Paul West Used Cars

Your Guide to Buying a Used Car in Gainesville, FL

In today’s world, many people are choosing to buy used cars instead of new cars. After all, used cars lose value the minute they are driven off the lot. Instead of experiencing devastating depreciation based on a couple of inches of parking lot, choose to buy a model that is one or two years older. When you’re buying a used car, not only will the initial cost of the car be cheaper, but your insurance and taxes will cost less as well. Our Guide to Buying a Pre-Owned Vehicle will help you determine whether it’s best for you to buy a used car, or a new car.

Many people may have difficulties finding the right used car for them. Read below to find some useful car buying tips to keep in mind when considering how to buy a used car.

Calculate How Much You Can Afford

A fair amount of car buyers begin searching for pre-owned cars for sale before they sit down and think through their budgets. This can easily lead to getting your heart set on a model that costs more than your price range. If you are financing your car, consider your regular spending habits to determine how much you can afford to pay monthly. Keep in mind that you will have other charges such as insurance, registration, title fees and taxes. Further, if you are paying off the price of your used car over an extended period of time, you’ll need to pay the added interest, too. If you only consider the flat rate for your purchase and not the additional costs and fees, you may find yourself in a tight spot later.

You may realize that you can’t afford to buy a used car without taking out a loan. There are plenty of options when it comes to financing a used car, including taking out a loan with your bank, credit union or dealership.

As you begin car searching, stay within your price range so that you don’t get hung up on an option you cannot afford. Even the best used car can seem like a let down if you get carried away early in the car hunting process. While you are looking at your budget, consider when the best time to buy a used car is for your family. If the time is now, do not wait indefinitely.

Determine Which Models Are Perfect for You

Before you even walk into used car dealerships, figure out what your needs are. If you are unsure about what to look for when buying a used car, outline which features in a car are important to you.

• Do you value comfort, fuel efficiency or aesthetics more?
• Are you willing to sacrifice a brand you trust for a cheaper option or is reliability more important?

Whatever your preferences are, you should figure them out before you even walk onto the lot. If you don’t, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and buy a car that doesn’t fit your needs or preferences. Make a list of factors that are absolute necessities for your future car and a list of items that you prefer. Then, use these two lists to find makes and models that meet the majority of these requirements without hurting your budget.

Buying a Used Car? Ask the Right Questions

Buying a car is a huge investment. Therefore, it is vital that you find out as much as you can about your purchase before you make it, no matter how reliable your dealership is. Here are some questions to ask when buying a used car.

• What is the mileage on this car?
• Has this car been in an accident?
• How many previous owners has it had?
• Do you have the service history?
• What are the key features on this car?
• Is the car under warranty?

Paul West Used Cars in Gainesville, FL

If you are looking for used cars for sale in Gainesville, FL, contact Paul West Used Cars. We have a wide variety of makes and models so you can be sure you are getting the car you want from the best place to buy used cars in Gainesville. All of our cars are inspected and repaired by our certified mechanic so you can rest easy knowing you are purchasing a reliable and quality car.

We know that buying a new-to-you car can be overwhelming and time consuming. You probably have a lot of questions to ask, and we’re here for you when you’re ready. Stop by our dealership in Gainesville, FL to get a closer look at your next car.