According to 2010 data from the U.S. Bureau of the Census, 37.6 % of families reported that they own two vehicles and 33.8% reported owning one vehicle. However, these statistics do not necessarily mean that these vehicles are brand-new. In fact, a large number of American individuals and families choose to purchase used vehicles, especially as more and more vehicles are saturating the used car market.

Used cars are a popular choice for many U.S. residents for a variety of reasons, including price and reliability. In fact, according to industry statistics, averages of three used cars are sold for every new car sold. The lower cost of used cars and knowledge of how these cars hold up over the years leads many people to purchase these cars each year; however, when buying a used car, there is much more to consider than just a lower cost.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Used Car

Although new cars can have their share of issues, as is seen with the numerous vehicle recalls issued in the United States annually, used cars, especially those that a several years older, are expected to have a greater number of problems, simply due to their age and use. However, as technology has improved, so too has the longevity of our cars. As such, buying cars that have been more heavily used or are much older is very much a reality. When doing this however, a person should make sure to consider the following:

• Analyze your finances and make a firm budget for your car expenses. Make sure to know exactly what you can afford on a monthly basis and to make insurance adjustments if necessary.
• Make a list of what you want from your car. For example, do you need to transport large items? Do you have kids? Do you need something that fits in smaller places? These and other questions are important to consider as they will help you determine what type of used car best meets your needs.
• Research both the car and the dealership. Try to find reviews of people who have purchased the car, both new and used, and of the dealership itself. This can save you a lot of money and frustration. You can first choose a make, for instance used Fords for sale, and then the model of the vehicle you think will suit you and your needs the best.
• Check the maintenance record of the car if it is available. You should do this to both make sure that the necessary maintenance has been performed and to potentially discover how the car was treated previously. For example, numerous brake replacements or other maintenance work that does not need to be done often may indicate that the prior owner drove the car roughly.
• Get your car inspected by someone who is experienced with those types of vehicles, especially if you are buying a hybrid or electric car. This will better ensure that a major issue with the car, something which someone inexperienced with that type of vehicle may not be familiar with, is not missed.

Make sure to consider these factors when purchasing your next used vehicle. In doing this, you can better ensure that you will choose the vehicle that’ll  be the best match for you.

My name is Joe and I am a car enthusiast. I mainly purshase used cars.

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