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by NateBW

How to Buy a Cool, Old Car

Okay, so your neighbor has a new and shiny sports car. Aside from that he bought a roadster just two weeks ago. Life must be good for them. Maybe they hit it big time in the jackpot, or perhaps they are descendants of an old Royal family. You can’t help but feel a little envious of their new toys as you park your econobox next to their garage every night. All you can do is sigh and wish that someday you’ll own a car just like theirs.

Well, don’t just keep wishing. There’s something you can do to get that dream car of yours. Now, don’t assume you’ll just have to bury yourself in work or result in heavy credit just to get that car. There’s one thing you’re forgetting—used cars. But don’t get too excited yet. There’s still a big decision to make, or rather a big question to ask yourself— is a used car right for you?

Because a used car doesn’t carry the same freebies compared to buying a brand new car, finding the right one is like finding a needle in a haysack. You need to carefully weigh the value and risk of a used car. To help you decide if a used car is really right for you, here are several things to consider.

Car age + depreciation rate

Vehicles usually depreciate rapidly during its first few years. You don’t want to end up with a vehicle that has no longer value, right? So, consider the model’s popularity, quality, and current design before jumping on to the first all-wheel-drive beater you find.

It’s best if you do a research first. It’ll be like doing a window shopping. Keep in mind that there may be a better deal out there than the one you’re considering now.

Is the car reliable?

You would not want to be driving 90miles per hour only to find out that you don’t have reliable brakes at the end the road. That would be like committing suicide. Not only did you waste money on your defective car, but you have to spend thousands more for any untoward accident you meet on the road.

So, make sure that the used car you are considering is fully functional and reliable like what it claims to be. Good thing though many used cars these days offer improved reliability and would reach 200,000 miles without breaking down.

Safety features

Because it’s a used car, don’t expect it to have the latest in safety features. But ensure that the basic safety aspects such as the seat belts, air bags, etc. are in tiptop shape. If you are willing to pay for repair and upgrade of the safety features in a used car, then your money can go further with such vehicle.

Don’t buy a piece of crap

Hold it. Don’t get too excited with that used car yet. Have you checked it for scratches and dents yet? Are you sure it’s as clean as it looks? Are you sure the rearview mirror is good as new? There may be hidden defects in the car that you can’t see underneath its new paint. Who knows, maybe it has been involved in an accident in the past and the owner just wants to get rid of it.

The bottom line is: if it’s cheap and used, the more you need to be cautious. Keep searching. You’ll eventually find the used car right for you—just keep your eyes open.

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