Things To Consider When Buying a Used Car in 2024
How Much Car Can You Afford?
The general rule of thumb is that monthly payments for an auto loan shouldn’t exceed 20% of a car buyer’s net pay. It’s crucial to remember that a used vehicle will necessitate some additional maintenance. You might need to invest in new tires, new brakes, or refresh the car in some other manner.
With this in mind, you may want to aim for a car payment closer to 10% of your take-home pay. Wherever you set your target price, be sure to adhere to it. The last thing you want is to be burdened with payments you can’t afford.
Find Cars in Your Area
When it’s time to start searching for cars for sale in your area, you’ll have several good options to explore. You might find the ideal car for your needs at a franchised dealership that sells both used and new vehicles. Late-model trade-ins are often sold by these dealers, and branded dealerships typically have their own repair facilities.
Used car dealers generally offer older cars with higher odometer readings. At these locations, you’ll mostly find vehicles sold “as is,” though some may offer limited warranties for reassurance in case of future issues. Additionally, private sellers list their cars for sale online or through other means. You might get a great deal from someone selling their car independently, but make sure to obtain copies of the vehicle’s service records and original purchase paperwork
Determine a Fair Market Value for the Vehicle
After you’ve zeroed in on a few specific makes and models of vehicles, it’s time to consider a car purchase price that you will be satisfied with. Many factors come into play when considering a specific car’s value, including the year it was manufactured, its condition, mileage, and any additional features it may have.
the wear and tear on a vehicle, whether it’s high- or low-mileage, and if many others are seeking a similar model. There are several ways to research fair market value. One method is to look through digital or print classified ads and check local dealership listings, noting the prices of similar vehicles in your area. You can also use resources like Kelley Blue Book, which allows you to easily search for used car values online.
Don’t Forget the Vehicle History Report
When you find the used car you’re interested in, be sure to get a vehicle history report so you know exactly how the car was treated by previous owners. If there are any red flags – like if the car has been declared a total loss by an insurance company – it’s best to know early in the car shopping process.
Good options for accessing these reports online include CARFAX and AutoCheck. You just need the vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate number to get this essential information. Most dealerships offer these reports free of charge for cars in their inventories. Private sellers and other used car dealers will likely require you to pay for those reports.
Explore Your Financing Options
Unless you plan to pay for your used car in cash, you’ll need to finance your purchase. To get the best interest rate on your car loan, it’s recommended to shop around with different lenders. Once you have approval, you’ll be better equipped to stay within your price range and negotiate the final price of the car. With your financing in place, you might want to check out our guide on the best times to buy a used car. You may be surprised by your buying power during certain times of the year.
Test-Driving Is a Must
You can usually determine if a used car is right for you by test-driving it. Getting behind the wheel and focusing on how the vehicle feels on the road is vital. Here are a few key things to pay attention to during your test drive:
Overall comfort: Ensure you like the way the car drives and that you have plenty of room inside. Also, make sure the seat and steering wheel are easily adjustable.
Visibility: Check that the rearview and side mirrors are in good condition and assess for blind spots.
Brakes: The brakes should be responsive and free from any concerning noises.
Signs of leaks: Look under the hood and under the car after your test drive. If you see anything leaking or smell burning oil, you know something needs to be addressed.
Tires: Visually inspect the tires to see how old they are. Get a feel for the car’s overall balance when driving as well. Combined with a vehicle history report and service records, a test drive should give you more than enough information to feel comfortable moving forward with the car buying process.
An Inspection Adds Peace of Mind
Before purchasing a used car, it’s essential to have it inspected by a mechanic you trust. Certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles from branded dealerships have typically undergone thorough inspections. However, with other sellers of used vehicles, arranging a pre-purchase inspection is crucial.
If you don’t have a trusted mechanic, consider checking online reviews to find a reputable option in your area. Expect to pay between $100 and $200 for this inspection. Whether the car is in excellent condition or issues are identified, this investment is worthwhile. If problems are found but you’re still interested in the car, you may have leverage to negotiate a lower price.
Finish the Paperwork
Once you’ve agreed to a fair price, it’s time to sign the paperwork and close the deal. If you’re buying from a branded car dealership, this process is pretty straightforward. Keep in mind that a salesperson might offer you additional service plans and extended warranty options. If you’re buying from a private party, you’ll have a few more steps to complete.
Make sure the seller transfers the car title and registration to you correctly. Rules governing these transactions vary by state, so it’s wise to check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before finalizing the deal. Additionally, ensure you have car insurance for your new purchase before driving it home. If you don’t already have coverage, research the best car insurance companies available.
Protect Your Investment
Unless the car you’re buying is still under its manufacturer’s warranty or is a certified pre-owned vehicle with built-in protection, you might want to consider purchasing an extended warranty. Our list of the top used car warranties can assist you in selecting the best plan for your needs.
For those purchasing a high-mileage vehicle or planning to keep their used car for the long term, our list of extended warranty providers for cars over 100,000 miles could be particularly beneficial.
SOME OF OUR FAVORITE FEATURES SHOULD BE IN YOUR NEW CAR IN 2023.
If buying a new vehicle is on your 2023 to-do list, now is the time to start compiling your list of must-have features. Even if you know exactly what you want, there may be variations in trim levels across similar models. It’s beneficial to research in advance and identify which vehicles will offer the bells and whistles you desire. As you prepare to purchase a car in 2023, having your own list of essential features will be invaluable. I hope you find this list helpful as well.
WHAT DO WE LIKE?
While 2023 isn’t a planned vehicle purchase year for me, it never hurts to be ahead of things. I polled several of our writing staff to see what was on their list of “gotta have it” features. We were all (more often than not) on the same page, and our answers reflect that we spend a significant amount of time in our cars. We rely on those niceties that make our behind-the-wheel experiences enjoyable.
Before anyone brings up the discussion of needs versus wants, can we just not? It’s nearly 2023, and women are empowered to do many things, including choosing the car they want to drive. Who cares if it’s a want rather than a need?
Now, let’s tackle that list.
PLUG-IN HYBRID
My next car will be a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). I’m drawn to the idea of contributing to a greener environment. After test-driving several PHEVs, I’m convinced this choice aligns with my preferences and will ultimately save money on gasoline without significantly increasing our electric bill (a common misconception).
If I were certain about where I would be living in five years, I might consider a fully electric car. For now, I’ll keep an eye on their presence in the automotive industry.
APPLE CAR PLAY/ANDROID AUTO MAKES TECH EASY
Fortunately, this is a feature that’s easy to find in most new cars because automakers have caught on to the fact that we want this. I recently had a very basic rental car that lacked Apple CarPlay. I felt a bit lost on a drive from Green Bay to Beloit, Wisconsin. It was a lovely drive, but I definitely do not recommend it without CarPlay or Android Auto.
Even though built-in navigational systems and other infotainment features are becoming more advanced, Apple CarPlay is where many of us feel comfortable. We manage our lives through apps on our phones, and getting in our car is an extension of that. When I get behind the wheel, I want my familiar maps, my address book, Spotify, and Audible. Anything less than that is, well, less than ideal and not what I prefer.
You can see how these systems work and the differences between Android Auto and Apple CarPlay here:
Related: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: How to Optimize the Most Popular In-Car Phone Systems
WIRELESS CHARGING IS A MUST-HAVE
My current vehicle has Apple CarPlay (which was a must-have in 2019 when I bought my car and remains essential now), but wireless charging wasn’t as widely available as a feature just a few years ago. I’ve test-driven a car with wireless charging pads, and I now insist on having this feature for my next vehicle. While using a dedicated car cable for charging works fine, wireless charging is the way forward. Cables can fail, get lost, or be forgotten, leading to inevitable bickering among passengers—does that happen in your car too?
Interestingly, some automakers are incorporating charging pads that prevent your phone from overheating, so keep an eye out for that feature.
IF I’M BUYING A CAR IN 2023 I WANT ALL THE CHARGING PORTS
I have a list of things you can’t have too many of. If you could see my closet or my makeup drawer, you’d say shoes and lipsticks, which isn’t wrong, but multiple charging ports in a car are a huge deal for me. I want at least one USB port per seat in the car because everyone has at least one device. I also like at least two electrical outlets, useful for anything from keeping a laptop charged to tailgating.
MORE CHARGE PORTS THAN PASSENGERS? 2023 WAGONEER L AND GRAND WAGONEER L FULL-SIZE SUV: L MEANS MORE ROOM AND MORE MUSCLE IN THIS THREE-ROW SUV.
ALSO, ALL THE CUPHOLDERS, PLEASE
At a minimum, a cupholder for every passenger and a place to put a water bottle or tumbler inside each door. I usually have water when I’m on the go, but I also like having space for a coffee or something else. Two tween boys are my usual backseat passengers. If they don’t have a place to put their drinks, they’ll toss their bottles on the floor or the seat, usually causing spills.
The man who sold us our car kind of snickered at me when I counted cupholders in the vehicles we were test-driving. We told him we’d done our research on what was under the hood. We also knew exactly what was in his stock. The final decisions were made on what was going to be practical and comfortable for our everyday car. And yes, it came down to cupholders and charging ports. Don’t let anyone make you feel stupid for wanting what makes your life easier.
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HEATED/COOLED SEATS
I live in South Texas, where I’m likely to use my air conditioner at some point during all twelve months of the year. We have occasional cold spells and chilly winter mornings – our 2021 freeze made national news, so everyone knows it’s not always hot here – but for the most part, it’s hot, warm, or really hot.
My car features both heated and cooling seats. Although the cooling setting gets more use than the heating one, both are essential for me. I also have a heated steering wheel, which is a nice feature to have. I don’t use it frequently, but on those very cold mornings when I don’t have time to warm up my car, the heated steering wheel comes in handy. And when I say very cold mornings, I mean anything below 60 degrees. If I lived farther north, a heated steering wheel would be indispensable. My friends in colder climates agree with me on this.
NOW EVERYONE CAN HAVE HEATED SEATS: 2022 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR REVIEW: THIS BIG BOY WILL WOW YOU
PUMP UP THE JAMS
If you’ve never driven a car with upgraded audio, then you won’t understand what you’re missing. If you spend a lot of time in your vehicle and cherish your tunes, you might want to explore options like packages or aftermarket upgrades that offer superior sound. “I love my rock, and a car without a great stereo and excellent speakers is a deal-breaker,” says Adeina Anderson, a contributor to A Girl’s Guide to Cars and a frequent road tripper.
I spent more time in the car in 2022 than in previous years – the pandemic has turned me into more of a road tripper, especially since my daughter moved from Spain to Florida – so this is a feature I would scrutinize more closely if I were buying a car in 2023.
PREMIUM SOUND MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE: LISTEN UP, EVERYONE! REVEL SPEAKERS SHOWS US HOW TO GET THE BEST SOUND IN THE CAR
LEATHER OR LEATHERETTE SEATS
“No fabric interiors ever,” firmly states A Girls Guide to Cars founder and Editor in Chief Scotty Reiss. I’m in complete agreement with Scotty on this one. While fabric interiors are cost-effective, leather seats are easier to maintain and offer a higher resale or trade-in value. Leather or leather-like seats can be cleaned easily and are more durable than fabric. “And they don’t absorb all the smells in your car, like sweaty soccer players or spilled Gatorade,” Scotty points out.
The downside to leather seats is that they retain heat and can be uncomfortable to sit on with bare legs when it’s hot outside. This can be easily managed with a sunshade, seat pad, or simply waiting a few minutes before sitting down.
LEATHER SEATS DON’T HAVE TO BE EXPENSIVE: FIVE THINGS I LOVE ABOUT THE 2022 KIA SORENTO PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC 3 ROW SUV
REMOTE START
I’ve never had a vehicle with remote start, but I remember the first time I learned that feature existed. I was living in Illinois and going to lunch with a coworker on a cold, snowy day. She walked over to the window of our shared office and aimed her key fob at her car in the parking lot.
“Just getting things warmed up,” she smiled at me. “Let’s go.”
My mind was blown, and I’ve wanted this feature ever since. Remote start is becoming an increasingly common option on newer cars. That said, it’s easy enough to get an OEM upgrade. Even if you’re not buying a car in 2023, this is still a feature you can add. If you want to heat or cool your car a bit before getting inside, it’s a convenient shortcut. It’s also perfect for a parent with young children who have extra steps to follow when getting into the car.
Related: The best family cars for moms – And it’s not just about the kids
360-DEGREE CAMERA
Contributors Danyel Buie and Kim Smith both highlighted a 360-degree digital camera as a crucial feature for buying a vehicle in 2023. This technology provides a view as if a drone were directly above your car, showing the surroundings and area around it. I have this option on my vehicle, and it greatly assists when parking or maneuvering into tight spaces. It allows me to correct a poor parking job while I’m still behind the wheel without needing to exit the vehicle to visually verify tricky parking situations. It happens.
I also particularly appreciate the camera feature that some vehicles have to monitor the second and third-row seats. I tested a Chrysler Pacifica minivan equipped with this option and find it to be a fantastic addition for young families. As a mother to 12-year-olds, I really don’t need to know what’s going on back there.
THIS TRUCK HAS CRAZY GOOD CAMERAS: 2022 GMC HUMMER EV REVIEW: IS IT SILLY TO LIKE AN ELECTRIC TRUCK THIS MUCH?
MAKING A LIST
While my essential features may differ from yours, it’s crucial to outline what features you can’t live without. It’s easy during the vehicle-buying process to overlook some of the elements that can significantly enhance your experience in the car. During a test drive, it’s wise to evaluate not just the performance but also explore features that you’ve never experienced before. Perhaps one or two will become your new must-have.
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