Do's and Dont's of Buying a Used Car in Elmhurst, IL

Looking to save money and still get a new vehicle? You may not be getting a brand-new car, but there are still upsides to buying a used vehicle. Just make sure you’re taking all the factors of buying a used car into consideration. Reading this list of do’s and don’ts below will help you get a better understanding of what to look for.

1. Do Know Your Needs

When first looking for the right vehicle, there are a number of body types, available features and designs that will come across your path. The best thing for you to do is narrow down your search by going through a list of things you’d want on your vehicle. This could include mileage, storage space, towing capacity and a number of other important things.

2. Do Research

You’ve found the vehicle you want? Perfect. Now you should narrow down the features and amenities you can live and live without in your car. This will make it a lot easier to find the right used vehicle when you come into Honda on Grand. By doing this, we can find the exact make and model that’ll fit all your vehicle needs.

3. Do Know How Much You Can Afford

Now here comes the most difficult part. You’re going to have to set a budget on how much you want to spend on your new vehicle. Oftentimes, car buyers find the vehicle that checks all the boxes, which makes it even more tough when they haven’t budgeted how much they can spend. When first looking to buy a vehicle, most recommend that you put about 20 percent down, limit the term of the loan to no more than 60 months and keep the monthly payment below 10 percent of your income. While budgeting for your vehicle, take into account the cost of repairs and service. Some owners are unaware of the costs of repairs for certain cars. This will give you more clarity in the long run.

4. Don't Trade In a Car That's Worth Less Than You Owe On It

Still have an old loan on your current car? When you trade in a car that you still owe money on, your old loan may be consolidated into the new loan amount, creating one big loan. Before you come into our dealership, we suggest that you research how much your trade is potentially worth. This way, you’ll know if trading in your current car is the best option for you.

5. Don't Rush Your Test Drive

Some potential car buyers don’t take the time to get a feel for their chosen vehicle during their test drive. When you’re driving, you’ll want to get the full experience of the car that you’re possibly bringing home. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, check out the interior and exterior, use the features and get the most out of your opportunity.

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 Honda on Grand at 300 W. Grand Avenue, Elmhurst, IL 60126. We look forward to serving our customers from Addison, Chicago and Villa Park.