Buying a used vehicle can save you money and help you avoid the depreciation that comes with owning a new car. However, it is important to do your homework before making a purchase.
Get preapproved for auto financing and shop around for the best rates. You should also check a car’s value using pricing guides such as Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds.
Check the Car’s History Report
When shopping for a used car, the vehicle history report is one of the most valuable tools at your disposal. These reports, available from online services like AutoCheck and Carfax, contain information about the car’s accident history, ownership history, title status, odometer reading, and more. A comprehensive report can save you time and money by helping you avoid a bad purchase.
The first thing you’ll want to look at is the car’s accident history. The report should indicate any crashes the vehicle has been involved in, including whether the crash resulted in structural damage or airbag deployments. It should also note if the vehicle was considered total loss by an insurance company and then rebuilt and put back on the road, as well as odometer-tampering warnings.
If the report shows the car has had multiple owners, it’s a red flag. Ideally, you want a car with a single owner who drove the vehicle in a safe manner and kept up with maintenance. If the report indicates that the vehicle was a rental or leased, you’ll need to ask the dealer or seller to provide proof of lease termination.
Next, you’ll want to look at the odometer reading. A report should show the actual mileage on the car at the time of its most recent sale, as well as any discrepancies in odometer readings between this number and the current mileage on the car. If there’s a big difference, this could be an indication that the car’s odometer has been tampered with.
The next section of the report will indicate whether or not the vehicle has been subject to a flood or fire. Both types of damage can compromise the safety of the car, so you’ll want to steer clear if either one of these has occurred. The report will also list any outstanding recalls the car has received. This is a good opportunity to check with the seller about any issues you may be unsure about, as they can often provide helpful information and answers about their car. They’ll be able to help you determine if the recalls have been completed or not, and if not, why not.
Inspect the Car’s Exterior
In addition to the information found in a vehicle history report, it’s important to physically inspect your potential used car. In the car business, this is known as a “silent walk around.” Start by checking out the exterior at different visual angles. Look for dings, scratches and faded paint that could indicate previous collision damage. Check the rims and hubcaps for signs of excessive wear and the lug nuts to see if they are properly tightened. Also, check for a puddle under the car’s front or rear, which could indicate leaks.
Once you have a good idea of what you want in a used car, ask the seller to allow you to have it professionally inspected. A legitimate seller will not object to this request and may even encourage it. If a seller tries to sway you away from this step, that should be viewed as a red flag and you should probably move on.
Before taking the car for a test drive, sit in the driver’s seat to ensure that it fits you comfortably and is easy to maneuver. Make sure that you can reach all of the controls, including the stereo, door locks and power windows, without straining. Also, test all of the seats and interior components to make sure they work correctly.
After a brief test drive, take the vehicle on a route that includes hills and bumps to see how it handles and performs under these conditions. Pay special attention to the brakes, as well as the steering wheel and suspension. A shaky or vibrating steering wheel can indicate worn components or misalignment, while the sound of grinding tires or screeching can signal the need for an alignment. Check the tires for uneven tread wear, as well as any signs of rubbing against curbs and other obstructions. Finally, take a flashlight and look underneath the vehicle for signs of rust. If there are any, this is a very bad sign and could indicate corrosion issues that can be costly to repair. The best way to check for rust is by getting on your hands and knees and looking carefully at the lower door and fender areas, as well as the trunk/hatch area.
Inspect the Car’s Interior
When you’re inspecting a used vehicle, make sure to take the time to look at the interior too. If there is any damage or stains on the seat, it may indicate that the car was not well-maintained and could have problems down the road. Also pay attention to any strange smells coming from the cabin. These may be an indicator of leaks or other issues.
Another thing to check is how the vehicle drives. If it seems to pull or shake at any point during acceleration, braking, or on straight roads, this is not a good sign and can be a sign of serious engine problems.
Finally, it’s important to make sure that all of the electronics and other features work properly. This includes the air conditioning, power windows, headlights, and turn signals. If any of them seem to be acting up or not working at all, it’s best to move on to another vehicle.
Getting an inspection on a used vehicle is a smart decision that can save you thousands of dollars down the road. The process is quick and easy and can be done at the dealership or at home through an online service that sends a mechanic to you to perform the inspection.
If you are looking for a quality used vehicle to commute around Ithaca, Trusmansburg, Syracuse, or Watkins Glen, make sure to follow these tips and inspect the car thoroughly before you buy it. By doing this, you can ensure that the used car you are purchasing is in good condition and will run smoothly for years to come.
It’s important to remember that while some used-car dealers do try to sell you a lemon, most are honest and well-intentioned. However, even the most honest and reputable dealer can overlook some problems. This is why it’s so important to have an independent inspector look at the vehicle before you buy it.
Take a Test Drive
When you’re buying a new car, a test drive can be an enthralling experience that gives you a moment to picture yourself behind the wheel of your future ride. Similarly, when you’re buying a used vehicle, a test drive is an important part of the evaluation process.
A good test drive is a time to really get inside the vehicle and see how it feels for you and your family. You can use this opportunity to evaluate the comfort, handling, engine noise, and safety features of the vehicle. It’s also a good time to see how the vehicle performs on different types of roads and driving conditions, and whether it handles bumps or stretches of rough road well.
To get the most out of your test drive, you should plan ahead in advance to choose a route that matches the kind of driving you normally do. For instance, if you typically commute on a highway, plan to take the vehicle to the interstate so you can evaluate how it accelerates and drives at high speeds. Also, if you tend to drive on mountainous terrain, find a suitable hill and see how the vehicle handles it.
It’s also a good idea to test the vehicle’s safety features, such as the backup camera and Bluetooth phone capability. You should also be sure to listen for squeaks and whistling during the drive, as these can be indicators of problems with the brakes or windows/sunroof. You should also pay attention to how the vehicle accelerates and decelerates, and how it feels steering-wise and under acceleration.
You should be mindful that the salesperson may try to persuade you to buy the vehicle during the test drive. However, it’s a good idea to remain noncommittal until you have the opportunity to dig up all of the information on Kelley Blue Book and the Vehicle History Report. This will allow you to assess the vehicle’s value and determine if its price is right for your budget. Then, you can decide whether you want to proceed with the purchase. The right research can save you from getting ripped off by a dealership or private seller.
