Used Car Buying Tips | Rome Pre-Owned, NY
 
1: How much car can you afford?
A rule of thumb: If you're taking out a loan to pay for your car, your car payment shouldn't be more than 10% of your take-home pay. If you're sticking to a tight budget, you might want to spend even less. Used cars will need a little extra attention from time to time, including new tires, maintenance and the like. And then there are the other ownership costs shoppers sometimes forget to account for, such as fuel and insurance.
If the car you're planning to buy is out of warranty, it might be a good idea to set aside a "just-in-case" fund to cover any unexpected repairs.
2: Build a target list of used vehicles
It's no secret that the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV-4 make for good used cars. But they might cost a few thousand more than a comparable Ford Escape or Kia Sportage, even though these are solid cars too. So if you're looking to save money, consider more than one brand. We suggest making a list of three cars that meet your needs and fall within your budget. Edmunds reviews have great information to guide your choices.
If you're planning to buy a vehicle that is less than 5 years old, consider one that's certified pre-owned (CPO). CPO vehicles have long-term warranties that are backed by the carmaker, not just the dealership selling it to you. Franchised dealerships that sell that same brand new are the only ones that can sell a CPO car of the same brand. So if you want a CPO Chevy Equinox, for example, you'll need to buy it from a Chevy dealer.
3: Check the vehicle history report
Unless you're buying the car from a close friend or family member who can vouch for its history, plan to get a vehicle history report. This early step is essential. If the car you're looking at has a bad history report, the sooner you know the better. AutoCheck and Carfax are the best-known sources for vehicle history reports. These reports can reveal vital information about the car, including whether the odometer has been rolled back or if it has a salvage title, which means it has been declared a total loss by an insurance company. You'll use the car's vehicle identification number (VIN) to get this information, and in some cases, all you need is the license plate number. Most major dealers offer these reports for free if they have the vehicle in their inventory.
4: Get the paperwork done
If you are at a dealership, you'll sign the contract in the finance and insurance office. There, you will likely be offered additional items such as a warranty, anti-theft devices, prepaid service plans or fabric protection.
Some people want the peace of mind that comes with an extended warranty, so this is something you might want to consider unless the car is still under the manufacturer's warranty or is a CPO vehicle. Review the dealership sales contract thoroughly. In most states, it lists the cost of the vehicle, a documentation fee, possibly a small charge for a smog certificate, sales tax and license fees.
If you are buying a car from an individual owner, make sure the seller properly transfers the title and registration to you. It's important to close the deal correctly to avoid after-sale hassles. Before money changes hands, ask for the title (which is sometimes called the pink slip) and have the seller sign it over to you. Rules governing vehicle registration and licensing vary from state to state. If possible, check with your local department of motor vehicles to make sure there are no past-due registration fees you'd be responsible for should you buy the car. Whether you buy from a dealer or a private party, make sure you have insurance for the car before you drive it away.
Once you've done the paperwork, it's time to celebrate your new purchase - maybe with a drive-thru dinner. You deserve it!
 Make an Inquiry
* Indicates a required field
Contact
Rome Preowned Auto Sales, Inc.
- Sales: 315-533-6277
- Service: 315-356-0045
Hours
- Monday 9:00AM-6:00PM
- Tuesday 9:00AM-6:00PM
- Wednesday 9:00AM-6:00PM
- Thursday 9:00AM-6:00PM
- Friday 9:00AM-6:00PM
- Saturday 10:00AM-4:00PM
- Sunday Closed
