Buying a used car can be difficult. There are so many things to watch out for and the market is always changing. It’s important that you’re educated before making one of the largest purchases of your life, and that’s why we’ve put together this list of tips for buying a used car!
Research the model and make of car you’re buying
This will help you know what to expect in terms of repair costs and how it handles. For example, a Toyota Camry is known for its reliability, while a Honda Accord may require more maintenance due to the complicated transmission.
Check for recalls – some cars have been recalled due to faulty airbags or other problems
You’ll want to be aware of this and know if the car you’re considering has been recalled. Checking with a mechanic can help, as well as researching online (though some recalls are not listed yet). If there is a recall on your model or make, it’s worth looking into whether your used car was affected.
Don’t buy a car that has been in an accident, unless you know what repairs were made.
Many cars have been repaired after an accident, but if you’re not aware of what was done or who did it, it can be hard to know how the car’s going to hold up. It may seem like a good bargain at first glance, but after looking into it further and finding out there were frame damages that weren’t fixed.
Get a mechanic to inspect the car before purchase if possible.
A certified mechanic will be able to see any potential problems and give you their opinion on the car’s safety. Checking for an inspection sticker is a good idea, as well as checking records online if possible.
Test drive your prospective vehicle. Don’t just take it off the lot without driving it first!
A lot can happen to a car on the way off of the dealership, so you’ll want to be sure that it’s running well before committing. Plus, some dealerships will make promises about their vehicles that they won’t stand by when you come back with problems later on – get an idea of how the vehicle drives and sounds now! It’s important to be educated about your purchase and start with researching specific models as well as any recalls before buying; don’t just buy without knowing what you’re getting into! If there are no issues, then make sure you test-drive the vehicle before purchase.
If you’re considering a used vehicle, the team at Fletcher’s Garage is happy to help you with a pre-purchase inspection!
