Buying a used car, just like buying a new car, can be a great experience when you’ve done your research and are confident that the car you’re buying will meet your needs and you can feel comfortable about it. There are seven vital things to check before buying a used car that you determine once you’ve decided on the make and model you want. Doing your research before you get to that checkpoint may involve looking at Consumer Reports data regarding the safest, longest lasting, highest mileage, best comfort, or other criteria you’ve determined to meet your needs. needs and wishes These guidelines are for use once you think you’ve found the car you want.
Explore the title. Whether you buy the car from a dealer or from an individual, it’s a good idea to see when the car has changed hands. If it has changed hands more than twice in a three-year period, you may want to ask if there were any problems with the car mechanics or if you were in an accident. This information is often on the title itself, so ask the owner or dealer representative to show you the title before you buy.
Check the service history. A car that has records of regular oil changes, brake checks, tire rotations, and periodic “check-ins” to determine its drivability will show that it has been well cared for and should be used for many more years on the road. When buying from a dealer, purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle will assure you that it has had a recent service and repairs.
Check if the car has been in an accident. An accident can affect more than the outward appearance of a car that has been in an accident. The inner workings of the engine, screws and bolts, and even electrical equipment can be shaken and may not show wear until an unexpected occasion. Body shops can do an excellent job of matching paint and repairing bumpers, but sometimes with careful examination you can see where the work has been done. Just ask.
Verify that vital parts are in good working order with a test drive. Brakes, steering, tires, and a running engine are important work items when you buy a used car, but other considerations you’ll want to check include turn signals, windshield wipers, bright lights, power windows, locks, and even Radio. Go with someone if possible, and have them turn on the flashers and bright lights and check the car’s exterior lights.
Check for any engine fluid leaks. When opening the hood of the car, before starting the car and even while it is still running, you may be able to see dripping water, oil, brake fluid, or other fluids. Also, go to the rear of the car to make sure the smoke coming out is not bluish-gray, as this indicates worn engine parts and may need to be replaced soon.
Check to see how the car has been used. Low mileage can make a car more valuable, but since cars are built to last 100,000 miles or more, a reading of 50,000 miles isn’t a bad thing. When you can find out how the car has been used – commuting long distances every day, traveling across a state or region for work, or simply traveling within the city – you will be able to determine how much wear and tear has occurred on the car. If the mileage is low but there is excessive wear on the driver’s seat and floor, you may want to confirm that the odometer has not been tampered with.
Check that you are paying a fair price. A resource called Kelly Blue Book has been around for 80 years and can give you guidance on what to pay for your used car. It probably won’t be able to give you a completely accurate picture of the car you’ve chosen because wear, mileage, and other factors may be different for each model featured, but they will help form a range of what it’s worth. Buying a CPO from a dealer may be the best way to buy at an exact price of what the car is worth.
If you have to wait a day or two to get all the answers to the seven vital things to check before buying a used car, it may be best to move on if there turns out to be a problem. When you buy from an individual, you have no recourse, and even if you buy from a dealer, you have to deal with the hassle of getting it back and hoping you bought an extended warranty. You want the best used car for the money!