subject: Selecting A Good Used Car [print this page] These days, when the economy is a bit less stable around the world and the world seems to be moving just a bit more slowly, there are still certain things that we need. Among those things that are most important to us are, of course, our home and a car.
In fact, recent studies say that owning a car is more important to some people than owning a home. Most feel that even renting their home is acceptable but that owning a car and having the ability to get back and forth to the places they need to go, as well as to have reliable transportation to and from their jobs is most important.
The car that you own is quite literally tied to your freedom. It's very difficult to achieve a good job, or to attend school, or take part in many other functions without owning a car to get there.
All that being said, many of us simply cannot afford to go out and purchase a new car every few years. Typically, those of us who cannot will avail ourselves of a used car.
Used car sales are going upward recently. There is a remarkably good reason for that increase in sales. The used car these days is an excellent value. In many cases, aside from being more affordable, the used car can give you all that you need to get where you are going safely and without a great deal of added maintenance costs.
Selecting a good used car is important and that, as in any other case, simply means doing a little homework to assure that you get what you need and that you choose a car without mechanical or body related issues.
Cars can rust and can be subject to mechanical problems, as you know. If you are not a mechanical expert, then bringing someone with you who is knowledgeable about cars and mechanics as well as body issues is a good idea when you are buying a used car.
Check out the engine, assuring that it's not inordinately oil covered or that it's not obviously extremely dirty. Look in the glove box or ask to see the record of the cars maintenance. Check out what has been done and if the regularly scheduled maintenance has been done. In most cases, if it has not, this does not mean that the car is not a nice car, but it does mean that it's not been cared for on a regular basis and may be prone to future problems.
Check out the car for any previous damage that may point to an accident. While that too does not necessarily mean that the car is not fit for purchase, it does indicate the need to be a bit more careful.
Start the car and assure that it starts smoothly and that it does not sputter or hiccup as it starts. Never purchase any car, new or used before you have taken a test drive and assured that the car is smooth and sure and that the steering and other things are sound and solid.
Your car will take you to all those wonderful places that you want to go if you are careful to be certain that you use a reputable used car sales venue and select the car carefully.
