It is a distinct possibility that the purchase of a car (or truck, or SUV, or motorcycle) will be one of the biggest purchases you will make in your lifetime. Up there with procuring a home, a boat, or perhaps a helicopter (it’s true, some folks own helicopters) buying a set of wheels is a significant milestone in the lives of many people. And along with this transaction comes a whole slew of questions.
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No one wants to walk into a situation in which they’re about to shell out a big sum of money without first being prepared. It’s good to have an idea of what you want, what you expect, how much you are prepared to spend before signing on the dotted line. So, we thought we’d walk you through a few key points to consider before buying a new [for you] vehicle.
The first thing to ask yourself is what sort of car you’re in the market for.
Would it suit your needs to have a rugged, all-wheel drive that you can roll through the mud and climb up rocky mountainsides? Or is it more important for you to be able to zip down highways and across cities with fast pickup and easy maneuverability. Knowing your needs is truly the first step in approaching the purchase of a new car/truck/SUV/moto.
Once you’ve determined the sort of ride that best suits your lifestyle, and once you’ve found a seller who’s got exactly the vehicle that you are seeking, a good place to start is by doing a bit of research into the car’s background. Has it been in any accidents – major or minor? It’s helpful to know what the service history is, if there have been any manufacturer recalls on that particular model, and how many owners have sat behind the wheel. Knowing these things not only allows you to understand what you will be buying, but can also work for you as you are negotiating the price.
Speaking of cost, it’s smart to become acquainted with the value of the make/model of the car in terms of what year it was manufactured. The age of the vehicle can really impact its resell price, and you want to be sure you are paying a fair amount rather than ignoring the issue of depreciation. Be sure that the number your seller is asking for matches the true market value. An easy way to look this up is at KBB.com.
Regardless of the car’s birthday – and even if it’s a relatively new model – its health can be largely impacted by its mileage. Let’s say you want to buy a pickup truck, and you find one that’s only three years old, but it’s got 100,000 miles on it. Chances are, you could be better off with an older model that has seen less wear and tear. A car that’s been around the block a few too many times is more likely to have other issues.
Mileage matters, and can be a determining factor the longevity of your ride.
Undoubtedly, you will be requesting a test drive of the new vehicle before purchasing it to make sure it’s operating smoothly. You may also want to pop open the hood and take a peak around, looking for telltale signs of mechanical problems. Nevertheless, it’s also a good idea to have the car checked by a professional just in case you’ve missed detail or two. No one wants to buy a dud or a lemon, and a quick visit to a mechanic can save you a big headache (and wallet ache, for that matter) down the road.
Now, the car may be running like a dream, but you also want to check the exterior for any significant damage. A broken fender, peeling paint, bent wheels, punctured tires, and even the slightest crack in the windshield can all lead to much bigger issues down the road. The outside of the car, truck, or SUV will tell you a lot about how the previous owner treated the vehicle, and can either mean relief or send out red flags. Pay attention, folks!
If everything looks good under the hood and all around the car, take a peek inside.
What is the state of the seats, the fabric? Is it clean? Are there cracks on the dash, missing buttons, or any warning lights appearing on the console when the car is turned on? Similar to the exterior, the shape of the car’s interior says a lot about how the vehicle was cared for before it was put up for sale.
And because the vehicle is being sold, you are within your right to ask the seller why they have decided to sell it. Apart, of course, if the seller is a used car dealership, which makes the impetus pretty obvious. But in a private sale, it can never hurt to ask the seller how long they’ve owned the car, and what made them decide to sell.
Assuming all the details up to this point have been considered and have passed your approval, it’s imperative to know if the seller has their title on hand.
The sale of a vehicle cannot be conducted without a clean, signed-over title.
This means that the seller must have a title that lists their name on the front of the document, and that neither side (front and back) bears any sort of damage, cross-out, or correction. If there is any issue with the title, the seller will have to apply for a replacement title (also called a duplicate title) and then sign over this clean document to the buyer.
All of these factors (and more) are not only recommended, but important to factor in when buying a pre-owned vehicle. And if you’ve done your due diligence, procured a new ride, and are ready to get yourself a new title and registration…well, you’ve hit upon the right site for just that. Here at eTags, we are proud to serve six states (and counting!) with title transfers, new registrations, registration renewals, specialty plates, and more. Simply head over to our page and click your state to get started. Because as always, we’re here to help!
