Used Car Buying Checklist

When you're buying your next car, there can be a lot of moving parts to keep track of. It's an exciting process, and we at Watermark Nissan of Marion are happy to help it stay that way. To help drivers from Marion, Herrin, and Carbondale, IL, find their next used car, our team has put together this used car buying checklist.

Give it a look over and find your next vehicle!

Step One: Determine Your Budget

The first thing to do with any vehicle purchase, new or used, is determining your budget. While this might slightly depend on what financing options are available to you, getting a rough idea of your budget before you start shopping is helpful.

When you have a rough budget in mind, you can begin to narrow down your vehicle options. You'll know what you can afford, what features or trim levels you might go for, and what might not be for you.

Step Two: Figure Out What Type of Vehicle You Want

Another step to help you narrow down the vehicles you're looking for is to determine the type of vehicle that best meets your needs. Are you someone who needs extra space in the truck? Then an SUV might be worth looking at.

Have an entire family you need to fit in the car? Check out a minivan.

When you decide what type of vehicle works best for you, considering things like work, commute, pets, activities you enjoy, and more can help.

Step Three: Start Your Research

Now that you know your budget and what type of car you want, you can start researching various makes and models. Reading reviews is a good way to do this-and so is checking out dealership inventory online or in person.

Once you've found some vehicles you have your eye on, feel free to reach out to the dealership for more information.

Step Four: Vehicle History

Many used vehicles have history reports since they've had previous drivers. These history reports typically include any car accidents, mileage, how many previous owners the car has had, and more.

You can even get an idea of how well the vehicle was cared for. Maintenance records let you know if routine maintenance was done.

Step Five: Test Drive

If you're interested in getting an idea of how well the vehicle drives, schedule a test drive. You can take that time to try out some of the vehicle's systems like air conditioning, radio, and potentially different drive modes. Ultimately, a test drive lets you know if you even like driving the car!

This is also a good time to get an independent mechanic to look at the vehicle. An independent mechanic will look over the car and let you know if there are any major issues and the cost to repair those issues.

Step Six: Apply for Financing and Enjoy Your Car

If you've fallen in love with the vehicle and you've test driven it, apply for financing if you need it. Once you've got your financing, you can negotiate the cost of the car and seal the deal.

Last and not least, hit the road with your used car!

Find Your Next Pre-Owned Vehicle

Our tea at Watermark Nissan of Marion prides itself on making sure you have a good buying experience. We look forward to working with drivers from Marion, Herrin, and Carbondale, IL. Come by and get behind the wheel of your next used vehicle today!