Top 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Used Car

June 25th, 2014 by

You already know that buying a used car is the best way to get a quality car at a great price. However, you have so many choices when it comes to used cars in Cincinnati Ohio that you need to have a game plan before you head in to the dealership. Better understanding what you need in a car can help you make the right choice and can make the buying process a little less stressful.

Here are the top 5 questions you need to ask yourself before you buy a used car:

1. How will you use it?

Most people only use their cars to drive to work and to run errands. However, you may have

special needs for your vehicle, such as hauling yard waste or transporting multiple children. The answer to how you plan to use the vehicle will determine how much space you need and what features you need, such as extra safety features or high miles per gallon.

2. What is most important to you in a model?

After you know what you need in practical terms, you’ll need to ask yourself what other features are most important to you in a car. Are you more concerned about reliability, safety, utility or luxury? If you want a safe and reliable vehicle, you might want to stick to a sedan or a minivan. If you want a reliable vehicle that also offers some utility, you might choose an SUV. Answering this question will help you narrow down the field.

3. What is your maximum budget?

Of course, one of the most important deciding factors in any major purchase is cost. Before you go down to the lot, make sure you have decided what your maximum budget is. Otherwise, you may be tempted to buy a car you can’t really afford. Set your maximum and stick to it.

4. What are the other costs of the car?

The sticker price won’t be the last thing you’ll pay for your car. Some vehicles will guzzle gas. Others will need more maintenance. Others will require a higher insurance premium. Make sure you know all the costs involved and factor that into your max budget.

5. Where will you shop?

You have many options to buy used cars, but they aren’t all good ones. Going to a reputable dealership that sells used cars in Cincinnati Ohio, such as McCluskey Automotive, is the best way to ensure that you get a reliable used vehicle at the best price.