your dream car more affordable.
- Check the insurance on any car you are considering and determine if you can afford the premium. Different vehicles have different rates, so it’s important to verify whether you can afford the insurance.
- Obtain a copy of the used vehicle’s history and check for accidents and maintenance history.
- Only buy from dealerships that inspect their pre-owned vehicles. If a car has been in an accident or there is anything that concerns you in the vehicle history report, get it inspected by an independent mechanic.
- Check the sticker price and negotiate if the vehicle has not been marked down multiple times.
- Consider buying a rental car, as they have strict maintenance guidelines.
- Test drive the vehicle and make sure it handles to your liking.
Finalize the Sale
Once you have found the right vehicle and negotiated the right price at your preferred San Antonio used car dealership, it’s time to finalize the sale. Make sure to read purchase contracts thoroughly. If you are financing through an independent lender, you will need identification, proof of insurance, and a pre-approval letter from your lender. Whether financing with an independent lender or directly through the dealership, read the terms of the loan carefully.
If you are buying your vehicle at IPAC online, you can customize your pre-owned purchase with financing options most appropriate to you. Once you’ve made your selection, fill out and sign the necessary paperwork, and schedule your pick-up or delivery. It’s that easy.
With this guide, buy used cars with confidence and get ready to explore!
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