If you are in the market for a used Toyota, it may seem overwhelming considering all the available options. Luckily, the company has a reputation for building reliable vehicles you can count on for years.
What’s more, the depreciation is less compared to a brand new vehicle. After you decide to buy a used Toyota, there are several things you need to consider.
Fortunately, today you can search by vehicle identification number (VIN) to get a comprehensive report about the vehicle in question from VinPit. Here are some tips to help you choose the right pre-owned Toyota.
1. Decide your budget
The first thing you need to establish is how much you are willing and ready to spend on a used vehicle. Usually, the budget will be informed by factors such as mileage, demand and the age of the vehicle model.
One main reason for buying a used vehicle is to save money since it is cheaper than buying a new one. The low price can get you the upgrades or the model you want. Also, a pre-owned Toyota can save you insurance costs.
The company provides various vehicles that fit various budgets from the economy Corolla to the fully-fledged Tundra pickup truck. So, having a budget in mind will take you in the right direction.
2. Create a wish list
It is always good to have in place things you consider important to you when looking for a used Toyota. These include things such as model year, colour, mileage and GPS among others.
3. Research
After establishing your budget and creating a wish list, you now need to research pre-owned Toyotas that meet your criteria. You can accomplish this online using websites such as Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds.
It is a great way of establishing how much the specific model and model year you have in mind costs. Also, you will know if your choice of vehicle is good and how much it is worth ensuring you do not overpay.
4. Consider the latest model of used Toyota
As you look for a pre-owned Toyota, consider looking for a vehicle that still has part of the original manufacturer warranty left. The basic Toyota warranty lasts 3 years/ 36,000 miles with a 6-year/60,000 miles powertrain coverage.
So, if you go for a pre-owned Toyota for less than 3 years, you will get at least a year of peace of mind. Also, you can consider an extended vehicle warranty after purchasing it to get the best long-term care for your vehicle.
5. Go for a certified pre-owned Toyota
If you find a certified used Toyota that fits your taste and budget, it is a great choice. It gives you confidence that the vehicle has been inspected thoroughly and got any service it needed.
Try looking for a Toyota-certified vehicle whenever possible since they are more reliable compared to dealer-certified vehicles. Often, Toyota-certified vehicles offer some benefits associated with new cars. These benefits include warranty, loaners cars and roadside assistance.
Also, ensure you understand what the manufacturer certification covers to know what the certification means.
6. Check inspection report
Once you come across a vehicle that meets your needs and budget, ask the seller to provide the vehicle inspection report. Although Toyotas have a reputation for being reliable, the condition of a used one will depend on its history.
You can use websites like VinPit to search the vehicle history. VinPit provides important details about the pre-owned vehicle such as if it was part of a past recall by Toyota. Unlike VinPit, others like Ford VIN decoder only serve one vehicle manufacturer.
You can use the report you get from the website to compare it with the inspection and maintenance report provided by the seller. While at it, ensure the VIN in the inspection report matches the one on the vehicle.
Although this may seem trivial, it is a necessary step that can help you decide if the vehicle is a good investment.
The report will let you know if the pre-owned Toyota vehicle you are considering was involved in an accident. As well, you know historical details about the vehicle such as rental use, taxi use, or police use.
7. Test Drive
The steps to buying a reliable used vehicle won’t be complete without a test drive. After everything checks out, driving the vehicle is the last step before deciding if it is the right vehicle or not. If you like how the vehicle looks and feels both inside and outside, then you may have found it.
8. Get the car inspected
Considering getting a mechanic to inspect the vehicle before purchasing it. Ya prepurchase inspection can cost between $100 and $200. It is a smart investment that will notify you of problems that you can’t find on your own.
A private seller will probably not object to this. Also, most dealerships will allow you to borrow a vehicle to be inspected by an outside mechanic. Of course, you will be paying for the inspection.
9. Negotiate for a good deal
Since you already have a budget in place, make an opening offer that is lower than your budget based on the research of average price. If you both arrive at a price that sounds good and is close to the average, then you are probably in good shape.
10. Finish the paperwork
If you are buying it at a dealership, sign the contract. While at it, you may be offered extra items like warranty, fabric protection, antitheft devices, or prepaid service plans.
You want to consider an extended warranty if the vehicle is not under the manufacturer’s warranty. Thoroughly review the dealership contract. When buying from an individual owner, ensure the seller correctly transfers the title and registration to you.
Closing the deal correctly helps you avoid after-sale hassles. Once you are done with the paperwork, you can celebrate your new purchase. You deserve it.
Conclusion
If you are hunting for a reliable and compact used vehicle, you can’t go wrong with a pre-owned Toyota. However, you still need to do due diligence before committing to a used one.
Luckily, there are online platforms that make it easy to get a comprehensive report about vehicle history. So, as you look for a pre-owned Toyota, keep in mind these steps.
