Purchasing A Used Car With Bad Credit Car Loan |
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Johan Stevenson
March 9, 2013
More than being a luxury, owning a car opens up greater employment opportunities for the owner. Simply put, as local economies shift and transform, work may not be available within one's immediate vicinity and one has to travel to other areas to secure work. That is why securing a bad credit car loan is a boon for many people especially those who want to re-enter the workforce.
For many car buyers, getting a secondhand vehicle offers a happy medium between their needs and wants vis-a-vis their financial capacity as purchasing a new car can put undue stress to a family's cash flow. Still, buyers are wary about buying used cars for fear of buying a lemon. However, with due diligence, one can find a good deal for a used car.
Purchasing a quality used car begins with research. After determining what you need in a car (i.e. fuel economy vs. space, year and model) as well as your budget, it is time to research the baseline price for that particular car that you are eyeing. Knowing the fair market value of a used car gives you leverage when it comes to haggling for the price. Aside from looking at classified ads, you can also try browsing online for used car listings.
Once you have narrowed down your prospective list of used cars to purchase, it is now time to meet up with the seller and inspect the car. This stage is very important as it will help you to determine if the car has issues that can make it a costly buy. It is a good idea to have an experienced mechanic come along with you to give you an expert opinion regarding the car's condition.
What should you look into when inspecting a car? Underneath a car, you should look if there is rusting. While the presence of rust can be remedied, this can add up to your expenses. Tires should have even wear; otherwise, this could mean that the wheels or the suspension are out of alignment. In checking the odometer, the mileage should match the car's overall condition. When a car's interiors look worn despite the low mileage on the odometer, this may be a telltale sign of tampering. Under the hood, check for the quality of the repair work done.
After the initial inspection, it is now time to test-drive the car. One of the first things to look for is if the car starts easily or if there are unusual noises that can be heard once you start the car. After starting the car, check the controls for the wiper, air-conditioning and the lights. As you drive the car, take note of the transmission. Shifting between gears should be seamless, without any unusual sounds coming from the car. When checking the brakes, look out for any indication that the car pulls to either side. Driving along bumps can give you a feel of the condition of the shock absorbers.
Purchasing a used car has its own set of benefits and headaches. If you take the time and effort to research and properly inspect a used car, you can get the best value for your money.