Do's and Don'ts of Buying a Used Car
Do's & Don'ts of Buying a Used Car in Daphne, AL
Is it time to change up your daily drive? The good news is you don’t have to purchase a brand-new model in order to refresh your commute. Our pre-owned selection contains a variety of lightly used sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks and hybrid models that could be your next ultimate ride. Before you sign the dotted line, keep reading to learn more about the do’s and don’ts of buying a used model from us at Kia of Daphne!
1. Do know your needs.
The first thing you need to ask yourself is: What do you absolutely need in your next vehicle? Determining what features you can’t live without is the first step to narrowing down your options. Decipher which body style would suit your lifestyle best; for instance, an SUV is the perfect choice for large families. Stick to your must-haves and don’t settle for anything less!
2. Do research.
Utilize third-party websites like Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book® to your advantage. These are trustworthy resources that allow you to acquaint yourself with the current market. Simply enter the list of your preferred makes and models and save the prices you find. This will prepare you to arrive at our finance office with better negotiating power.
3. Do know how much you can afford.
One of the most important components of your car-buying journey is the budget you wish to maintain. We highly suggest purchasing a model that’s less than 20 percent of your income — you'll want to avoid living beyond your means. Make sure to add insurance, taxes, and dealer and registration fees into your final calculation. In addition, it’s best to put as much money down upfront in an effort to lessen your future monthly payments and shorten your overall term.
4. Don't trade in a car that's worth less than you owe on it.
Want to save a little extra on your next car? Trade your current ride for one of our used models! Keep in mind that if you still owe on your current vehicle and it’s more than what it’s worth, it might be a good idea to pay off your car first. You can’t leave behind negative equity — it follows you from loan to loan.
5. Don't rush your test drive.
The test drive is the perfect opportunity to experience all of the bells and whistles within the model before you seal the deal. Don’t rush this part of the process! Enjoy the ride and take your time to get a full understanding of the vehicle and its capabilities. One of our team members will be with you throughout this process and can answer any questions you may have along the way!
If you have any questions about what you need to do before buying a used car or would like to test-drive any of our quality used cars, please feel free to contact us or stop by Kia of Daphne at 29816 Frederick Blvd., Daphne, AL 36526 . We look forward to serving our customers from Mobile, Fairhope and Robertsdale, AL, and Pensacola, FL.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.