How To Find The Right Second-Hand Car For You

​Finding the right second-hand car for you actually depends on how you are planning to use it most of the time, and how much you can afford to pay. A brand-new car is always nice, but car manufacturers nowadays make better vehicles than ever before, so much so that several makes and models still carry high value even after they have been driven off the dealer's lot years ago.

Here are three essential factors to consider when picking out a second-hand car:

​Analyze What Your Needs Are
The right car for you will hinge on what you expect from it. Some people may want a car that they can take for sporty drives during weekends, in which case they will need a car that has loads of horsepower. Others may be looking for a car that they can use for daily tasks, like grocery shopping or bringing the kids to school. Consider the following questions:

• How many people will you be carrying most of the time?
• Where do you mostly drive – highways, city streets, off-road?
• Is fuel economy important to you or will a gas guzzler be fine?
• Do you need a lot of cargo capacity?
• Will you be using children's car seats?
• Do you have enough garage or parking space?

Look For Three-Year-Old Cars
The best deals to be had when it comes to second-hand cars are used cars that are three years old at least. These used cars will typically cost around half of their price when they were new, and you won't have to worry about depreciation that much because their previous owners have already put up with the most of it. A three-year-old car will also have most of the modern features and styling that new models will have, and you can expect to drive it for many, many more miles.

Think About Your Financial Options
First of all, you should have a fixed budget from which you can operate. Make sure you have a set amount that you can afford to set aside for car payments each month. Buying a second-hand car will be less expensive than a new one, but there's a general rule that applies to both: monthly car payments should not be more than 15% of your monthly take-home pay. Moreover, you should also set aside another 7% for your fuel and insurance costs.

Whether buying a new car or a second-hand one, you should always get auto insurance for your car. It will help you a lot in handling damages and liabilities in case of an accident.

At AVA Insurance & Auto Tags, we do our best in making sure that our clients are well-protected with affordable and comprehensive policies. We make sure to go the extra mile to help you with your needs. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our agency at (954) 454-5483 or Click Here to request a free quote.