How To Buy A Used Car
Buying a used car causes a great deal of stress and anxiety for many shoppers. Some used car buyers hear horror stories and worry that they will end up with a lemon. To lemon-proof your car-buying experience, just follow these tips:
1) Figure out your ideal car before you shop. You are more likely to find the right previously-owned vehicle if you know what you are looking for. Determine how much power you need and what sorts of models might fit your lifestyle and needs. Research different models so that you know which ones would give you the driving experience you want.
2) Figure out financing. Determine how much you can afford to pay for a car (be sure to allow for incidental expenses, and additional expenses such as insurance costs and your first few tanks of gas). Determine your absolute limit for purchasing a car and write this down. Then, research financing alternatives. Visit your bank to find out about the best rates on offer and your best financing options. Find out which dealers offer financing and see whether the financing compares well with the rate your bank can offer.
3) Visit a few dealers or go online to compare a few cars in your price range. Check the mileage and ask the dealer whether they are selling the car with a warranty. If the car is being sold “as is” ask why. If there is a warranty, take a copy of it home and read all the fine print.
4) Inspect the car visually. Check for rust or holes in the body of the car. This sort of damage can be very hard to repair. Then, check for oil in the tailpipe. Do not buy a car with oil in the tailpipe, as it can indicate a considerable problem with the motor. Look out for poor quality paint jobs, which can indicate that the car needed body work or was not carefully maintained. If the tires are worn unevenly, that could be a sign of alignment or suspension problems. Look out for any cracks or chips in the windshield – you can usually get the seller to pay for repairs to these as insurance will cover it. Check that the horn, lights, radio, turn signals, fan, windshield wipers, and all electrical components work correctly. Any electrical problem could be dangerous and very costly to fix. Look under the hood and see whether the fluids are low or the transmission fluids or oil are dirty. There can all be signs of poor maintenance.
5) Take the car on a test drive. The clutch should not make any noise and should not slip, even when you suddenly accelerate 3rd or 4th gear. Make sure that the exhaust isn’t noisy or pluming out dark smoke. Check the brake cable by seeing whether the emergency brake will hold on a hill and then release easily. Check to see that the car doesn’t shake, pull, or wander in various driving conditions. Brake under different conditions, too, and make sure that there are no strange sounds or pulsing – all of which could indicate expensive brake work.
6) Have a professional look at the car. Even if you feel that everything checks out, a professional can tell you about hidden problems or issues that could cost you a great deal of money. Never agree to buy a car without a professional inspection carried out by a mechanic you trust and have chosen yourself. If a seller does not agree to an inspection, walk away.