Best Time to Buy a Used Car

Some items you purchase have a season, like buying a sweater on sale in July, but thanks to an abundance of options being put out on the market throughout the year, used cars are a little different.

That's why the best time to buy a used car isn't a season or time of the day. The answer is perfectly simple: when you need one. When do you need a car, and do you have everything in order to connect with the ride that's right for you?

Our automotive professionals put together the following guide to help you see if it's your season for getting behind the wheel of your next vehicle.

You Know What Used Car You Want

There's probably a reason why you're considering a used car in your future. What's motivating your need to seek out new wheels? Perhaps you need a truck with more capability to handle frequent hauls to the job site and back, or maybe you're on the lookout for a modern SUV equipped with plenty of safety gear and a spacious backseat to better accommodate new family members.

Whatever your needs may be, make sure you jot them down as well as some wants. What's a must have and what's a nice to have? Answering these questions will be so useful when you start reviewing car profiles.

You've Considered Your Finances

How much of your monthly spending can you afford to route toward car payments? Maybe you have a large purchase coming up that you need to save for and buying a used car might be a better purchase for you until you can refocus your finances.

Think about how much money you have available for payments as well as other expenses such as car insurance, gas, and routine maintenance. Knowing all of these numbers will help you decide if you're in a financially secure place to move forward with buying.

You've Done Your Car Research

With these perquisites in place, you're ready to hit the showroom, online or in person! With hundreds of gently used sedans, trucks, SUVs, and even sports cars for sale across the nation, there's no shortage of options to browse.

While you check out each car that catches your eye, you'll want to be sure you have the chance to check out its vehicle history report. With one of these documents, typically available online in a dealership's used inventory, you can quickly get up to speed on a car's vitals like model information, number of owners, service records, and so much more.

You've Scheduled a Test Drive

No car shopping pursuit is complete until you've sized it up in person and taken it for a spin! If you find a car that checks off all of the boxes on paper, taking a test drive is the final step, there to make sure that the car is everything you're looking for and more-don't forget it!

Is it Time for You to Buy a Used Car?

Truly, the best time to buy a used car is unique to every buyer and situation. If you've answered "yes" to all of the questions above, we'd have to say you're in great shape to move forward with your purchase!

Wherever it is you are in the process, the team at Val-U-Line®, offering hundreds of quality used rides throughout the country, can help! Browse our inventory for affordable, reliable options from coupes to wagons, view CARFAX® Vehicle History Reports online, and head out to a location near you for a test drive.