Buying a used car can be an intimidating process, especially if you’re not sure what to look out for. With the right preparation, however, you can steer clear of the red flags that may stop you from getting a great deal.
In this buyer’s guide we will discuss some of the common questions and concerns people have when looking for their next used vehicle purchase.
1. Condition of the engine
Does the car start easily, or does it require a lot of effort to get her going? This is a pretty good indication of the vehicle’s overall condition. A warning sign is when the vehicle needs to be jumped to start. This can be from the battery being on its way out, or from the engine itself having issues.
2. Can you drive it to your mechanic?
This is a pretty easy question to answer. If the car can be driven to your mechanic’s office, then there is no problem with its overall condition. An easy test for a car’s overall state of health is this simple: if you feel comfortable driving it, it can be good to go!
3. Are the tires still in good shape?
Tires are another important item that people often forget about when purchasing a used vehicle. You may feel safe purchasing a used car with all-weather tires on it, but they don’t provide that much protection. Although it is often difficult to tell how the tires are wearing, the best test is to pull over and check them out. You may notice that there are cracks appearing in the sidewalls of your tires; this is typically a sign of faulty mechanics.
If you are with a dealer or someone selling your used car, ask them first if the vehicle has had all its maintenance done by a reliable mechanic that they recommend.
4. Cost
When purchasing a used car, price is unlikely to be the most important factor for you. However, it can be difficult to estimate the value of a vehicle if it’s “as-is” or “needs-some-work”. You should contact several dealers in your area before making a final decision.
Tips For Buying A Used Car
Buying a used car can be an intimidating process, especially if you’re not sure what to look out for. With the right preparation, however, you can steer clear of the red flags that may stop you from getting a great deal.
In this buyer’s guide we will discuss some of the common questions and concerns people have when looking for their next used vehicle purchase.
1. Condition of the engine
Does the car start easily, or does it require a lot of effort to get her going? This is a pretty good indication of the vehicle’s overall condition. A warning sign is when the vehicle needs to be jumped to start. This can be from the battery being on its way out, or from the engine itself having issues.
2. Can you drive it to your mechanic?
This is a pretty easy question to answer. If the car can be driven to your mechanic’s office, then there is no problem with its overall condition. An easy test for a car’s overall state of health is this simple: if you feel comfortable driving it, it can be good to go!
3. Are the tires still in good shape?
Tires are another important item that people often forget about when purchasing a used vehicle. You may feel safe purchasing a used car with all-weather tires on it, but they don’t provide that much protection. Although it is often difficult to tell how the tires are wearing, the best test is to pull over and check them out. You may notice that there are cracks appearing in the sidewalls of your tires; this is typically a sign of faulty mechanics.
If you are with a dealer or someone selling your used car, ask them first if the vehicle has had all its maintenance done by a reliable mechanic that they recommend.
4. Cost
When purchasing a used car, price is unlikely to be the most important factor for you. However, it can be difficult to estimate the value of a vehicle if it’s “as-is” or “needs-some-work”. You should contact several dealers in your area before making a final decision.