Pre-owned Car Buyer's Checklist

A Guide for Automobile Shoppers

Given that a new car loses value as soon as it's driven off the dealership lot, opting for a used one can often be the most financially savvy choice. Whether you're well-versed in the art of buying used cars or just starting out, don't fret—there's a wealth of attractive pre-owned vehicles available nearby. Below, we've outlined some helpful tips to ensure that purchasing a used car is a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Find the Right Car

Exploring used vehicles online is an excellent choice. Numerous trusted websites allow you to browse directly from your smartphone or tablet, streamlining the search for your dream car and saving you countless hours in the process.

Many dealerships and even individual sellers utilize these reputable websites to exhibit their used cars. We highly suggest you explore these platforms as well.

Investigate the Vehicle's History

Whether you've narrowed down your options to a few vehicles or are just starting your search for a used car, you can utilize TX Plate Lookup® vehicle history reports to ensure that the vehicle's background aligns with your expectations.

Employing a TX Plate Lookup report can significantly mitigate the risk of buying a vehicle with undisclosed issues that may pose safety hazards or require expensive repairs. With a TX Plate Lookup report, you can ascertain the number of previous owners, check for reported accidents, and detect any significant damage.

Additional beneficial elements in the report may encompass:

  • Vehicle identification number (VIN)
  • Odometer reading
  • Identifying salvage or junk vehicles in the report.
  • Detecting any damage resulting from hail, flood, or fire incidents.
  • Uncovering mileage discrepancies or instances of odometer rollback.
  • Lemon vehicles
  • Identifying vehicles that have been utilized as rentals, taxis, or part of a fleet.
  • Uncovering records of theft as well as loans/liens indicating ownership interests or unpaid judgments.

(Reports do not include the names or information related to a vehicle's previous owner(s).)

TX Plate Lookup also boasts a highly unique feature: its patented TX Plate Lookup Score™ — which enables you to evaluate a vehicle's predicted reliability and compare it to similar cars within its class.

Discover more about the TX Plate Lookup Score and how it can assist you in choosing a vehicle that suits your needs.

Perform a visual inspection

Having completed the report and confirming the vehicle's integrity, you're now prepared to allocate time from your schedule to inspect the vehicle in person. During this inspection, ensure you meticulously examine every aspect of the vehicle, including:

  • Before venturing out to the dealership or seller's location, it's prudent to wait for the rain to cease. A wet car has the potential to conceal numerous paint and body issues.

  • Take the car for a spin on local streets as well as on the highway to gauge its performance at various speeds.

  • Test all switches and knobs to ensure they function properly.

  • Inspect the radio buttons to ensure they are tuned to local stations; if not, it could indicate that the car originated from a different area. Additionally, examining the GPS programming can offer further insights.

  • Ensure that the car includes all the accessories and options advertised. Pay attention to details such as wheel locks, as they can easily be lost and prove costly to replace when necessary.

Get a Vehicle Inspection

If you're nearing a purchase decision, don't overlook the crucial step of having the vehicle inspected by your local mechanic to uncover any hidden mechanical issues. While TX Plate Lookup vehicle history reports can reveal reported issues, they may not cover problems that haven't been reported to private or government sources.

A skilled mechanic can identify deferred maintenance as well as existing issues, such as a burnt-out check-engine or antilock braking system light, which could indicate larger underlying problems. Addressing these issues preemptively can help avoid hidden costs and prevent the depreciation of the vehicle's value. It's crucial to have any used vehicle you're considering inspected by a mechanic. Even when purchasing from a dealership, it's advisable to have an independent mechanic assess the car.

Secure Financing

Amidst the excitement of finding the ideal vehicle, it's easy to become swept up in the moment, especially when you believe you've found the perfect match. Nonetheless, it's crucial to maintain a level-headed approach when it comes to paying for the vehicle and arranging insurance.

If you're among the many consumers not purchasing a vehicle outright with cash, you'll need to explore financing options. Prioritize securing a contract that clearly outlines the vehicle's purchase price, inclusive of any dealership fees or state charges. Ensure the contract includes the correct VIN and states that the vehicle is being sold "as-is" if bought from a private seller.

Banks, credit unions, and dealerships are all providers of car loans. However, it's essential not to fixate solely on the monthly payment. Instead, consider the total price of the car and the terms of the loan. To determine the actual cost of the vehicle transaction, multiply the monthly payment amount by the loan term.

Once you've made the decision to pursue a used vehicle, it's imperative to assess your credit score to determine the type of financing you qualify for. A higher credit score typically leads to more competitive interest rates. Explore finance rates at local banks and credit unions, as well as online financial institutions, where you can obtain preapproval for a specific loan amount. Additionally, dealerships may offer attractive finance rates, given their established relationships with multiple lenders.

Regardless of where you obtain your loan, it's crucial to perform the necessary calculations to determine the total cost of the vehicle over time. You should carefully assess whether you're comfortable with the overall amount you'll be paying.

Insure Your Vehicle

Don't forget to include insurance in your vehicle ownership costs by contacting your insurance provider before making a purchase. The simplest way is to call your current company and inquire about the rate. Often, you'll be trading in or selling your old vehicle, necessitating its removal from your policy. If you're considering switching insurance providers, it's easy to compare quotes online. Ensure you cancel your old policy (usually without a fee) and verify that the new policy offers all the necessary features.