Shopping for a used car in Portland is challenging. Why? Because there are so many deals out there. And the internet has made it easier to find a good car that meets your needs – particularly your budget.
Buying a used car has so many benefits. You will save money on car insurance, taxes, registration, and depreciation and if you find a good dealer, the car itself will still be in good condition.
So to make this process as trouble free as possible (which can be quite difficult) we have outline our top 6 tips for purchasing a good used car in Portland, Oregon. If you don’t think about these then you really are putting yourself at a disadvantage.
- Set Your Budget
Are you paying cash? If yes, set your budget. Do not spend all your savings on a used car. You must have money for insurance, registration, and future repairs.
Some people take out a car loan because they want to protect their savings. Provided you are aware of the risks, this can be a viable option for car buyers, just make sure you use an auto loan calculator when doing so. It takes difficulty out of the process and computes the best loan for you.
- Choose the Right Car
After setting your budget, it is now time to pick your car. Do not rush to pick a car.
How are you going to use the For example, if it is for your family, choose a car that has enough room for everyone and it must have a cargo space.
What are the must-have features you want? Make a list of these features. Then, look for a model that has these features. There are online tools that can help you find the right car with all these features. Use these tools when doing your research.
- Reliability and Ownership Costs
Used cars in Portland are different. Some used cars that have been driven for more miles. So, they have more wear and tear.
Choose a model that is dependable, holds its value, has low maintenance and insurance costs.
Some used cars are cheap to buy, but they will cost a lot of money in the long run. How? Because of depreciation, repairs, maintenance, and insurance.
- History Report
Check the history report of the used car you want to buy. Use the vehicle identification number (VIN) to run a vehicle history report. It is the fastest way to know the history of a used car.
- Contact the Seller
If you have some questions, contact the sellers. It will save you a lot of time. Do not rely on the information you read on an ad.
Ask if the seller is the first owner. Ask if the service records are still available. Ask if the seller has the title. And make sure the title is clear. Ask if there is important information that was not included in the ad. And ask if the seller can let your mechanic inspect the car.
- Test Drive the Car
Test drive the car you have chosen. When you test drive the car, you will know if you like the model. And you will know if the car is worth buying.
Choose a test drive route that curves, rough pavement, a stretch of highway, and even hills.
If the car is in good condition and you like driving it, take it to a mechanic to inspect it. Do not buy the car if you have doubts about its conditions.
If the mechanic finds that the car is in good condition, buy that car.
Final Words
So now you should be well prepared to buy a used car in the Portland area. Just make sure you follow what we’ve said and you’ll be just fine.
To find the highest rated Portland used car dealers (not the cars themselves) check out usedcardealerportland.com. They make sure you find a reliable and trustworthy dealer so are well worth checking out.
