Top 5 Overlooked Steps That Could Save You Thousands Before Buying a Car
Manage episode 485770638 series 2911349
🎙️ Podcast Episode Show Notes:
When buying a new or used vehicle, most people remember to:
- Check the car's condition
- Compare prices
- Run a Carfax
- Read dealership reviews
But what about the critical steps most buyers completely overlook?
In this episode, we break down 4 essential and often ignored steps that could protect you from regret and save you thousands.
🔍 What You'll Learn:
- 🚘 Check the Future of the Vehicle Model
- Is it the last model year?
- Is it about to be discontinued or redesigned?
- Are the engine or transmission parts being phased out?
- Could EV models make your gas-powered version obsolete?
- 📉 Verify Your Insurance Premium First
- Insurance can skyrocket due to repair costs—not just vehicle price.
- Even "safe" sedans can have high insurance rates if parts are expensive or rare.
- Trim levels, engines, and even paint color can affect your premium.
- 📄 Confirm the Dealership Has the Vehicle Title On-Site
- Without a physical title, a dealer can't legally transfer ownership.
- Online dealers like Carvana and Vroom have had major title issues.
- Always ask to see the title—dealers don’t hand it over, but they should have it available.
- 🧾 Review the Previous Owner Info on the Title
- Was the car last owned by a private individual, rental company, bank, or business?
- Location matters: Salted roads, extreme sun, or heat can damage a vehicle long-term.
- A repossessed car might show signs of poor maintenance.
💡 Bonus Pro Tips:
- Ask the dealer for a printout of their reconditioning or repair work done before sale.
- Request to use their paint thickness gauge to check for hidden bodywork or past repairs.
- For new vehicles, check the dealer name on the window sticker — if it’s different, the vehicle may have been dealer-traded and already has mileage.
🎧 Don’t just buy a car — buy smart.
Listen to the full episode for insights that could save you time, stress, and money.
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