What to Do After Buying a Used Car
So, You Just Bought a Used Car – Now What?
You spent ages researching. You got your finances in order. You found the perfect vehicle, you negotiated like an absolute pro and now you’re standing there in front of your new-to-you vehicle, keys in hand, excited beyond measure.
So…now what?
There’s no shortage of information out there on what to do in the lead-up to purchasing your next vehicle – but what about what to do after buying a used car?
We’re glad you asked. Read on for a helpful, comprehensive list of steps you should take after buying a used car – and to learn how purchasing an INFINITI Certified Pre-Owned vehicle sets you up for success in the months and years of ownership to come.
So…now what?
There’s no shortage of information out there on what to do in the lead-up to purchasing your next vehicle – but what about what to do after buying a used car?
We’re glad you asked. Read on for a helpful, comprehensive list of steps you should take after buying a used car – and to learn how purchasing an INFINITI Certified Pre-Owned vehicle sets you up for success in the months and years of ownership to come.
Six Steps to Take after Buying a Used Car
1.Transfer Ownership and Registration
The first thing you’ll want to do – even before sliding behind the wheel for that inaugural drive home – is to complete a transfer of ownership and go through the process of car registration. You can’t legally drive your new vehicle unless it’s properly registered, after all, and we can’t think of a worse way to kick things off with your new car than by running into troubles re: registration!
Ideally, you’ll want to ensure a clean title is transferred over to you even before any money trades hands. That way, you can confirm that there are no previously unmentioned liens sitting against the vehicle – an uncomfortable scenario that requires the lender to be part of the transfer, too.
Title and registration requirements vary from state to state, so be sure to follow up on what’s necessary to complete this process within your local jurisdiction. Depending on your location, you may need to submit details including the current mileage on the odometer, the vehicle sale price, or even a notarized signature from the seller.
Ideally, you’ll want to ensure a clean title is transferred over to you even before any money trades hands. That way, you can confirm that there are no previously unmentioned liens sitting against the vehicle – an uncomfortable scenario that requires the lender to be part of the transfer, too.
Title and registration requirements vary from state to state, so be sure to follow up on what’s necessary to complete this process within your local jurisdiction. Depending on your location, you may need to submit details including the current mileage on the odometer, the vehicle sale price, or even a notarized signature from the seller.
2.Insurance Considerations
The next thing you’ll want to tackle while purchasing your used car is insurance. Again, this is something you may want to have in place even before your sale is finalized, as many vehicle dealers won’t even let you drive off the lot without proper proof of insurance.
You’ll need that insurance for vehicle registration too – so while this might be something you tackle day-of as part of the larger purchase process, you’d do just as well to knock it out in advance.
The first step to this process involves getting in touch with your insurer to let them know about the new car, crossover, or SUV you’ve just purchased (or are planning to purchase). From there, you can take a moment to review your existing policy and consider whether or not it’s still the best plan for your current scenario – and your new luxury vehicle.
You’ll need that insurance for vehicle registration too – so while this might be something you tackle day-of as part of the larger purchase process, you’d do just as well to knock it out in advance.
The first step to this process involves getting in touch with your insurer to let them know about the new car, crossover, or SUV you’ve just purchased (or are planning to purchase). From there, you can take a moment to review your existing policy and consider whether or not it’s still the best plan for your current scenario – and your new luxury vehicle.
3.Used Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance
This consideration has a bit of a mixed before-and-after component to it, in that it’s a good idea to get a used car inspection on any pre-owned vehicle before the sale is finalized.
Once you’ve signed on the dotted line and have pocketed the keys to your new luxury vehicle, the second part of this recommendation comes into play: scheduling a maintenance appointment with a trusted vehicle service provider. From managing mechanical wear and tear to ensuring your new-to-you vehicle is caught up on its oil changes, there’s a lot to be gained by getting your car in for a good once-over.
Of course, if you make the decision to purchase an INFINITI Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, you can rest easy knowing that all these details have been handled up-front for you. Each INFINITI CPO vehicle goes through a rigorous multi-point vehicle inspection t to ensure it meets our Retailers’ exceptional standards, after which you can enjoy the award-winning service and maintenance experience that we’ve become known for.
Once you’ve signed on the dotted line and have pocketed the keys to your new luxury vehicle, the second part of this recommendation comes into play: scheduling a maintenance appointment with a trusted vehicle service provider. From managing mechanical wear and tear to ensuring your new-to-you vehicle is caught up on its oil changes, there’s a lot to be gained by getting your car in for a good once-over.
Of course, if you make the decision to purchase an INFINITI Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, you can rest easy knowing that all these details have been handled up-front for you. Each INFINITI CPO vehicle goes through a rigorous multi-point vehicle inspection t to ensure it meets our Retailers’ exceptional standards, after which you can enjoy the award-winning service and maintenance experience that we’ve become known for.
4.Understanding Warranty Coverage and Additional Services
We always try to be judicious in comparing the INFINITI CPO experience with what you might need to do or consider when purchasing from another source. In some instances, though, there’s simply no analog to measure up against.
Such is the case with our Certified Pre-Owned car limited warranties.
Such is the case with our Certified Pre-Owned car limited warranties.
When you buy an INFINITI CPO vehicle, you’re getting much more than just an exceptional value on a luxury car. You’re getting a manufacturer-backed limited warranty that provides a top-tier owner experience – and all the confidence and reassurance that comes along with it.
5.Setting Up a Maintenance Schedule and Routine
One of the additional benefits of bringing your previously-owned vehicle in for a service is the opportunity to set up a go-forward car maintenance schedule.
This vehicle is brand-new-to-you, after all, and may represent a significant upgrade from your last car, crossover, or SUV – meaning the maintenance requirements could be quite different from what you’re used to. Take this opportunity to discuss maintenance guidelines, keep track of service records and adhere to routine maintenance tasks in order to keep your gently-used vehicle in good condition.
Additionally, if you’ve purchased an INFINITI Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, you may already be aware that you’re entitled to service benefits ranging from visit reimbursement to an entire year of pre-paid maintenance, depending on the warranty program your particular CPO vehicle falls under. Be sure to align these offerings with your vehicle’s maintenance needs to take full advantage of the benefits made available to you by purchasing through the INFINITI CPO program.
This vehicle is brand-new-to-you, after all, and may represent a significant upgrade from your last car, crossover, or SUV – meaning the maintenance requirements could be quite different from what you’re used to. Take this opportunity to discuss maintenance guidelines, keep track of service records and adhere to routine maintenance tasks in order to keep your gently-used vehicle in good condition.
Additionally, if you’ve purchased an INFINITI Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, you may already be aware that you’re entitled to service benefits ranging from visit reimbursement to an entire year of pre-paid maintenance, depending on the warranty program your particular CPO vehicle falls under. Be sure to align these offerings with your vehicle’s maintenance needs to take full advantage of the benefits made available to you by purchasing through the INFINITI CPO program.
6.Taking Advantage of Additional Services and Protecting Your Investment
Finally, the last thing you’ll want to do after purchasing a pre-owned vehicle is to take steps to protect your investment from whatever life has in store.
For some owners, this might be limited to implementing security measures such as an anti-theft system to keep your vehicle safe and sound. For INFINITI Certified Pre-Owned owners, however, this recommendation instead means taking advantage of all the benefits made available to you as a bona fide INFINITI owner.
From roadside assistance to trip interruption coverage , owning an INFINITI Certified Pre-Owned is more than just convenient and accommodating – it’s a luxury experience in and of itself.
For some owners, this might be limited to implementing security measures such as an anti-theft system to keep your vehicle safe and sound. For INFINITI Certified Pre-Owned owners, however, this recommendation instead means taking advantage of all the benefits made available to you as a bona fide INFINITI owner.
From roadside assistance to trip interruption coverage , owning an INFINITI Certified Pre-Owned is more than just convenient and accommodating – it’s a luxury experience in and of itself.
Final Thoughts on What to Do after Buying a Used Car
Knowing what to look for when buying a used car is only half the battle – the savviest car shoppers know that there’s just as much to consider after your purchase as there is beforehand.
Follow the above steps, though, and you should be well on your way toward trouble-free ownership for years to come. Make the decision to purchase an INFINITI Certified Pre-Owned vehicle and you can enjoy Retailer-backed service and benefits that turn ownership into a luxury all of its own – a singular experience that we can’t recommend wholeheartedly enough.
Contact your local INFINITI Retailer today to learn more – and as always, thank you for reading.
Follow the above steps, though, and you should be well on your way toward trouble-free ownership for years to come. Make the decision to purchase an INFINITI Certified Pre-Owned vehicle and you can enjoy Retailer-backed service and benefits that turn ownership into a luxury all of its own – a singular experience that we can’t recommend wholeheartedly enough.
Contact your local INFINITI Retailer today to learn more – and as always, thank you for reading.