Buying your first used car is a special event. It’s a huge step towards independence and freedom for many young adults. Before you purchase your first used vehicle, Joe’s Auto Sales recommends being prepared for this important rite of passage. Follow the three tips below for a successful and celebratory used car buying experience.
1. Do Your Homework before Visiting the Dealership
One of the best ways to prepare for your first vehicle purchase is to do your homework. Take the time to find out what kind of car you want, the monthly payment you can afford, and other monthly expenses like gas, insurance, and repairs. It may be good to check out a few dealerships online before visiting them in person. Look up Google or Yelp reviews or ask friends and family which dealerships they recommend.
2. Have a Trusted Mechanic Inspect the Vehicle
Once you choose a vehicle you like, ask a trusted mechanic to inspect it for any major repairs. Most dealerships offer a vehicle history report, which is helpful information to have, but it doesn’t list any of the car’s current mechanical issues. You may have to pay for an inspection, but buying a used car or used truck with major mechanical problems will cost you more in the long run.
3. Consider All Payment Options
When choosing how to pay for your car, there are three general options — pay in full with cash, make a down payment and finance the remainder, or finance the entire vehicle purchase. Whichever option you choose depends entirely on your financial situation. If you need to finance the purchase, you can work with your local bank or ask the dealership if they have an in-house option. At Joe’s Auto Sales, we offer in-house, buy-here-pay-here loans with a payment program that allows you to make payments online, over the phone, or in person each week, every two weeks, or once a month.
Convenient Payment Plans for First-Time Buyers
We will always do our best to help you purchase an affordable, quality vehicle. Visit our used car dealership or contact us at (317) 405-8545 (East Location) to learn more about our payment and service program. We gladly serve Franklin, Greensburg, Shelbyville, Greenwood, and all surrounding Indianapolis areas with our used cars, used trucks, used vans, used SUVs, and used motorcycles.
Source: “Buying a Used Car from a Dealer.” Web article. Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice. United States Government. Web. 22 Apr. 2023.