Buying a used car is an important financial decision. You need to make sure you are getting reliable used cars in miami that will last you for years to come, but at the same time, you want to save as much money as possible. Asking yourself these questions before going shopping should help narrow down your options and save you some valuable time.

1) What is your budget?

If you don’t have a lot of cash on hand to buy the car outright, the best option for you would be to finance the vehicle. This is when you should start thinking about how much car you can afford monthly, but more importantly what extended warranty and other costs are going to come with it. If you can swing a full purchase, there’s lots of great deals out there for people who are willing to invest in used cars this way.

2) Where will you be getting your car?

If you live anywhere that has public transportation, buying a used car may not be as important as it is for people who drive on a regular basis. Talk to your friends and family about their opinions on used cars vs. new cars and why they choose that option. Make a list of pros and cons for each so you can go into the buying process with confidence.

3) What kind of used car do you want?

There are plenty of great used cars available to you if you know what to look for. If you’re going to buy one, make sure it’s something reliable that will be able to get you around comfortably and reliably. Keep an eye out for the features that matter most to you, from air conditioning and leather seating, to power windows and locks.

4) What criteria should you use to find a car?

First things first: you want to make sure that the car meets your standards. If it doesn’t, don’t buy it. Look for things like a reliable engine, good customer ratings, and so on. Then think about mileage and finding a good price for it instead of paying too much for something that will end up breaking down after two years.

5) How can you determine how much the car is worth?

There are many places to look at what the market value of a used car is, but none of them will provide the full picture of what your car is truly worth. Use the Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds.com, and NADAguides for an overview of what a used car is priced at in your area, but also visit local lots to get an idea of what people are paying for them in different areas.