Why buy a used car
Find a Car
- New cars depreciate much faster than used cars, leading to lower insurance prices and lower registration fees
- Used rental cars are one of the best values on the road for they have been well-maintained and inspected regularly
- Bob Baker Betterway’s 122 point inspection on every used vehicle assists assuring better gas mileage. All our vehicles are Certified for your safety and gas saving needs. Unlike Most Used Car Dealers we assign you a Service Advisor at no extra charge for any question that might arise after the sale. In combination with the Service Advisor, we also offer an extensive Auto Care Center, including Parts, Accessories, and a Collision Center for your Gas Saving 'Gem' acquisition.
Tools to help you select the right car:
Find a Car
- Glossary of Terms for Buying Used Cars
Ex.: APR-or annual percentage rate the percentage you’ll be paying to whomever is funding your car. It will be the fee that is added to the actual vehicle price
GAP-or guaranteed asset protection is an insurance development that protects in the event that the car is totaled, the GAP insurance allows the consumer to ensure that s/he will be reimbursed for the car’s actual worth
(others to be educated on are NADA, MSRP, and ASE)
- Test driving tips-before you even enter the car, check for a spare tire and jack. Also ensure there is an owner’s manual for the vehicle. Test drive on smooth and bumpy roads and in start/stop scenarios. Don’t be afraid to drive in bad weather conditions during a test drive. Check all wipers, buttons, and interior functionality to assess their efficiency.
- Narrow your search down to specific models before entering the dealership. Research before going to the dealer. This allows time to check for mechanical specifics and differences rather than comparisons between models.
- Learn about the different certifications available for used cars. Not all are trustworthy.
- Use Carfax Vehicle History Reports to negotiate price, check history, and look for potential frauds
- Make sure you are not overpaying by checking resources such as the Kelly Blue Book(kbb.com). This is considered an industry standard used in determining a car’s value.
- Try to avoid cars with high mileage
- Be aware that the cheapest car does not necessarily make it the best deal
- Do not buy a car after it has had a serious accident, check dealer’s standards on damaged vehicles
- Take your time and test drive the car as long as you can. Do not be in a hurry to buy the car.
- Ask if the car is still under factory warranty, verify manufacturer vs. dealer warranty, parts vs. labor
- As a final step, bring the car to the mechanic you trust for an inspection
Prepping your used car for sale
Find a Car
- Ensure the dealer takes trade-ins if you desire a more convenient experience, if not, seek out appraiser
- Value your car before taking it in to the dealer
- When at the dealer, do not disclose you are trading your current vehicle until the price of the purchased vehicle has been negotiated
- Do an honest evaluation of your current vehicle to get the most accurate value
Other helpful hints
Find a Car
- apply for car loans in advance online in order to save from paperwork hassles at dealer, but also try to pay as much as possible in cash to avoid paying more in interest
- get insurance quotes before going to dealer
- Do decide beforehand how much you can actually afford, develop a monthly budget
- Be aware of what registration documents are necessary for trade-in and buying
- Be aware DMV costs may vary slightly from initial purchase