The last thing you need at any point is to lose faith in your car; whether it is because of clattering noises from under the engine, horrific gas mileage, the inability to start or stay running, or a constant stress to replace failing parts, no one loves hearing the unexpected news that their car needs to retire. Hopefully, you reach this revelation before your vehicle leaves you stranded somewhere you do not want to be. However, purchasing a brand new vehicle has a high cost (the price tag) with not as high of a return (the new car smell being one). For this reason, trading in the used for the less used is a much more viable option for most people in the car market. Here are a few important facts to remember about used cars if you are looking for some new to you wheels.
Unfortunately, a private sale usually does not offer that kind of flexibility. In the event of a purchase through Craigslist, Facebook, or any other sale where a dealership or professional car salesman is not involved, cash is most likely required up front for the car sale, which may make the purchase of a newer vehicle through private sale unrealistic for many. Additionally, be cautious of purchasing your new car through private platforms if you are not confident of the car’s integrity; private sellers are generally under no obligation to have the car up to date and mechanically sound for the next buyer, whereas a dealer’s reputation would be at stake.
There are many factors that may affect your decision to trade in your vehicle for another used one, from credit, to dealership availability, to the model of car you desire. If you live in a rural area and long for a luxury sports car, you might have to find yourself traveling several hours to a lot that has the brands you like. Regardless, make sure to do plenty of research to find the type of sale that is right for you, and that you get the trade in value of your current vehicle that you deserve.