Do's and Don'ts of Buying a Used Car
Do's & Don'ts of Buying a Used Car in Daphne, AL
Are you ready for a change on the road but not looking forward to the hefty new car price tag? Simply upgrade for less by shopping our reliable pre-owned inventory! We have a large selection of lightly used sedans and SUVs to choose from. Before you seal the deal, keep scrolling to learn about the do’s and don’ts of buying a used vehicle from us at Volkswagen of Daphne !
1. Do know your needs.
Ask yourself what features you can’t live without for your next ride. This will get your gears turning regarding which model would suit your lifestyle. Also consider what body style would work best for your daily commute. For example, if you have a large family with children, an SUV would be perfect for those early school drop-offs.
2. Do research.
Always acquaint yourself with the car market before you make your final decision. You can do this through trustworthy sources such as Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book® . Simply enter the makes and models you’re considering and save the prices you find. This will equip you with better negotiating power when you step inside our finance office.
3. Do know how much you can afford.
Don’t forget about your budget! This is one of the most important things to keep in mind and stick to when you’re on the hunt for your next car. Our team recommends purchasing a model that’s less than 20 percent of your income. Include other fees such as insurance, taxes, dealer and registration costs into your final calculation. Additionally, it’s best to put down as much as possible upfront in order to lessen your future monthly payments or shorten your overall term.
4. Don't trade in a car that's worth less than you owe on it.
Interested in saving even more? Consider trading in your current ride with us and put that amount toward your next car purchase. Keep in mind that if you still owe money on your current vehicle and the amount is more than what it’s worth, it might be a good idea to pay it off first before hopping into another investment. This is because negative equity will follow you from loan to loan, so we highly recommend taking the time to complete those payments.
5. Don't rush your test drive.
Last but not least, don’t rush your test drive! This is the perfect opportunity to get a feel for how the model drives and the features it provides. A member of our team will also accompany you during your ride, so don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have along the way. We can’t wait to witness you buckle up in your dream ride!
If you have any questions about what you need to do before buying a used car or would like to test-drive any in our inventory, please feel free to contact us or stop by Volkswagen of Daphne at 29816 Frederick Blvd., Daphne, AL 36526 . We look forward to serving our customers from Mobile and Bay Minette, AL, and Fort Walton Beach and Pensacola, FL.