Do's and Don'ts of Buying a Used Car
Do's & Don'ts of Buying a Used Car in Shawnee, OK
Is it time for an upgrade? You don't have to buy new to get a great vehicle you’ll love for years to come. There are many benefits to buying used, especially if you're looking to save money off the bottom line but still get the features you want in a new-to-you vehicle. Here at Joe Cooper Ford of Shawnee, we have a great selection of used models you’ll want to look through in a variety of brands, body styles, colors and prices. But when it comes to shopping for a pre-owned vehicle, there are a few things that you'll want to keep in mind before you head down to see us. Below is a list of do's and don'ts to serve as a guide in the car shopping process.
There are so many varieties of body styles, features and amenities available that it can feel overwhelming to know where to start when buying a used car. But if you narrow down your most important categories — like how much cargo space, seating or towing capacity you need — you'll begin to figure out what kind of vehicle is best for you. And just remember: Needs should outweigh wants if you’re sticking to a budget.
When you've narrowed down the kind of vehicle you want, create a list of features that you want to avoid when shopping for a used vehicle. Then, research various models and makes that provide all the amenities and features that you do want. It’s also smart to utilize third-party sites like Edmunds or Kelley Blue Book® to see how much others in your area are selling your ideal model.
Making a budget can pose the greatest obstacle. It may be easy to find the perfect vehicle, but choosing one that you can afford may be more tricky. When financing, it's recommended that you put about 20% down, limit the term as much as possible and keep your monthly payment below 10% of your income. Make sure that you also consider the cost of regular and unplanned maintenance, as some cars' maintenance costs more than others.
Negative equity, or your vehicle being valued at less than you owe on it, is a tough situation to be in with a car loan. Your loan will either be consolidated into your new loan, or you’ll continue with two car payments after you get your next vehicle. Neither situation is financially ideal! It’s the recommendation of our finance department to finish paying off your current vehicle before you buy one of ours.
We never want you to feel like you have to hurry through your test drive, arguably one of the most important parts of buying a used car. Even though a model might look good on paper, that doesn’t mean that it’s your perfect vehicle. And models you didn’t love online might surprise you once you’re behind the wheel. Ask our knowledgeable salespeople any questions you might have, and we look forward to hearing you say “yes” to your ideal model!
f you have any questions about what you need to do before buying a used car or would like to test-drive any of our quality used cars, please feel free to contact us or stop by Joe Cooper Ford of Shawnee at 4921 N Automall Dr, Shawnee, OK 74804. We look forward to serving our customers from Harrah, Tecumseh and Seminole.