5 Tips for Car Shopping

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Buying a car is one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make. It’s a decision that will affect your budget long after you drive off the lot, and many people make the wrong one. According to Lending Tree, 39% of American car owners end up regretting their purchase, with 14% wishing they’d bought a different make/model, 10% not being able to afford their purchase and 8% wishing they’d got a better deal. Use these car shopping tips to avoid making the same mistakes.

Know the Condition — and If It Can Be Fixed

Used vehicles tend to be of better value than new cars, but some makes/models hold up better than others. Diesel vehicles have a much longer lifespan than gas cars and provide additional towing power but need more frequent repairs and the occasional system rebuild.

Even the best models can still get driven into the ground. The condition mostly depends on how well the previous owner took care of it. Diesel vehicles that run low on oil, use poor-quality fuel or carry loads exceeding the manufacturer’s guidelines could need significant repairs, including a new oil or fuel pump. Use a dipstick to check the color/quality of the oil and fuel. Test the engine at various RPMs to check pressure, efficiency and power.

If the oil pump is clogged with debris, the engine can’t pressurize the fuel to ensure a thorough burn, which reduces efficiency. Clogs in the fuel pump reduce the flow, depriving the engine of power. Buy a new diesel pump for the model you want to buy to replenish the fuel system.

Using biodiesel in the winter can lead to gelling, hard starts and increased fuel deposits. Learn the difference between biodiesel vs. diesel and how problems can accrue with age. Ask the owner how often they changed the fluids and filters, the maximum amount they towed and the vehicle’s actual MPG rating to see how it compares to the average.

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Buy Essential Parts in Advance

A used car may need a thorough overhaul once you get it home. Additional time behind the wheel could lead to some unpleasant surprises. Buy commonly used auto parts to ease the transition. Change the oil, transmission, coolant and brake fluid to wipe the slate clean, and check the levels and condition often to see if the system is leaking or contaminated.

Any diesel vehicle with over 150,000 miles will need at least one of its systems replaced. At that point, it’s only a matter of time before the oil and fuel pump, injectors, exhaust manifold and emissions reduction systems start to degrade. Shop for diesel parts online by make and model to keep everything you need to repair the truck on hand. Include the parts in your budget so you don’t get blindsided with a hefty bill when issues arise.

Track the Latest Automotive Trends

Following car-related news and trends will tell you how well specific makes/models have performed and how popular they are with consumers, which could affect their prices and which one you buy.

Users regularly share vehicle specs after taking them for a test drive to see how they compare to the manufacturer’s estimates. Companies with sluggish sales and dealerships sitting on unpopular models will often slash prices to raise capital and make space. The previous model year will drop in price when the company unveils the latest edition, usually around the beginning of the year or at the start of summer.

Get Yourself Time to Buy

With so much money on the line, buying a car is usually anything but quick, even if you’d prefer to get the transaction over as quickly as possible. Research from Car and Driver shows that while most consumers would like to purchase a car in an hour or less, it tends to take three hours or more. Knowing about cars and what you want, setting a firm budget, and getting pre-approved for an auto loan will expedite the process, but you shouldn’t feel pressed for time when making such an important decision.

Go shopping on Monday or early in the spring/fall shopping seasons to maximize face time with the agent, and give yourself several weeks to narrow your search.

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Shop Before You’re Ready

Buying a car features a steep learning curve. Your search can lead to unexpected factors and decisions that throw off your approach. If you wait to shop until you’re ready to buy, you could run into new considerations that extend your timeline. If you want to buy during an exclusive sale, such as Memorial Day or Black Friday, these complications could cause you to miss your window of opportunity.

Shopping for a car takes practice. Get in the habit of test-driving cars, talking to agents and negotiating a price to prepare for the real thing. No one will fault you for changing your mind and returning another day.

Buy a Car Your Way

If you feel comfortable advocating for yourself on the lot, know how your preferred make/model should be maintained and are confident in your ability to fix common issues, you don’t have to worry about falling for the wrong car. Do your homework, be thorough with your inspection and trust your instincts to pair with the perfect car.