Do's and Don'ts of Buying a Used Car
Do's & Don'ts of Buying a Used Car in Yukon, OK
If you’re ready to upgrade to a vehicle that’s stylish, reliable and full of modern tech, you might be expecting to empty your wallet on a new car purchase. But you don’t have to buy new to get a high-quality ride that will last for years! When you browse our selection of used sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks and sports cars, we promise you’ll be impressed by all the like-new options at your fingertips. Before you start scrolling through our online listings and preparing to test-drive your favorites, read our dos and don’ts for buying a used car below — then visit Joe Cooper Dodge of Yukon to seal the deal on your (almost) new ride!
It can be overwhelming to look through our inventory when you don’t have a clear idea of the features, amenities and body style that you need in a vehicle. Your lifestyle heavily influences this decision, so we recommend thinking through how you’ll use your vehicle in the long run; for instance, you might want extra cargo space for gear if you love camping or a third row if you have a growing family. Make a list of priorities and use it to guide your search.
Want to get a feel for today’s used car market (especially in regards to prices)? We recommend using third-party sites like Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book®. You can type in the makes and models you’re considering to see typical listing prices, reviews and more. This will help you be more prepared for negotiation when you sit down in our finance department, and it will help you understand how we price the models we sell.
Coming into the car-buying process with a budget in mind is a must. Edmunds recommends only choosing a used car with a monthly payment that’s no more than 10% of your monthly take-home pay. Factor insurance, taxes, dealer and registration fees, maintenance costs and garage or parking costs (if applicable) into your budget as well. Make a large down payment if possible to lessen your monthly payments (or potentially shorten your overall loan term).
We’re always happy to accept trade-ins when our customers buy new or used vehicles! You’ll save on your purchase when you trade in, so if you’re ready to part ways with your current vehicle, find its value on our site now. However, if you still owe money on your current car and the amount you owe is more than the car is worth, it’s a better idea to pay off your loan before you trade in the vehicle. Negative equity is not a desirable thing to have, and it will follow you from loan to loan.
Finally — time for a test drive! Don’t rush this important part of the car-buying process. Enjoy yourself and take your time as you imagine each vehicle as part of your life. Test each feature and make sure you’re comfortable in the driver’s seat. It’s a big decision, and the test drive will help you know whether to commit or walk away. And remember, if you have any questions, our team is always here to help!
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 Joe Cooper Dodge of Yukon at 11001 W Reno Avenue, Yukon, OK 73099. We look forward to serving our customers from Mustang and Oklahoma City.