Buying a used car can save you a lot of money compared to buying new. Whether you are buying your teenager’s first car, replacing the family car, or finally getting your dream hot rod, it is always important to know exactly what you are investing in. There can be many benefits and faults when purchasing a used car, but the downfalls can be completely minimized if you are cautious before purchasing. We’ve put together a few tips for you to consider before buying a used car.
Set a Budget Before you Go- If you are buying a used car from a dealership, be prepared to negotiate. Have a plan of what you want to pay and stick to it. Do not take the first offer they give you. Take your time and shop around this purchase is a big investment.
Check Oil/Transmission Fluid- Regular maintenance shows just how good the car has been treated. Whereas, a lack of service, or if the car has not been checked on a regular basis, could lead to future issues. Oil changes should be done on a regular basis because it helps to preserve your car and keep your engine running smoothly.
Carfax Report History- Used cars are easily accessible online with a VIN #, license plate, and the state it is registered in. This platform will give you important details about the car including; title information, odometer readings, accident indicators, service and repair information, and recall information. These are just a small portion of the information you can get from reports like this.
Test Drive- Get a feel for the car and how it rides. It is important to do so because you can feel and see other faults of the car when it is in use rather than just looking at it or inspecting the fluids.
Do your Research- Before jumping into purchasing a used car, do some research first. Word-of-mouth, articles, and online tools will be able to help you figure out what the average price ranges are for various used cars that you are interested in purchasing. You may also find a similar vehicle with the same features for a better price that you hadn’t initially thought of purchasing.
Have the Car Thoroughly Inspected by a Professional- Ask if you can have the car checked over by a professional to make sure everything checks out as good as it looks or seems. This will give you a clear idea of what you are investing in and it will help you realize if what you are spending is worth it or if you can get more bang for your buck elsewhere. Professionals should inspect specific parts of the car including: tires, engine, brakes, paint and AC. Most garages offer a used car vehicle inspection at a reasonable price.
Repair Records- When was the car last repaired or checked? These records can be found on Carfax.com, but they should be carefully considered. If there are repairs that need to be fixed and they have been put off, it could have caused more damage.
Mileage- One of the determining factors in the value of a car is its mileage. The higher the mileage is on the car, the more wear and tear the parts and tires have seen compared to newer parts.
If you are looking into purchasing a new or used car and need a free car insurance quote, our knowledgeable Doyle & Ogden Insurance agents can help! Give us a call at 616-949-9000 or request a free car insurance quote on our website today!
