Do's & Don'ts Of Buying A Used Car in Greenville, SC

Planning on upgrading your ride to something a little newer? There are many perks to buying a used vehicle if you?d like to save some money, but there are still a few factors to keep in mind when buying a used car that differ from buying new. Read the following to find out the do's and don'ts of used car buying.

1. Do Know Your Needs

It can be hard to know where to start in the used car-buying process since there are a variety of body styles, features and amenities available to choose from. However, once you decide how much cargo space, passenger seating or towing capacity you need, you can begin figuring out what kind of vehicle is right for you.

2. Do Research

Once you've narrowed down the type of vehicle you want, make a list of deal-breakers you may find in a used vehicle. Find out which vehicles have all the amenities and features that you want by researching various makes and models.

3. Do Know How Much You Can Afford

Creating a budget can be the most difficult aspect of the car-buying experience. You may have discovered the perfect car, but choosing one that you can also afford can be a challenge. The recommendation when purchasing a new vehicle is to put about 20 percent down, limit the term to no more than 60 months and keep your monthly payment below 10 percent of your income. In addition, make sure that you consider the cost of both routine and unexpected maintenance as some cars cost more to maintain than others.

4. Don't Trade In A Car That's Worth Less Than You Owe On It

Negative equity can be a heavy burden because the balance of your old loan could be consolidated into the new car's loan amount, causing you to pay the debt of two cars in one, enormous loan. Research what your trade may be worth beforehand so you can be prepared.

5. Don't Rush Your Test-Drive

Pay close attention on your test-drive to ensure you actually enjoy the car and get a accurate feel for how it drives. Ask all the questions you need, try out the various features and look around the vehicle. Make sure the car has ample space for all your needs.

For any questions about how to prepare for buying a used car, or if you would like to test-drive any of our quality used cars, please feel free to contact us or stop by Carlton Motorcars Inc. at 2446 Laurens Rd , Greenville, SC 29607. We look forward to serving our customers from Spartanburg, Anderson and the Upstate.