Purchasing a used car is always a good option. The overall market price is lower compared to a new vehicle. As it has been used before, the auto insurance will be less, and the payable taxes will reduce. There are a variety of auto car dealers who specialize in providing good quality used cars. Thus, this provides you with an array of options.
However, there are many issues that come with buying a used car. A good paint job and a few changes to exterior parts can make the car look good enough to sell. As a prospective buyer, you need to be sure that the car you are looking at is in good condition inside and out.
7 Points to Remember When Purchasing a Used Car
The below tips will help you purchase a good quality used car that will meet your needs.
- Conduct In-Depth Research Beforehand: With the Internet already a huge asset for knowledge sharing and research, there has been immense growth in automotive websites. These sites provide general and technical information on various cars. Many users also post their reviews or views about a particular brand and model. Pay attention to both positive and negative comments. Such information can help if a car is known for having problems with certain equipment, such as air conditioning or transmission. This will give you better idea about the car to purchase, and also help you negotiate for a lower price.
- Get Information from Friends: Word of mouth can be extremely useful when looking out for a used car. With social networking, you can probably find a colleague or friend who wishes to sell his or her car. Friends can also be useful in providing suggestions about which brands and models to check out.
- Check out Less Expensive Brands: Branding and automobiles go hand in hand. However, you have to remember that the bigger the brand, the higher the price. As much as you may want a second hand Mercedes Benz or Audi, it would be better to look at brands and models that can be bought at lower prices. Suzuki and Hyundai are two examples of good second used cars. Familiarize yourself with all models before honing in on one car.
- Maintain a Budget: If you are purchasing your car from a second hand vehicle retailer, be sure not to stretch your budget. Retailers may try to get you to purchase a car for a higher price, or purchase some extra accessories like cleaning equipment, tools, etc. For them, it is about increasing the overall sale amount. While a couple hundred dollars may not make much of a difference, if you wish to save money from the purchase, stick to your budget as much as possible.
- Scrutinize the Vehicle: When you find a car that is to your liking, ensure that you scrutinize the entire vehicle. Fresh coats of paint can mean that there are structural problems. Check the electrical systems and ensure that all components are working and in order. If there is a foul odor within the car, there is a possibility of a water leak. Transmission fluid should always be red in color with a shade of brown, or bright red. This proves that it is new and has been filled recently.
- Test the Car Rigorously: If the car checks out, the next thing to do is to test drive it. However, a simple drive around the block is not going to help you. Take the car for a long drive, at least 30 minutes. Drive the car in potholed lanes, or on roads under construction. This will allow you to test the suspension, transmission, brakes, and check for any discrepancies in the vehicle. Test the radio, speakers, and air conditioners. If the retailer does not agree to this, then consider other retailers for purchasing your car.
- Get a Personal Vehicle Inspection: If you have settled on a vehicle, hire a technician to inspect the car for you. Many a time, the technician can spot discrepancies that we as customers cannot. He can check for body creases, paint over-sprays, and possibly damaged components. There are many garages or auto shops, which provide mechanical inspection services.
If all these points check out, then it is safe to say that the car is in good condition to be bought. Ensure that you bargain with the retailer for the price. A used car in good condition can help you drive a long way into the future.
