Before you set out to purchase a used car, it is important to determine which type of vehicle would best meet your needs. The following checklist suggests some questions you can ask yourself:
Prime concerns:
Is safety a prime concern?
Is comfort a prime concern?
* Certain makes and models have higher safety records and therefore you should review the government and consumer safety reports.
Type of car preferred
What type of driving will this vehicle be used for?
Primarily in town
Primarily highway
Both short and long trips
Do I need a lot of passenger space?
Two door
Four door
Van (cargo door or tailgate)
Do I need a lot of trunk space?
Do I want a vehicle for towing?
*If yes, check for load capacity. You want proper gross weight capabilities, including drive train/transmission packages.
What type of vehicle do I want?
Station wagon
General use car
Car for fun
Business car
Sport utility vehicle
Van/Minivan
Classic car
Pick-Up
*Contact a local classic car club to learn about the value and availability of these vehicles.
Engine and transmission
What kind of engine do I want?
Big engine for power
Small engine for economy
Enough power but an economical engine
Turbo power
Diesel
What kind of transmission do I want?
Manual transmission
Automatic transmission
Either
Is it very important that the vehicle have low mileage?
What kind of drive do I want?
Front-wheel drive
Rear-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive
All-wheel drive
Body and options
What style of body do I want?
Standard hardtop
Convertible
Removable hardtop
Solid top
What options am I looking for?
Radio/tape/cd player
Navigation
Air conditioning
Power seats
Power windows and doors
Sunroof
Other
How important is the general condition of the body?
Is color important?
If yes, what colors?
Other considerations
How many people will be driving the vehicle?
What conditions will the vehicle be exposed to?
Garage
Exposed to the sun daily
Near the ocean for long periods
Off-road use
Other
Price
What is the most I can spend?
More Questions to Consider
After you determine what type of vehicle would suit your needs, it is time to narrow the search. At this point, you should look at several makes and models of the kind of vehicle decided upon.
Before you begin looking, it is a good idea to do some research on your choices by reviewing automotive reports, including The Used Car Buyers Guide by Consumer Reports, and the The Kelly Blue Book for values (both are available through the internet). It is a good idea to check with the dealer or auto-repair shop for an estimate.
When you go out to look at and compare various vehicles, keep some questions in mind:
What years, makes, and models do you like?
Do you know people with knowledge of these vehicles who can help you evaluate them?
What is the fuel mileage of the vehicle? Does it need premium gasoline?
If you are buying a pick-up or truck (or other vehicle for towing), what are the weight-carrying capabilities of this vehicle?
*Check the owner's manual.
How much will it cost to register this vehicle?
What is the usual maintenance cost per year?
*It is a good idea to check with the dealer or an auto repair show of an estimate.
Can you afford monthly payments?
What is your limit?
How much will it cost to insure the vehicle?
If the vehicle is a classic or an older vehicle, are parts still available?
