Shopping for a Great Used Honda

Honda is one of the world’s favorite automobile manufacturers, not only entrancing vehicle owners, but holding status as the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959 and also producing planes, ATVs, engines, and other transportation vehicles. It has topped the charts for design as well as green design, especially with the 1973 release of the Honda Civic which offered an amazing 40 mpg. Honda has offered four-wheel drive since its release of the Prelude, and even uses eco-assist technology to help its vehicles be more environmentally friendly.

With a resume like that, it’s little wonder that Honda is considered one of the best used cars on the market. Honda offers an excellent warranty plan for cars bought from authorized Honda new and used car dealerships, many of which even offer used car financing. Still, shopping at a used car dealership can be anxiety inducing for many. Here are a few tips for getting what you need from your visit to a used car lot.

Tips for Visiting Used Car Dealers

1. Do some research before you visit the lot. Consider what type of vehicle you’re interested in, based on the amount of driving you do and the size of your family. You don’t necessarily need to pick out a specific make or color, but it’s good to have a general concept of what you’re looking for.
2. Do a little math. It’s likely that someone on that lot is going to try and convince you to buy a car you can’t afford. Even though used car financing is often great, it can get you into trouble if you buy something out of your price range. Sit down and figure out how much you can spend and make sure you don’t look at cars exceeding that price.
3. Three words: extreme vehicle couponing. Manufacturers, not dealers, sometimes offer cash rebates, low interest rates on loans, and cash incentives for the dealer to sell a particular car. Look for them in automotive magazines and some newspapers.
4. Get ready to negotiate. Try to stay out of the “closing room” if possible. Head to a cubicle in the showroom where you’re less likely to be intimidated by an intense sales person. Stand your ground and be polite.
5. Look closely at the contract. Read the whole thing before you sign and make sure you know what you’re buying. It should include sale price, down payment, trade in value, destination charge, sales tax, total cost, and any loan information.

There are few purchases you’ll make in your lifetime that are as major as the purchase of a car. Whatever you do, don’t feel rushed. Consider carefully, and be sure to pick out something you know will last you a while. Learn more about this topic here.