Best & Worst Days for Buying a Used Car

Buying a Used Car

These days, it pays to be practical when it comes to purchasing a car. Buying a used car is a sensible choice because recent advancements in car manufacturing technology has made it possible for the modern car to last you many years, as long as you keep it well-maintained. Therefore, you can have the reliable and fun car you want to drive without breaking your bank.

Buying a Used Car: How to Go About It

Buying a used car may seem to be a complicated process, but it does not have to be that way. Admittedly, most of your time will be spent analyzing spec sheets and comparing prices. However, in the midst of all the consulting with dealers and trying to get the best deal, it is important that you do not forget to enjoy the entire car selection process. Once you take that pressure off, you will be amazed by the sheer variety of used cars to choose from.

An interesting consideration to keep in mind when buying a used car is that some days and times may be better than others to go shopping for your new vehicle. Here are some of the best and worst days for buying a used car:

Best Times

  • Start of the Week: Weekends are the busiest days in a car dealership. Once the new week rolls around, fewer people come in because they are at work. Because business is slow and there is less foot traffic during weekdays, you can have the sales rep’s full attention and get discounts that you would not normally get when buying a used car on the weekend. 
  • End of the Month: Dealers are usually required to hit a quota by the end of each month. During these times, most of them are working double-time to reach their sales targets in order to receive the bonuses accompanied by these targets. As such, they will likely offer you a great deal in order to entice you into buying a used car, and you also have room to negotiate for yourself.

Worst Times

  • 15 Minutes Before Closing Time: While many people often assume that walking into a dealership just before closing time will help them get the best deals when buying a used car, this is often not the case. People incorrectly assume that the sales staff will want to go home early and will offer a better deal quicker rather than spending time negotiating over price. However, more often, the dealers are willing to stay late if necessary to make a deal.
  • Rainy Days: While it is true that dealerships tend to be less busy on rainy days, these are not always the best time to get a good deal. Since people typically do not choose to go out in the rain when buying a used car, dealers will often assume that since you are shopping you must be desperate and NEED the car today. Therefore, dealers think they may be able to get a higher price from you, and may be less willing to compromise.

Much-Needed Protection When Buying a Used Car

Buying a Used Car | Best & Worst Days

Once you have decided to buy a used car, consider getting a vehicle service contract to go along with it. A vehicle service contract can give you additional protection and coverage to protect you from unexpected and costly repair bills that may arise. To find the right vehicle protection plan that will best serve your needs, contact the experts at American Automotive Service Solutions today at 800-293-5048.

Used Car Warranties vs. Vehicle Service Contracts: Know Before You Buy

While many people might say there is little or no difference between a used car warranty and a vehicle service contract, a small amount of research proves otherwise. Knowing the basic differences between the two and knowing which is best for your situation can help you avoid problems in the future and ensure that you have the protection you are looking for.

Comparing Used Car Warranty & Vehicle Service Contract

A vehicle service contract is an agreement between you and another entity, the vehicle service contract administrator, for the purpose of having repairs made or specific services performed. This is not an extended warranty according to law, because the contract may be arranged at any time with an extra cost. Contact us at 800-293-5048 or use our online form to learn more about vehicle protection plans and to find out if one is right for you.

What Is a New or Used Car Warranty

Generally speaking, a warranty comes with the purchase of a new car and is provided by the manufacturer. Additionally, a seller may offer a used car warranty of some type on a used vehicle as well. Warranties usually exist to ensure that a new or used car will perform as expected. On the other hand, vehicle service contracts are an additional and separate product that may be offered by the dealer or by a third-party/independent contract provider. A service contract is an optional add on, and can be purchased while your new or used car warranty is still in place and may provide additional coverage for the things that a warranty does not cover.

Used Car Warranties & Buying a Used Vehicle

What is a Used Car Warranty

Buying a used automobile may be stressful for some, but if the buyer has enough information beforehand, most of the issues can be eliminated or resolved quite smoothly. When buying a used car, be sure there is a Buyer’s Guide displayed on the car. This is required by law for all used cars sold by dealers. The guide should state whether there is a used car warranty, implied warranties only, or if the vehicle is sold as is, without warranty.

  • Warranty: If the car is sold with warranty, consider: Is the manufacturer’s warranty still in effect? Can you use that coverage if you pay an extra fee? Does the dealer provide the warranty at their cost?
  • Implied Warranty: If there is an implied warranty only, learn what this means. These are generally unspoken and unwritten. One of these is the unspoken promise that the vehicle will do what it is supposed to do. It may be necessary to determine if there are restrictions on the type of use, so the used car warranty is valid.
  • As is, with no warranty: If a car is being sold “as is”, this means that you will be responsible for payment on all repairs. In this case when you have no used car warranty, a vehicle service contract can provide a great relief and protection from costly repair bills that might arise.

The bottom line when purchasing any product, new or used, is to understand, in detail, what you are receiving in exchange for the money you pay. You should understand that paying for a service contract is not the same as getting a used car warranty. While auto service contracts can provide great protection from covered repairs, problems generally arise when buyers assume something is covered or will be done, and find out later that this is not the case.

If you buy a new or used car, it is important to understand any new or used car warranties that are included and what these cover. After understanding these terms, you can make an informed decision on whether an additional vehicle service contract would be a wise investment to further protect you from breakdowns and unexpected repair bills. Call us at 800-293-5048 to learn more about our vehicle service contract options and to determine what is the best choice for you.