Surely, the reason why you are reading this post is because you are interested in purchasing a used car. The process of selecting which car to actually purchase can be both confusing and frustrating at the same time, most especially if you aren’t sure of what you’re really looking for.
While there are people who simply need a vehicle that can take them from one place to another, there are also those who are too picky and will meticulously check on every detail of the purchase in order to get their money’s worth. A used car is in thousand ways different from a brand new one. If this is the first time that you are to purchase your own ride, most people would say that getting a second-hand car is far better than investing in an overpriced brand new vehicle that serves the same purpose.
What do you need to know about buying used cars?
Knowing what you want in a second-hand vehicle before actually buying, it is a very important factor in considering which car to take. Not only that it makes the process easier, it also ensures you that your expectations will be met. To help you decide on what car to buy, below are three important things you should consider before you shed those bucks away.
1. Check for Impactful Dents and Scratches
The first thing to do when a used car interests you is to check the body of the vehicle. You should be able to see even the smallest details and inspect if it carries a dent, a scratch, or maybe, even an unmatched body color. Once a seller presents you the vehicle, it must be clean; therefore, you can easily notice anything that may differ from the rest of the body. Never forget to check on the sides and ends. Small dents and scratches are of a big deal when buying a used car because unlike the brand new ones, these small things may be due to big accidents which may have been met by the vehicle.
You must also be able to check if the other parts of the car have dents and scratches. Run your fingers through the edges, panels, and joints. Feeling a little rough may be an indication of an adhesive residue.
These little details may be big signs of an extreme collision accident, which are oftentimes undeclared, making it hard for buyers to track the vehicle’s record. You must also ask the seller if the service and repair records of the car are available. You must ensure that you have access to these things or even simply the previous owner’s profile so that you won’t compromise your safety in case you start to drive your new used vehicle.
2. Check on the Outer Appearance of the Vehicle
Inspect the car and investigate on equipment conditions. You must be able to check on side mirrors, door handles, wheels, lamps, wipers, and even the rear lights of the vehicle. Should there be any cracks or irregularity in any of those listed, you should ask your seller right away. It may be because of a collision or worst, a case of replacing the original with something that is of lower quality. The outer appearance of your future potential car is so important because it is the first thing that other people will notice about your wheels. You wouldn’t want a car that looks older than your grandfather’s clock, right?
Looking into these things saves you the hassle of having to change this equipment sooner or later. Most importantly, headlights should be clear, and an ample amount of light should be emitted by it. A light that isn’t too dark or too bright. You must also be able to check on the tires if they are matched and are used evenly. Inspect on the surfaces of the tires, and look for bad alignment, which can be caused by a damaged steering or suspension components.
You must also ask the seller if spare tires or some other equipment which can be used in the future are left by the previous owner. If so, take advantage of the opportunity and keep it.
3. What’s inside also Matters
How the vehicle looks and works on the inside are just as important as how it can be perceived on the outside. Opening the hood and taking a good investigation on the parts and the engine will always work to your advantage. Rusty parts show signs of dirt. These indicate car problems or leaks that lead to costly repair.
Brake fluids and the reservoir should also be leak-free. Belts have the tendency to snap, so make sure that the belts are all working in good condition. Also, make sure that as you test drive your potential future car. Listen to the noise it produces and observes how the vehicle responds to the road you are driving on. The test drive should be on level ground to check for tire functionality and parts sagging.
If you are not so sure about your knowledge, bring a professional mechanic with you. Especially, on the day of your purchase or on the day that you personally get to see the car. Expensive car meltdowns are effects of impulsive car buying. Having someone who could do a quick, professional test with you can be well worth what you pay for. These mechanics will help you explore and discover hidden problems with the vehicle. If your future potential car will give you headaches, professional mechanics will let you know.
Will you consider buying used cars?
Brand new cars don’t come cheap. Depreciation rate of new vehicles comes so easily. Purchasing a second-hand car maybe the best option to land good transportation. However, consider making smart choices based on what is real and not what is ideal. Keeping these three things in mind during the process will surely help you get the car you’ve always dreamed about.
