Have you been considering buying a used car? If so, buying a used automobile requires some planning and knowledge. Before you make that final purchase decision, it’s important to make sure the vehicle is in good running condition. Before “shopping” for any vehicle, new or used, it’s important to do some homework. By spending the time upfront, you may save money in the long run.
Here are some tips for buying a used car:
- Use an inspection checklist when you go to take a look at the vehicle. An internet search for “used car buying checklist” should yield a checklist that includes all the important points to inspect.
- Before you start, do some research on the make and model vehicle you’re looking to purchase. Internet sites like Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds provide a lot of tools on buying used cars and should give you a good idea of pricing and other factors to consider.
- Take the vehicle out on a test drive. When out on the road with the vehicle, drive it in all sorts of conditions… on hills, highways and in stop-and-go traffic.
- Ask the owner or the dealer for the maintenance records for the vehicle.
- Have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic you hire.
- Research the frequency of repair and maintenance costs on the model you are considering.
- Check on vehicle recall information.
- Check a trusted database service that has information from state and local authorities, salvage yards, and insurance companies for vehicle history. Carfax.com is one of the more well-known services.