Whether in the market for a new or used car, the process will be significantly more straightforward if you know what to do and when. The most crucial step is to search for dealerships that offer what you need, then compare prices and reviews through sites.
Your next task is to make sure the car you want is ready to be purchased. Read over available car inspection and maintenance records and decide whether they give you enough information to proceed. If not, ask your dealer for more information, or consider buying elsewhere.
At this point, you can take a test drive if the used cars in austin dealership offer them on-site. On the drives, keep your eyes open for warning signs that a car does not work correctly or wears out quickly. Look for abnormal vibrations or sounds coming from the chassis, steering wheel or other parts of the vehicle. Get a sense of how well brakes respond to the pedal and how smoothly it accelerates from a stop sign or traffic light.
While waiting for the dealership to call you back, run all vehicle warranties through CarFax.com and check with your local DMV to ensure each car meets state requirements. If you do purchase a car, do not be in a rush to take it home right away. While it may be tempting to test drive cars that are in your price range, their condition needs some work before you should feel confident driving them on the road.
If you bought a car from a private seller, make sure it has been documented with the DMV and is registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles. The best way to detect stolen or otherwise unregistered vehicles is to check them out online or by searching for DMV records.
Before buying a new car, take a hard look at the vehicle and ensure it is in good condition inside and out. If a dealer does not allow you to inspect the car, walk away unless you have an independent inspector with you. Always consider purchasing from dealerships that offer a money-back guarantee on your purchase, or only buy vehicles with detailed warranties covering all warranty work during the first 12 months of ownership. Check the safety ratings of any new car before purchasing it, given by either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
