How to Find the Best Used Car in Portland
How to Find the Best Used Car in Portland
Buying a used car in Portland can save you a lot of money. I stress the word "can" because some used cars are absolute money pits. With some used cars, it's one thing after the other. A new battery one week. A new timing belt the next week. Some used cars suck the money right out of your bank account. Naturally, this causes some people to shy away from buying a used car. However, with some proper searching, a money-saving used car isn't too hard to find.
If you're in the market for a used car in Portland, there's a simple, four-step process that you can follow to locate a great vehicle.
Ask Questions
As the first step in the car shopping process, asking questions is also the easiest step. This is because you'll simply be questioning yourself. You need to have a clear understanding of what you're looking for. Ask yourself:
What do I need this car for?
How many miles do I plan to put on it?
How long do I plan to keep it?
What's my budget?
Will I use a private seller or a car dealership?
Once you've answered these questions, it's time to
Shop Around
Buying a car is a big purchase. Even a cheap car is going to typically run you a few thousand dollars. There's no need to make rash decisions. It's highly unlikely that you'll buy the first car you see. Even if it's love at first sight, take the time to visit other dealerships and see what's out there. You can always come back.
Visit as many different dealerships and sellers as you can. And, once you have a few cars lined up, it's time to start
Performing Tests
Unless you're a mechanic or an auto aficionado, the tests you'll perform will be limited. Of course, if you have a friend or family member that's experienced under the hood, ask them to tag along. But, if you're stuck on your own, there are still a few things you can check out.
You'll want to check for any suspicious bangs, clangs, squeaks, or vibrations. If you notice any of these, ask to have a mechanic check it out. If a seller refuses, it's time to start looking elsewhere.
When you test drive, you'll also want to get the best feel for the car. Drive it at different speeds, on different terrains, and in different volumes of traffic if possible. Additionally, you'll want to visually inspect the car for scratches and such, check the mileage, and also check the tires and lights.
Once you've settled on a car that you like, it's time to wrap things up by
Conducting Research
While this is the last step, it can also be the most time-consuming. It's important that you sit down with the dealer or private seller and get as much information out of them as possible. Make sure that you get certain claims in writing. This way you have proof if you were falsely informed about your used car.
Next, you'll want to get a vehicle history report. This information will tell you how many owners the car has had, if it's been in any accidents, and other important details.
Lastly, you can ask around about the specific make and model of your car. Talk to people who have had the same car. See if there are any trending complaints.
While it's a time-consuming process, if everything checks out, you'll find yourself with a reliable, money-saving used car in Portland.
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