How to Buy a Used Car

Since a new vehicle depreciates in value the minute you drive off the lot, buying used can often be the smartest option for putting money back in your pocket. Whether you are a seasoned pro at buying used or are a newbie to the process, fear not — there are plenty of beautiful used vehicles ripe for the picking right in your neck of the woods. We’ve provided helpful tips below to make buying used as pleasant as possible.

An Auto Shopper's Guide

Find the Right Car

Shopping online for a used vehicle is a great option. There are many reputable sites that you can peruse right from your smartphone or tablet to locate the used vehicle of your dreams while cutting hours and hours off the shopping process.

Most dealers and many consumers use some of these reputable sites to showcase their used vehicles, and we recommend that you check them out as well.

Research the Vehicle's History with an AutoVinify vehicle history report

Whether you've narrowed your search to a few vehicles or are just beginning the process of shopping for a used car, you can rely on AutoVinify vehicle history reports to ensure the vehicle's history aligns with your expectations.

Using an AutoVinify report helps significantly reduce the risk of buying a vehicle with hidden issues that could be unsafe or costly to repair. With an AutoVinify report, you can uncover important details such as the number of previous owners, whether the vehicle has been involved in reported accidents, or if significant damage has been detected.

Make smarter, more informed decisions with AutoVinify!

Other helpful report elements may include:

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Odometer reading
Salvage or junk vehicle records
Damage from hail, floods, or fire
Mileage discrepancies or odometer rollback history
Lemon vehicles (vehicles with repeated defects)
Vehicles used as rentals, taxis, or part of a fleet
Records of theft and loans/liens representing ownership interests or unpaid judgments

(Please note: Reports do NOT include the names of or information related to a vehicle’s previous owner(s)).

Unique to AutoVinify:
AutoVinify offers a unique feature — the AutoVinify Score™ — which provides an easy way to assess a vehicle’s predicted reliability and compare it to similar vehicles in its class.

Learn more about the AutoVinify Score™ and how it can guide you in selecting the right vehicle for your needs.

Run a Visual Check

You’ve run the report, the vehicle checks out, and now you’re ready to take the next step and inspect it in person. When you visit the dealership or seller’s location, make sure to thoroughly evaluate the vehicle to ensure everything meets your expectations. Here are some tips to guide your inspection:

Wait for dry weather: Avoid inspecting a wet car, as rain can hide paint imperfections and body issues.
Test drive on varied roads: Drive the car on local streets and highways to experience its performance at different speeds.
Check all controls and features: Test switches, knobs, and features like the air conditioning, lights, and wipers to ensure they work properly.
Verify radio and GPS settings: Check if the radio is tuned to local stations or if the GPS indicates a location far from your area. These could indicate the vehicle has been relocated or may have a history you should investigate further.
Inspect advertised features and accessories: Confirm the car has all the advertised options, such as wheel locks, spare tires, or other accessories. Missing items can be costly to replace later.

Get a Vehicle Inspections

If you are close to finalizing your purchase, it is crucial to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified local mechanic to uncover any hidden mechanical issues. While AutoVinify Reports™ provide comprehensive details about reported problems, they do not account for issues that may not have been reported to private or government databases.

A professional mechanic can identify deferred maintenance and detect current issues, such as a disabled check-engine light or an antilock braking system malfunction, which could indicate more significant underlying problems. These findings can help you avoid unexpected repair costs and ensure the vehicle's value aligns with your investment. Even when purchasing from a dealership, it is always advisable to seek an independent mechanic's inspection before proceeding.

Insure Your Vehicle

The excitement of finding and securing your ideal vehicle, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment. However, staying practical is essential, especially when it comes to finalizing payment and arranging insurance.

For those who won’t be paying cash upfront, financing is often the next step. Before committing, ensure you have a detailed contract that clearly outlines the total purchase price, including any dealership or state fees. Verify that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is correctly listed on the contract and, if buying from a private seller, confirm that the document specifies the vehicle is being sold “as-is.” Taking these steps can help you avoid unexpected surprises and ensure a smooth transaction.

Banks, credit unions, and dealerships all provide car loan options, but it's essential to consider more than just the monthly payment. Focus on the overall cost of the vehicle and the loan terms. To determine the true cost of your purchase, multiply the monthly payment by the loan term to understand the total financial commitment.

Before entering the used car market, check your credit score to determine the type of financing you qualify for. A higher credit score typically translates to more favorable interest rates. Explore financing options at local banks and credit unions, compare rates from online financial institutions, and consider obtaining preapproval for a specific loan amount. Dealerships may also offer competitive rates, as they often collaborate with multiple lenders to provide financing solutions.

No matter where you choose to secure your loan, ensure you carefully calculate the total cost over the life of the loan and confirm that you are comfortable with the financial commitment. Taking the time to evaluate your options will help you make a well-informed and confident decision.

Secure Financing

When budgeting for your vehicle, it’s crucial to include insurance costs in your calculations. To avoid surprises, contact your current insurance provider before making a purchase to obtain a rate for the new vehicle. If you’re trading in or selling your old car, you’ll also need to update your policy by removing it.

If you’re considering switching providers, online comparison tools make it easy to gather quotes from multiple insurers. Before finalizing your choice, ensure the new policy includes all the necessary coverage features. Remember to cancel your previous policy once the new one is in effect—most insurance companies do not charge a cancellation fee. Taking these steps ensures a smooth transition and helps you find the best coverage for your new vehicle.