It is common knowledge that brand new, fresh off the lot cars are overpriced. The value plummets the moment that ink dries and the dealership appears in the rear view mirror. Buying a car used is a great way to save cash and still have a dependable vehicle—provided you know what to look for in order to get a good deal.
Here are some tips to find a solid used car:
1. DO get the vehicle’s history report, either from the seller or on your own. This report lets you know just what that car has been up to in it’s previous life. The VIN—the vehicle’s identification number—is all you need in order to get a report. This number is found in several places on every vehicle such as on the door frame/ post of the front doors, on the dash near the windshield or on the engine itself, just to name a few of the most accessible places.
2. DO have an experienced mechanic take a look at the car you’re considering buying before the deal is done. Used cars are not going to be perfect, but by having a mechanic look it over for you, you will know what this car needs or may need soon. Having that knowledge enables you to make an informed decision about the used car you’re considering. This is where the tires, brakes, lights, air conditioning and the like come in. Have everything checked out so there will be no unpleasant surprise car repair bills in the near future.
3. DO consider the mileage on the vehicle carefully when making your deal. A car with 50,000 miles or higher equals a car with lower reliability. In considering the mileage, also try to find out if the car was driven in travels or just to church or the grocery weekly. It makes a difference what kind of mileage was put on the car.
4. DO consider the age of the car, for age contributes to breakdown in much of the car’s makeup. Gaskets, hoses and the like become dry and brittle with age, cracking and breaking. Fluid lines become fragile, leaking and causing issues. Individually, repairing these may not seem like a big issue, but if the car is old, these problems can add up to a big overall problem that is costly to maintain.
5. DO check out Consumer Reports and the Kelly Blue Book. Consumer Reports will let you know how this car model measures up in safety and reliability. The Kelly Blue Book will let you know what a fair price for the used car is. Knowledge is power.
Following tips such as these can help ensure you get a reliable used car at an affordable price—it is possible!
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