When it's time to shop for a vehicle, many buyers automatically turn to new models. However, buying a used car offers several advantages, including reduced costs, less depreciation, and lower insurance premiums. Shopping for a preowned vehicle does require some research and careful thought, but the following tips can help you make the most of your purchase. 

How to Get the Most Value When Buying a Used Car

1. Make a List of Must-Haves

Deciding what features are most important to you will help narrow your search and prioritize how you spend your money. For example, if you have a large family, a van or SUV may be more important than a car with good fuel economy. Making a list of the essential elements your vehicle must have, along with a few features that would be nice to have, provides a useful reference during your search.  

2. Set a Strict Budget

You likely already have a rough budget in mind, but setting an absolute limit of what you can afford, whether you’re buying the car outright or paying monthly, will help you avoid overspending. When tallying this number, remember to account for extras like maintenance, repairs, and insurance. You can look up the fuel economy and insurance rates for each vehicle you’re considering to compare actual ownership costs. 

3. Research Vehicle History

A vehicle history report can tell you if a car has been in an accident or experienced other major issues like flooding. Since some problems may require serious or ongoing repairs, it's helpful to factor those potential costs into your decision. Additionally, these reports will tell you how many owners and what type of maintenance a vehicle has had. One-owner cars and those that have had ongoing service like oil changes tend to need fewer repairs. 

4. Take a Test Drive

Seeing a car in person shows the features, size, and condition more accurately than in photos and videos. You can also test various functions like the brakes, heating and cooling system, and windshield wipers to ensure everything works. While driving, be on the lookout for issues like vibrations while accelerating or squeaky brakes. You should also look for fluid leaks underneath, worn tire treads, or dents and scratches that may require repairs. Although many issues can be easily fixed, their cost still must be accounted for when making a decision.

If you’re looking for used cars in the Dalton, GA area, visit Paniagua Auto Mall. The used car dealership offers competitive pricing, friendly customer service, and even financing to make your experience seamless. Visit them online to browse the current selection of vehicles, or call (706) 529-1919 to speak with a sales rep.