Tips for Buying a Used Car

Thinking about buying a used car? You’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we at Feldman Chevrolet of Lansing will give you all the information you need to get the ball rolling on the used car buying process including making a budget, doing proper research, and more. Shoppers in Lansing, East Lansing, and Grand Ledge should read ahead to get started!

1. Make a Budget.

The first thing you want to consider is your budget. Take a good hard look at your current finances and determine how much you can afford to pay per month towards your car loan.

Typically, you shouldn’t put more than 20 percent of your monthly take-home pay towards your car payment. Determine how much that percentage is and then you’ll be able to start planning to pay for your next used car.

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2. Plan Ahead.

There are a few other parts to your budget other than your monthly payments. When you’re buying a car, you’ll need to pay a down payment before you drive off the lot. This should be around 20 percent of the total price of the vehicle. So, you’ll need to have that saved up and ready to put down before you arrive at the dealership. You may even need to start saving up a year or two in advance.

Additionally, you’ll need to save up for the fees and taxes that will come along with the purchase. Fees will vary by dealership, but you can count on at least a sales tax.

3. Put Together a Wish List.

Once you have a solid budget established and are on your way to saving up for your down payment, you’ll want to start thinking about what you want in your next used vehicle. Start with features you can’t live without like three-row seating or a certain towing capacity.

After you have the things you need listed out, think about things you’d want if you could have them—think a premium stereo system, heated seats, or keyless entry.

4. Do Your Research.

Using your budget and wish list, go out and find a used car that fits your needs. Once you have one picked out, do a thorough inspection of its vehicle history report. Make sure the vehicle has never been declared as salvage, been involved in a serious accident, and has been properly maintained by all its previous owners.

Ready to Find Your Next Used Car?

We at Feldman Chevrolet of Lansing are thrilled that you stopped by today to learn more about the process of buying a used car. Now that you have a better idea of what to expect and how to prepare, we hope you’re ready to get the ball rolling on finding your next used car.

At our dealership, shoppers in Lansing, East Lansing, and Grand Ledge will find a variety of quality used vehicles to choose from. Browse our inventory on our website and then give us a call to schedule a test drive!

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