subject: Used Car Shopping Tips [print this page] Used Car Shopping Tips Used Car Shopping Tips
It can be difficult to buy a used car unless you're an informed consumer. Salespeople need to make a sale and therefore are not a trustworthy source of information. There is a lot of information you must know to find a safe and dependable car. This article provides some used car buying tips that will give you an advantage when you are trying to make a deal on the perfect used car.
It's necessary to look for hidden damage if you want to be a successful car buyer. You can try to spot a few items yourself, prior to bringing the vehicle to a mechanic. Inspect the exterior of the car and look for rust, holes, or paint damage. It is not cost effective to repair a rusty car, so it's best to not purchase one. Look at the tailpipe for oil as this could be sign of issues with the motor. All fluids should be checked to make sure they are at the proper levels. Also test the brakes, ensuring that they stop the vehicle smoothly with no pulsating, grinding, or squealing.
Many people forget to check the quality of the tire when purchasing a used car. Alignment or suspension problems can result in uneven tread wear. If the tires are bald, request that the cost of new tires be deducted from the asking price. Don't forget to check all of the lights and turn signals. Make sure that the fan, windshield wipers, horn, radio, and other electrical items are in proper working order. Be sure to have the electrical system inspected thoroughly prior to purchasing a used vehicle, because electrical issues can be costly to diagnose and repair.
It might be that the largest selling point in used car buying is the interior's condition. The majority of used car dealers have the car cleaned and detailed before they try to sell it at the dealership. Inspect the vehicle thoroughly for ripped, burned, or stained upholstery and carpeting. If the previous owner smoked, the windows may be discolored from the smoke or the upholstery may smell. Seatbelts are vital to safety, so verify that all of the seatbelts are working well. Remember to inspect the windshield for cracks or chips!
You will save yourself a lot of stress and money if you don't succumb to impulse buying. When you are purchasing a used car, you should be restrained and practical. Bring a friend with you when going to dealerships and don't let them pressure you with sales gimmicks. Unless you are a mechanic and you know what to look for, having the car inspected by a mechanic can give you an idea about damage that may not appear on the vehicle report. Investing time on research and comparison shopping will make it more likely that you will end up with a car that is safe and reliable and that will last for a number of years.
