5 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Used Car

Posted Friday, Jun 03, 2022

Buying a used car is a great way to save money. Even if you get financing with your used vehicle, your down payment and monthly payments will likely be lower than they would for a new car. Or you can make the same monthly payments but get to drive a nicer, more expensive, more feature-filled car. If you are in the search for used cars near me, do your best to avoid these mistakes.

Mistake: Not Being Prepared for the Current Market

If you are searching for used cars near me, be prepared that you are not the only one, and vehicles are still in short supply. This means that prices are a bit higher than they have been in the past, and you may have to look harder to find what you want. But Lucky Car Ducky has good news for you regarding this second point. We have a car finder service where we will find the car you want. This is especially useful given the low inventories in the area.

Mistake: Not Getting the Value of Your Trade-in

Another common mistake is what you bring to auto financing – not getting the full value of your trade-in. The rise in prices for used cars near me means that you will also get more for your used vehicle. But you have to do your research and be ready to negotiate. Don’t rely on outdated information or visit the dealership without being prepared. Look up your auto’s value on Kelley Blue Book and bring in local prices for comparison.

Mistake: Not Getting Pre-approved

Even if you limit your search to used cars near me, you likely need financing for your car. But a common mistake is not getting pre-approved for that financing. At the very least, this lets you spot credit issues early so that you can correct them. It also makes negotiations easier, can be a bargaining chip, and makes the entire process go more smoothly. Luckily, Lucky Car Ducky lets you start the pre-approval process online.

Mistake: Buying Extras You Don’t Need

As mentioned, used cars near me save you money. You can use that for direct savings or afford upgrades you wouldn’t be able to get with a new car. This includes extras like mudguards and extra warranties. While it’s tempting to get upgrades you don’t need, it is not smart. Before getting an extra, take the time to think about whether you want it.

Mistake: Not Looking at the Out-the-door Price

Depending on the dealership you buy used cars from, they are likely to include optional things in the price. These include those previously mentioned extras. But you want to focus on the out-the-door price. This is the price without those extras.

Buy With Confidence at Lucky Car Ducky

Buy your new-to-you car confidently at Lucky Car Ducky in Fresno, CA. We have a great selection of used vehicles, allowing you to find your ideal car. We also offer auto financing, complete with a pre-approval process.

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