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Buying a Used Car? Here’s What You Need to Know.

posted on 5/12/2021 12:57:00 PM

There’s no doubt about it: purchasing a vehicle is a huge task. There’s plenty of things to consider, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But hey, you’re not alone – buying a car is widely regarded as the 2nd biggest purchase you’ll make...right behind a house, of course!

To help discuss the proper car buying process, our team sat down with Jason Kindler of Badger State Auto Brokers located in Wausau, Wisconsin. This topic is nothing new to Jason – he helps people find the perfect vehicle every day!

So, what’s his professional advice for buying a used car? Read on and listen to our podcast episode below to hear all about it!

New or Used?

First things first, are you looking for a new or used vehicle? Deciding comes down to budget and personal preference. While there’s a lot of appeal to buying a car fresh off the assembly line, new cars are more expensive and experience rapid depreciation the moment they drive off the lot. To avoid this, about 66% of drivers consider a used vehicle to be the better option for their needs. But, just because a vehicle isn’t new doesn’t mean it’s not in great shape. Many reputable dealers will recondition used vehicles so well that it’s hard to tell the difference...except on the price tag! These cars are often called “certified used vehicles”.

Where Do I Start?

1. The first step in the car buying process is to come up with your budget. How much money can you reasonably expect to spend? Finding this number will help narrow down your options and make the search for the right vehicle easier. Check out this helpful article for tips on budgeting and financing.

2. Next, you need to decide on the right vehicle for you. Be sure to consider your driving needs, size, and any special features you’re looking for. Can the car handle Wisconsin winters? Are you planning to start a family soon? Experienced dealers will help you during this process by asking the right questions to speed up your search. Here’s a few of the most popular used cars in the United States today:

Ford F150 (it’s the best-selling vehicle in the U.S.!)
Honda CRV
Toyota Camry
Ford Fusion
Chevy Malibu

Remember, you can’t forget about your budget. Kelley Blue Book and NADA (the National Automobile Dealers Association) are great resources when finding the average value of vehicles in your area.

3. Once you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to shop! You can visit dealerships and check out private listings to see what vehicles are available near you. Don’t forget to ask friends and family for referrals, and read online reviews to find reputable dealers and sellers.

Pro tip: as stated in the Wisconsin Buyers Guide, proper auto care and inspection is mandatory for dealerships, but it’s not enforced for private sellers. When you find a vehicle you’re interested in, it’s always a good idea to ask for an inspection. The seller shouldn’t have a problem with this...but if they do, that’s a red flag!

4. When you’ve found the perfect vehicle, be sure to look it over and take it for a test drive. First, walk around the car and survey the exterior. Does anything look odd or out of place? It’s helpful to bring an inspection sheet and check it off as you go. Find additional inspection tips in this article from consumer reports.

If everything looks good, ask to take the vehicle for a test drive. During this process, be sure to take your time and be alert. You want to listen for odd noises, feel how the car handles, and see if you can detect smells that might indicate bigger problems. Turn the radio off and drive with the windows both up and down so you don’t miss any sounds. You can also test out the heat, air conditioning, and other dashboard controls.

A Few Helpful Tips...

Bring a friend along to be your voice of reason – it’s easy to get emotional when shopping for life’s 2nd biggest purchase!
Don’t be afraid of vehicles with 100,000 miles...plenty of cars with many miles still have a lot of life left
Used vehicles from the south tend to have longer lifespans and are almost always rust-free (as opposed to those from here in Central Wisconsin, which have braved their way through a whole lot of Wisconsin snow, mud and salt)
No matter what vehicle you purchase, routine maintenance is critical to protect the value and prolong the life of your car. Check out our previous podcast episode and blog on routine maintenance here!

Don’t forget to listen to our newest podcast episode with Jason Kindler of Badger State Auto Brokers! The team dives into additional detail on the car buying process and takes a Wisconsin Road Trip to the Maritime Museum in Manitowic, WI. P.S. - Bryan visited and slept on top of a torpedo...seriously. You won’t want to miss it!

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Buying a Used Car? Here’s What You Need to Know.

There’s no doubt about it: purchasing a vehicle is a huge task. There’s plenty of things to consider, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But hey, you’re not alone – buying a car is widely regarded as the 2nd biggest purchase you’ll make...right behind a house, of course!

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