In this ever-evolving automotive landscape, staying up-to-date with the latest trends, best practices, and potential red flags is crucial. Buying a used car can be a smart decision, offering you affordability and potential savings compared to buying brand new. However, it’s essential to approach the process with caution, as it’s easy to fall into common pitfalls that can cost you time, money, and peace of mind.

Our goal is to empower you with the information you need to navigate the complex world of used cars confidently. From the initial stages of research and purchasing to maintaining your vehicle for optimal performance and longevity, we’ll cover it all. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced car owner looking to upgrade, this blog aims to equip you with valuable insights and practical advice in buying a used car.

We’ll explore the mistakes you should avoid to ensure a smooth and satisfactory used car experience. By arming yourself with knowledge, you can make informed decisions and avoid potential headaches down the road.

So, buckle up and join us as we dive into the realm of used car buying and ownership in 2023.

Table of Contents

Avoid These Mistakes When Keeping/Buying a Used Car

When it comes to buying or keeping a used car, there are several common mistakes that many people fall victim to. These mistakes can lead to unnecessary expenses, frustration, and even safety issues. To ensure a smooth and satisfying experience, it’s crucial to be aware of these pitfalls and take proactive steps to avoid them. In this section, we will highlight some of the most critical mistakes to steer clear of when purchasing or maintaining a used car.

Neglecting thorough research:

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is jumping into a used car purchase without conducting proper research. Take the time to research different makes and models, their reliability, common issues, and resale values. Additionally, look into the vehicle’s history, including its maintenance records, accident history, and title status. This information will provide valuable insights and help you make an informed decision.

Skipping The Inspection:

Never skip a comprehensive inspection when buying a used car. Even if the vehicle appears to be in good condition, there could be underlying mechanical or structural issues that may not be immediately apparent. Consider hiring a qualified mechanic to perform a thorough inspection, checking the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, and other crucial components. This step will help you identify any potential problems and avoid unexpected repairs down the line.

Ignoring Vehicle History Reports:

Vehicle history reports, such as those provided by reputable companies like Carfax or AutoCheck, offer a wealth of information about a used car’s past. These reports can reveal crucial details, including accidents, flood damage, odometer discrepancies, and previous ownership records. Ignoring or neglecting to obtain a vehicle history report can leave you vulnerable to purchasing a car with hidden issues or questionable history.

Failing To Negotiate Effectively:

Buying a used car is often an opportunity to negotiate the price. Failing to negotiate effectively can result in overpaying for the vehicle. Do your research on market values and be prepared to negotiate with the seller. Look for factors that can work in your favor, such as any visible defects, necessary repairs, or high mileage. By presenting your case confidently and being willing to walk away if the deal isn’t favorable, you can potentially save a significant amount of money.

Neglecting Regular Maintenance:

Once you’ve purchased a used car, it’s essential to prioritize regular maintenance. Neglecting routine oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and other scheduled services can lead to premature wear and costly repairs. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and address any issues promptly. Regular maintenance will not only prolong the life of your vehicle but also contribute to your safety on the road.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can enhance your experience while buying a used car. Remember to conduct thorough research, get a professional inspection, review vehicle history reports, negotiate effectively, and

prioritize regular maintenance. With these precautions in place, you’ll be well on your way to driving smartly and enjoying a reliable and rewarding used car ownership journey.

Wrapping Up

In the ever-changing world of automotive purchases, driving smart means being aware of the potential mistakes that can arise when buying a used car. By avoiding these pitfalls, you can save yourself from financial burdens, unexpected repairs, and unnecessary stress. Once you’ve become the proud owner of a used car, prioritize regular maintenance to ensure its longevity and safety on the road.

Remember, knowledge is your greatest ally when it comes to making informed decisions and driving smartly into the future. So, embrace these tips, avoid common mistakes, and enjoy a rewarding and hassle-free experience with your used car in 2023 and beyond.

Derek Koloditch

February 27, 2024.

I recently purchased a used 2017 Subaru Outback Limited via Car Concierge Pro. The experience was definitely a positive one overall. As someone who purchases a car once a decade or so, I simply do not trust dealerships. They have a variety of tactics to hide the truth about pricing and vehicle history to squeeze every penny from you. Services like Carvana and Carmax charge more for negotiation-free purchasing (shouldn't it be the other way around?) and up-sell you on warranties, Either way, you’re at a disadvantage. So I went looking for an alternative and ran across the concierge option. I chose Car Concierge Pro because pricing and payment are straightforward, and they're technologically more up to speed than their competitors. Everyone on the team assigned to me was very friendly, helpful, and accommodating. My experience was more of a collaborative effort with quite a bit of back and forth around searching, researching, and negotiating. The team was with me every step of the way, handling all the legwork or providing guidance and assistance as necessary. You can be as hand-off or hands-on as you like. If you want to handle searching yourself and let them handle negotiations, you can do that too. Here are some helpful learnings if you decide to go the same route. 1) Try to research models and narrow down what you're after ahead of time. Best model years, common failures, expected repair costs (Consumer Reports, CoPilot, and ChatGPT were very helpful), regional pricing trends (see Auto Tempest). This isn't a requirement, but I personally found it to be helpful. Doing so will help your team hit the ground running and alleviate some stress for you early on. Of course, they’re there to help you dial in on your preferences as well. And keep in mind things may evolve and shift as part of the process. As an example, I focused on the 2019 and later model of Subaru Crosstrek PHEV initially before realizing battery replacement would be a huge hidden expense for very limited range. I discussed this with my team and we pivoted accordingly. 2) Keep your eye on the details. Dealerships might say one thing and do another, or they'll inflate the numbers in one area (like optional packages) to give the illusion of a deal. They might even take favorable photos to hide flaws (like a cracked front bumper on one of the listings I picked). Your team will be very vigilant for these tactics, but it doesn't hurt to be redundant if you're inclined to. For obvious reasons, dealerships do not like dealing with concierges, so they might try and sneak things past them if they realize who they’re dealing with. Your team will reiterate this before closing the deal and signing any papers. 3) Use Lemon Squad for pre-purchase inspections. Ordering an inspection from their site is dead simple, especially compared to their competitors. You'll get photos, video, diagnostic scans, a test drive, and a report, which you can share with your team or knowledgeable friends / family for feedback and use to negotiate further. Better pricing might be available via a local mechanic, but for remote inspections, Lemon Squad is the way to go. As of this writing, pricing starts at $220. You probably don't want to pay for more than two inspections (the money adds up quickly, obviously), so use them once you're ready to commit to a vehicle assuming everything looks good. 4) Use a reasonable search area and adjust accordingly. The wider the search area, the better range of pricing and deals. One caveat is that shipping can get pricey and cut into your savings the further out you go. My suggestion is to stick within a 1000 mile range initially. If you find a good deal on the edge of that range, it might be cheaper to fly out to pick up the car and drive it back. A 16 hour drive is much more doable than a 26 hour drive. All in all, I’ll be going this route again in the future when the time comes. The options + savings are better and it alleviates a notable degree of stress from a generally unpleasant experience. And I can’t recommend Neel and his team enough.

Joseph Flint

February 21, 2024.

I had a very good experience with Car Concierge Pro. Shainit and the gang kept me informed every step of the way, found the car I was looking for and helped me sell my car. Everything was smooth and they were always accessible for questions, etc. Very glad for their firm and strongly recommend.

Jacob Palecki

February 5, 2024.

The team was very diligent and responsive, made the process very easy. Thank you!!

Kalp Parikh

January 23, 2024.

I used them for selling my car. They are amazing to work with right from beginning to end. I got a very nice deal for my car all thanks to the staff!

Daniel Brouder

December 10, 2023.

Shainit did a great job. Service was worth it. He found a car for me 100 miles away when multiple dealers told me there were no models available within 400 miles, and my only alternative was to order this model from factory, which would take a few months and the price was not guaranteed. Appreciate Shainit’s assistance. Thanks

Drive Smart in 2023: Avoid These Mistakes When Buying a Used Car

Avoid These Mistakes When Keeping/Buying a Used Car

Wrapping Up

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Neel Mehta

Bhavya Mehta

500+ clients served.
$2,500,000+ saved.

or Call Us at

+1 (480) 418-6390

Serving nationwide across United States and Canada

Our fiduciary responsibility is for our clients. We do not promote any specific cars and negotiate every deal with complete honesty and integrity. We keep clients' preferences at the forefront - cost savings and convenience.

Avoid These Mistakes When Keeping/Buying a Used Car

Wrapping Up

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Neel Mehta

Bhavya Mehta

500+ clients served.$2,500,000+ saved.

or Call Us at

+1 (480) 418-6390

Our fiduciary responsibility is for our clients. We do not promote any specific cars and negotiate every deal with complete honesty and integrity. We keep clients' preferences at the forefront - cost savings and convenience.

500+ clients served.
$2,500,000+ saved.