There’s nothing wrong with buying a used car. They can provide a sturdy set of wheels without the price tag of a brand new vehicle. Nevertheless, buying used comes with its risks.
If you’ve decided that you want to buy used, do your research beforehand. Know what you want, and what you need to do to ensure safety and reliability in your new vehicle.
1. Consider the Pros and Cons of Costs 
Usually, you can buy a used car for significantly less than the price of a new car. Even gently-used cars can appear almost perfect, but come at much less cost.
However, buying used comes with its own costs risks. For example, if the used car will require considerable upkeep and maintenance, you might wind up pouring money into fixing problems common to older vehicles. Make sure you’re aware of any potential issues that might lead to added costs in your new used car. Sometimes, buying new (or newer) might be safer.
2. Think About Auto Insurance Costs
You will likely need to insure this vehicle according to your state’s laws. Having a used car might have both positive and negative impacts on your insurance prices.
Positively, because the used car has a lesser value, this might drive down your premium costs. This is because it may cost less for your insurer to pay for a claim.
However, other factors might negatively impact your insurance. Most vehicles have history reports that give an overview of any previous accidents. If your vehicle had accidents under a previous owner, some insurers might consider it a high risk. Therefore, the wrong used car might drive your insurance prices up.
3. Know the Car You’re Buying
Used cars will have a diverse past. Therefore, know before you buy. You should only buy from a reputable dealer who can certify the vehicle’s history and safety. It is often a good idea to have the vehicle inspected shortly after purchase to check for problems the dealer may have overlooked. At times, the dealer may allow you to have the car independently inspected before you buy. It never hurts to ask.
You can usually get a comprehensive vehicle history report online for a small fee. By using the vehicle’s identification number (VIN) you can usually see previous insurance claims, accident history and certain ownership information. It’s usually a good idea to obtain a vehicle report before buying the car. It can tell you a lot about what you're getting into.
When you’re ready to insure, talk to your agent. They can help you determine the best way to protect the car. We can help you if you’re ready to get a new policy, or if you need more information.
.