With the economy the way it is these days, people are opting for used vehicles as a more cost effective alternative to a new car. Unfortunately, if you don't know what to look for in a used car, you are more likely to end up spending even more money in the long run. This is why it is important to educate yourself before purchasing a vehicle that isn't new.
Having a mechanic that you trust take a look at any car you are interested in buying is a good way to go. This ensures that you know just what you are looking at in terms of replacement parts and most hidden problems will be found during a routine inspection.
Upkeep and Maintenance
It's a good idea to buy a car that has been well looked after. That means a vehicle that is neat and clean, not just on the outside, but inside, as well. You'll be able to tell whether the upkeep has been good or if they just did a last minute cleaning to impress you. The interior should be in good condition, free of too much wear and tear. Look for rips in the vinyl and seat covers.
Check under the hood. If the car body is clean but the engine compartment hasn't been touched in years, you'll know that the maintenance hasn't been great and there could be plenty of hidden issues here. You can also compare the odometer to the maintenance stickers that are on the windows.
Take the time to run the VIN number to see what the vehicle's history is like. If it's been in an accident or had any major problems, these will show up when you check the number. Knowing the history of a used car can be invaluable, since it will let you know what to expect in the future. A vehicle that has been in an accident could be host to a number of problems that might not be apparent until later on.
Signs That a Car Has Been in an Accident
Obviously, if a vehicle has been in an accident, you want to know about it. Accidents can cause serious problems that may go undetected, such as twisting of the frame or even weakening of vital parts like the axle. Here are some signs that you should be watching for:
A new paint job. Look for overspray on the trim or very new appearing paint.
New paint on one particular area. If a quarter panel appears to have been recently painted, while the rest of the car looks normal, this could be a bad sign.
Wrinkled metal. Watch for areas that may not be as smooth as the rest of the vehicle . . . they could mark where repairs were made. Dents may have been pounded out or a more temporary repair may have been made.
These could all be signs that the car has been fixed after an accident. Whether or not it was a major accident or just a fender bender . . . you'll need to check further into it.
Taking a Test Drive
Actually driving the car will give you far more information than just looking at it. Once you have had a chance to start it up and take it out on the road to get up to speed, you'll have a pretty good idea of whether or not the car runs well. A few things to check for:
How the car starts. Does it start easily and stay running on its own or do you need to pump the gas to keep it going?
How does the vehicle shift? If it's an automatic transmission, does it shift correctly or does it tend to rev high and seem reluctant to switch? Manual transmissions should be fairly easy to shift and not jerk or stick. Check how the clutch works . . . it should require firm pressure but not require being stomped into the floor.
Notice how the car feels and sounds. If there are any abnormal sounds like grinding, squealing or other unusual noises, this could indicate problems that will need to be fixed in the near future. The same goes for vibrations and jerks that shouldn't be there. Use all your senses to notice if there is anything that could be wrong.
Is it comfortable for you to drive? Some vehicles just aren't made for tall or short people and can be uncomfortable. Make sure that you can adjust everything according to your height so that you are comfortable. If the car doesn't fit you, then it might be best to look for another used vehicle instead.
Buying a used car just makes sense when you're on a budget. On average, used cars are about half the price of a brand new one, with older vehicles dropping incrementally in price. This means that there are some huge savings to be had, but you do need to make sure that the used car you buy is in good condition and can be used for years to come without major repairs needed. That's why it's a good idea to have a mechanic do an inspection.
Another thing to look for in older cars is the gas mileage. While gas prices are down again for the time being, that doesn't mean they will stay down, so you'll need to make sure that you look for a vehicle that has relatively good gas mileage. Otherwise, you'll probably be regretting it down the road!
There are many reasons to choose a car that has had previous owners. As long as you are careful to inspect the vehicle and make sure that there is nothing wrong with it that you don't mind fixing. Make sure that it's a comfortable vehicle for you to drive and that there is no history of accidents (this can be done by checking the VIN number) and you should have a great new-to-you car to
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