Used cars are well-suited for road trips as they routinely go through several seasons. They are a good fit for those that enjoy winter sports, because you can go car-free throughout the winter!
They are also an excellent choice for when you need to sell your car but don’t have access to one in Hawaii. Due to the high cost of new cars in Hawaii, there is only a small number of them available to purchase monthly.
There are two ways to buy a used car in Hawaii. You can go straight to a dealer or find an online seller. Whichever method you choose, make sure you fully understand what type of vehicle you want and what features you need!
This article will discuss how to buy a used car in Hawaii and what to look for, making it all the way worth the read.
Contents:
Know your credit score
Having a high credit score doesn’t mean you can buy a car for free. It’s the law in many areas that new, pre-owned cars must have a balance of accounts in your credit score range to make an offer valid.
In order to be considered new by banks, sellers would have to have had the car for at least a year and put it on the market. For new cars, the seller has to show they own it and it’s in good condition before offering it for sale.
Old cars may not always fit the bill when looking for a used car. If you need a bigger or heavier vehicle, then looking for an old car that is heavily reinforced may not be your best bet.
Newer cars usually look more attractive than older ones because modern features like infotainment systems and navigation systems are designed with security and safety in mind. They know what features you need so they build them into newer vehicles.
Decide what type of car you want
There are three main types of cars in Hawaii. The first is the subcompact car, the second is the small car, and the third is the large car.
Subcompact cars are usually between $300 and $500ish depending on the model. These have a short or long wheelbase, and small or medium size tires. This can be helpful if you need to quickly transport yourself and someone else at a later date.
The small car is typically between $400 and $600ish depending on the model. These have a low profile, short wheelbase, and small tires.
The large car is typically around $800+ depending on the model. These have a long wheelbase, large tires, and a higher profile.
Check the car out thoroughly
When you’re ready to buy a car, make sure that it’s in good condition. Check the paperwork and see if it has any damage or irregularities.
You should also check it out for yourself to see if it runs and drives properly. If you find any issues with the car, make sure that they are covered by Hawaii law.
If there are no issues, then consider buying a used car as the dealership may have to cover the cost of fixing anything when you trade in your current vehicle.
Look into used car prices on websites like Craigslist and eBay, too. You may be able to find a great deal on a new or used car both places!
Finally, check out local dealers to see if they’ll show you the vehicle before you buy it, as some will request extra money for this test drive process.
Do a test drive
Before you agree to a price, do a few short test drives on the car you want. This will make sure the car is really prepared for you to drive and that you like it.
At least one drive per day is recommended to get the car out and about with you. The salesperson should be able to get you into the car right away so take advantage of that!
It is helpful to go to different locations where the car has been parked before, like a driveway or parking lot. You can compare them in terms of visibility and how much trunk space there actually is.
Finally, make sure your friend or family member who pays for the car understands it and approves of it. If someone does not understand how much money they paid may cause issues later on! If something goes wrong with the vehicle, your friend or family member should be able to cover all of the costs.
Ask for a CARFAX report
When you’re shopping a used car, it’s important to ask for a CARFAX report. The report will tell you if the vehicle has been in a car accident, if it has been salvaged, and if there are any major problems.
Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized dealership before you purchase it. Car accidents can often make a vehicle look worse than it is. Also, some major problems cannot be hidden, such as severe rust or damage.
Ask any special features the vehicle may have. Some people may not trust the auto insurance coverage on a vehicle with too many features or something may seem expensive when you look at it.
Get a third-party inspection
Before you drive off the car lot or store, get a third-party inspection from a trade association or organization. This will give you some information about the vehicle and how it was maintained.
This inspection can be done at the dealership, at a dealer’s shop, or in an independent shop. Many do it together in conjunction with your purchase agreement to be super clear that this is done.
Many do this before the sale as well to make sure it matches up and that it is in good working condition. If something appears questionable, have it checked out by an independent company!
Additionally, many do this prior to selling so if the car needs work is there are people who can take care of it, the vehicle is not swindled into ownership by a used car manufacturer.
Figure out how much you can spend
Once you’re ready to buy a car, it’s a good idea to figure out how much you can spend. There are different stages of car ownership where you can start.
Some people purchase their first car at a certain age, or when they’re financially able to do so. Many first time buyers purchase a cheap car just to look at the neighborhood and feel comfortable purchasing one.
If you’re going to be driving the car daily, then the cost of maintenance and insurance should be considered. If you plan on only using the car for transportation, then no maintenance or insurance needed!
Both new and used cars have their benefits. Newer cars have warranties on them, so if you obtain your new car through them, you can bring your old one back for free. You can also find a used car that was wrecked but still runs perfectly fine.
Get an initial loan approval
Before you buy a used car in Hawaii, you should get an initial loan approval from the car dealer or bank. This can help the dealership and/or bank determine if you are a good buyer and fit for the vehicle.
Many car dealers will also offer their customers a loan assessment before signing their contract, so this is not a new concept. If the lender determines you can afford to pay off the car during its lifespan, then they will give you a loan assessment!
If your lender does not offer an initial assessment, then there are several banks that do. You can call both of them to find out as they may be one bank merged into [email protected] and (808) 872-7464, or check online at hkbbankreviews.