When is the Best Time to Buy a Used Car?
Have you become interested in the used car market? Each used vehicle tells a unique story regarding where it has been and what accessories it has added. When vetted correctly, a used car can provide a premier, like-new driving experience as well.
In the following paragraphs, we’ll cover some common FAQs, including when the best time to buy a used car is. Have questions along the way? Just contact our team here at AcceleRide®.
So, when is the best time to buy a used car? The answer to that will depend on a lot of various factors, so it will come down to your personal needs at the current moment.
When considering when to buy a car, the present might be the right time. That is because if you need a car as soon as possible so you can get to work, buy essentials like groceries, and just enjoy time spent outdoors, you may be ready to go ahead and buy your used car now.
Today, used cars are often vetted quite heavily. Looking at vehicle history reports and conducting inspections can go a long way toward ensuring quality in a used car. Accordingly, you can trust used cars a great deal, especially with options like certified pre-owned available for your exploration.
There are ways you can decide if it is the right time for you personally to buy the used car you need. Here are just a few things to consider when figuring out the exact timing:
- Set a Budget: Determining how much you can afford to spend on a used car can help you see if you are ready to go ahead and buy the car you want. When setting your budget, make sure to also account for costs such as insurance, maintenance, and fuel.
- Research the Market: Understand the market conditions for the specific make and model you're interested in. Check the release of new model years, which might make it a great time to get the specific car you want only a year or two old.
- Check for Incentives: Keep an eye out for dealership promotions, holiday sales events, or special financing offers that might make buying a used car more attractive during specific periods.
- Understand Your Needs: Make sure the type of vehicle you're considering aligns with your lifestyle and needs. Consider factors like the size of the vehicle, fuel efficiency, and any specific features you require.
What is certified pre-owned, you may ask? Certified pre-owned vehicles are used cars that have met certain requirements. These requirements typically vary a bit depending on the make of the vehicle but typically include a certain mileage and involve an inspection process.
A lot of CPO vehicles also come with additional benefits. Some of them may include roadside assistance, while others could even offer a trial subscription for SiriusXM®. With a certified pre-owned ride, you can trust the quality is especially high, given the added layers of quality assurance that are present.
Odds are, you’ve heard of vehicle history reports, like CARFAX®. What are they, though? Well, they’re comprehensive reports that cover the history of the vehicle. They’ll detail the maintenance and repairs it has had done as well as reveal any potential red flags, such as accidents and other events that could have damaged the vehicle.
They also include a lot of other valuable information that can help you get the transparency you want before buying a car. That includes a detailed account of the title. You can also see if there were any recalls for the vehicle. They even have the accurate odometer reading so you know exactly how many miles it has been driven.
When it comes to warranty coverage, used cars are a bit different than new cars. For certified pre-owned vehicles, you can expect to receive warranty coverage. With traditional used cars, you can sometimes explore adding warranty coverage, but it often does not come standard.
However, many dealerships do offer various options for you that can help protect your investment in a used car. That includes various protection plans they have. You can also explore various service plans that let you cover future maintenance requirements up-front.
If you’re interested in buying a used vehicle, you could explore your options in person at a dealer. A more attractive option, though, could be pursuing your used vehicle online. Whether you want to complete the entirety of the buying process online or just wish to do some preliminary research via the web, utilizing online resources is a really convenient way to expedite your buying journey.
With AcceleRide® specifically, you can shop from a range of vehicles, pick out the payment plan you want, and schedule to have your car delivered all from the comfort of your home. You can even view our inventory based on your location so you can see options that are nearby for you to easily test drive!
We have a variety of options for you to shop from, so you can ultimately find the type of vehicle you want. That includes compact vehicles like sedans and crossovers ready to get you smoothly and efficiently around town.
You will also find various SUVs within our inventory, ranging from models known for their luxurious interiors to ones that are known for their all-terrain exploration. We have trucks too you can shop among, whether you tow large equipment or just have the extra utility a truck bed provides for all the various activities you enjoy and items you need to complete your to-do list.
Ready to lean into the buying process after learning more about the best time to buy and other important information? We are happy to provide guidance here at AcceleRide®. Just contact our team with any questions or queries you may have! If you are ready to start shopping for your used car too, go ahead and search our inventory now online.