What To Look For When Buying A Used Car

Buying a used car is a nice way to get a very reliable vehicle while saving some money. Also, it can be quite tricky if you don’t know where to look. There are several key factors which you need to consider when buying a used car in order to succeed to make a wise purchase. Here is a guide to help you make an informed decision with this.

Why It’s Important to Know What to Look for When Buying a Used Car

Purchasing a used car is a huge decision that requires having the right information. Accidents and the tampering of an odometer are issues you might not know about until you bring a used car home. It provides you with peace of mind, avoids costly surprises, assesses the car’s real value, and avoids overpaying. By knowing what to look for when buying a used car, you can make a smart purchase that fits your needs and provides peace of mind.

Ten Steps For What To Look For When Buying A Used Car

Here’s a simple guide on what to look for when buying a used car.

1. Set a Budget

It’s important to set a budget before you ever look at cars. Know how much you can spend, not only on the car itself but on potential repairs, taxes, registration, and insurance. An advantage of having a budget is that it will allow you to choose less and not get stuck having overspent.

If you’re going to finance the car, check your credit score, calculate how much you can borrow and look at different types of loans. It will also help keep you from falling in love with a car that is beyond your price range.

2. Choose the Right Type of Car

Consider what type of car fits your needs. So do you need a spacious family car, fuel efficient commuter or a sporty car? In addition, remember the climate you live in. For an example, if you live in an area that sees harsh winters, then an all-wheel drive car might be the way to go. If you don’t know what type of car you’re looking for, do some research. Make a list of things you want in a car, things like good gas mileage, a reliable brand, or a certain size.

3. Research the Car’s History

Researching a used car’s history is one of the most important steps when it comes to purchasing a used car. There are vehicle history report services that you can use to see what sort of past the car has, such as Carfax or AutoCheck. If the car has been in an accident, or had its title branded as “salvage,” or if the car has any other issues, this will show you.

You should also ask the seller about the car’s maintenance history. A good sign that the car was well taken care of and may extend its lifespan is regular maintenance. If it’s a car that has been poorly maintained, it could give problems that you will end up paying for later.

4. Take a look at the Exterior and Interior

When you’re going to test drive a used car, it’s best to go over it thoroughly inside and out.

• Exterior: Examine for rust, damage, or mismatched paint. It could mean past accidents or bad maintenance. Check the wear and tear of tires and make sure that they’re all good. Replacing tires involved when they’re worn out will also increase the cost of the car.
• Interior: Look at the seats, the dashboard, and the carpeting for any wounding. Check the air conditioning, heating, and all electrical features (windows, radio, lights, etc.) to find out. Also, check that the trunk is clean and free of water damage.

5. Run a Check of Engine and Transmission

You should be inspecting the engine and transmission, both of which are two of the car’s most critical components. Start the engine and listen out for any odd noises like knocking, or squealing. Internal problems could be indicated by these. Check for the engine oil condition. You’ll see dirty oil if you didn’t maintain the car and it’ll also tell you that the dipstick is low.

Additionally, if the car has over 100,000 miles you should also ask if the timing belt has been replaced as it’s an important part that can get pricey to replace. Before you buy the car, if at all possible try to get it inspected by a mechanic you know and trust. The mechanic will check for things you might not know to look for, such as leaks, transmission wear and signs of engine trouble, all too common in high mileage cars.

6. Test Drive the Car

One thing that is an essential part of the car buying process is a test drive. At least you get a chance to get to feel how the car drives, so like you know how to handle it. During the test drive:

• Watch how the car drives. Does it feel smooth or bumpy?
• Now listen for anything out of the ordinary – rattle, squeal, grind.
• Test the brakes. They should respond quickly and smoothly.
• Make sure it’s easy to control the steering, and that the car doesn’t pull to one side.
• Check the acceleration and the shifting of gears. The car should pick up speed easily, and shift smoothly.

Don’t rush the test drive. To ship its performance in full, take the car on various varieties of roads, larger roadways, and native streets.

7. Check the Mileage

One of the most important things when buying a used car is mileage. As a rule, the lower the mileage, the better the vehicle. You might have a car with less wear and tear, as a car with fewer miles on the odometer is likely to mean a shorter wear out period.

But mileage isn’t the only thing to keep in mind. A car with lesser mileage isn’t always better than a car with higher mileage if the latter has been maintained properly and well. Check out the mileage combined with the car’s service history and condition.

8. Negotiate the Price

After you’ve done your research and examined the car, discuss the price. Using Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds and similar sites, do some research on how much the car should be worth. With this information in mind, you’ll know how much to offer the seller.

Don’t be afraid to negotiate, but don’t be unreasonable. When you find issues in the car such as tires that need new treads, or stickers that need to be peeled off, use them as bargaining chips to bring down your selling price. Once you’ve applied all your checks and you’re happy with the price you’ll go forward and close the deal.

9. Review the Paperwork

Once you’ve found a car you want to buy, be sure to carefully scrutinize all the paperwork. First, you’ll need to have the title of the car transferred into your name. If the car is financed, the lender will need to become involved as well in the transaction.

Gather all the paperwork and make sure that the car has approved any needed emissions inspections. If you’re buying from a dealership, they should be giving you these forms, from the bill of sale to the title transfer, to warranty proof.

10. Optimizing the Total Cost of Ownership

Having a car is not just about purchase price. Don’t forget those gas, insurance, maintenance and repair costs. Some cars will cost more to maintain than others, so make sure you choose one that fits in your budget for buying and maintaining it over its entire lifetime.

Conclusion

Used cars can be a great purchase when you know what you’re looking for. Setting a budget and researching the car’s history, inspecting the vehicle in great detail and taking it for a good test drive will help you purchase a car in a smart way. Don’t rush through it—take your time and if you have to, get a second opinion. If you approach it the right way, you can come out with a used car that is exactly what you need and one that’ll last you for many more years.