If you're in the market for a new vehicle, you might consider getting pre-owned. These vehicles have been used, but are much more affordable than brand-new. You can walk away with the perfect investment thanks to the following buying guide. 

Assess Vehicle History

Since pre-owned vehicles have been used in the past, you need to look into their vehicle history. Failing to do so could result in a poor investment, and then you'll have a lot of buyer's remorse to deal with. Any pre-owned vehicle being offered today should have a full report of its maintenance history. This includes oil changes and inspections. 

If there were any major repairs done to the vehicle, you should be able to find this out. Keep an eye out for major work done to the engine, transmission, and brakes. If the vehicle looks like it was serviced regularly and doesn't have a lot of past damage, you can buy with more confidence.

Look Into Seller's Reputation

The quality of pre-owned vehicles depends a lot on who's offering them. If you plan on buying from a dealership, you need to make sure they have a history of selling high-quality pre-owned vehicles. You can find this information out by assessing past reviews from motorists just like yourself.

If you plan on buying from a third-party seller, then it's even more important to make sure they're reputable. Make sure their pre-owned vehicle looks to be in great shape and works like it should before agreeing to any deal.

Utilize Test-Drives

No matter what type of pre-owned vehicle you plan on purchasing, it's paramount to take it for a test-drive. This is the only real way to make sure you're making a solid investment for years to come. On these test-drives, get a feel for how the vehicle maneuvers. 

It should handle great and not show any signs of wear and tear. Make sure there aren't any strange noises during each test-drive as well, because if there is, this could indicate something's majorly wrong. Finally, make sure everything works as it should on the inside. After these tests, you'll be able to make a more informed selection.

There are a lot of pre-owned vehicles on the market today, and they give you the chance to save a lot of money. Just make sure you take a calculated approach to this investment, as it will ensure you end up with something worthwhile.