There are a lot of advantages to buying a used car. The biggest one is the price – you can save thousands of dollars if you opt for a used car instead of a new one. On the other hand, you don’t want to get stuck with a lemon. Warranties on used cars are never as good as what you’ll get with a new car, so make sure you know how to buy a used car before you go looking.
First you have to decide what kind of car you want. Do you need a truck or some other sort of spacious cargo vehicle? Do you want a small, fuel-efficient coupe? Or, do you want a regular car with lots of room and a big trunk? Only you can decide this one.
Once it’s time to start searching, remember that the internet has made it easier that ever to find a used vehicle. You may miss the perfect deal if you only search at actual car lots. If you do buy from an individual, though, there won’t be any dealer financing. You’ll probably have to secure your own loan or have the cash on hand.
You’re still somewhat limited to what’s available in your general area; that’s the downside to buying used cars. There are no special orders in the used car business, so you might have to be ready to compromise on things like color, trim, seat material and other options. Prioritize your preferences. Is your heart set on a blue car, no matter the model? Or will you search for Hondas only and take what you can get? Most internet car ads will tell you about the car’s features and possible provide a picture.
You’ll probably check the car’s mileage before anything else, and you should, but consider all the other factors as well. If a car has super-low mileage and a cheap price, find out if it has been wrecked and totaled. A bad wreck can give a car permanent problems. Try to get a look at any service records that might be available too.
You might be tempted by an older car that still has low mileage. Many DIY types prefer a car with some years on it; simpler circuits and computers often make for easier repair jobs. Even if the engine is still in good shape, check for things like door seals, A/C and heating, window mechanisms, latches, locks, the radio, lights and windshield wipers. Rubber dry rots with age, so some of these peripherals might be in worse shape than the engine itself.
You should definitely bring a mechanically inclined friend if you have one; you can also bring the car to your preferred auto shop for an inspection. Take it for a test drive and listen for any odd noises from the brakes, suspension or motor. Drive it long enough for the engine to reach a stable temperature in case it runs hot. At the very least, pop the hood when you get back and look for any leaky fluids. Also, take a look at the rubber coverings on the joints at the ends of the axle. If they’re torn up they’ll need to be repaired before long.
- How to Buy New Car?
- How to Buy Repo Cars?
- How to Buy a New Car Online?
- How to Buy a Used Truck?
- How to Buy a New Car for Less?
