In the United States, the sale of automobiles accounts for between 4% and 5% of our total gross products, but did you know that used cars get sold almost twice as often as new cars? Worldwide in 2012, the largest manufacturer of automobiles was Toyota, which means that there are plenty of used Toyota vehicles to choose from when you go to the dealership. However, if you have never shopped for a used car before, you might benefit from some tips and advice.
Tips for buying a used car.
- Know your budget beforehand, and share it with the dealership.
- Have an idea of the kind of car you want.
- Have realistic expectations.
Did you know that the best selling car in North America, as of May 2012, was the Toyota Camry? For your next vehicle, ask yourself if mileage is important, or is fuel efficiency a greater factor? What about comfort, safety, and style? Decide what your priorities are so that the dealership can help you find the best fit. Note that popular vehicles tend to match many of the requirements that car shoppers want, so don’t rule them out. It is also important to have realistic expectations and understand that you may not get the exact color that you want, or every single feature that is on your wishlist, but you will probably get a great deal despite those sacrifices.
Questions to ask when buying a used car.
- What had to be done to the car when it was brought into the dealership?
- Can I get a look at the undercarriage?
- Can I see the maintenance history?
Getting an answer to all of these questions will help you to judge whether or not the car is a good investment in terms of its condition. Even if you are not mechanically inclined, you can look at the undercarriage of a car, or its maintenance history, and easily see if something looks blatantly out of place. For example, if there are 60,000 miles on a vehicle and no record of any maintenance, it might be a red flag to discuss with the dealer.
What to look for when buying a used car.
When buying a used Toyota you can probably count on the lifespan of the vehicle being very decent, even if there are thousands of miles already on the car. Consider also the condition, how it handles in a test drive, its Carfax history, and user reviews online for the particular model that you are considering. You will want to select a car that is not too old, has been taken care of by previous owners, and which has the features that you believe to be a priority.
When looking for a used Toyota, remember these tips, the questions you should ask, and what you should be looking for in a used car. Toyota cars are wildly popular, especially in North America and Japan, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t still do your research, ask questions, and follow common sense advice. Learn more: www.rktoyota.com
