Having a checklist for buying a used car can help you avoid spending a lot of money on a vehicle that isn’t going to last you very long. Purchasing a previously owned vehicle comes with some risk because you don’t know who drove the car before you. Or how they treated it and cared for it. However, you can reduce your risk by purchasing from a reputable dealer with good reviews. Additionally, find out the history of the car like its previous location, number of owners, and accident and repair history. Test drive it and give it a good once-over to see if there are any obvious issues. However, if you are not well-versed in auto mechanics, having a professional take a look is the best route. Hopefully, you can use these tips and tricks to avoid wasting your money on a lemon.
Checklist for Buying a Used Car: How to Avoid Lemons and Money Pits
Reputable Dealer
The first thing on your checklist for buying a used car should be to check with reputable car dealers. Going through something like online marketplaces or auction sites can be especially risky. Many dealerships get in cars from other makers and have a wide selection of available vehicles to test drive. Check the reviews of any dealership you go to beforehand.
History
Another important item on your checklist for buying a used car is finding out its history. Knowing where the car comes from is important. Places with high humidity like Florida can have moisture damage, whereas places with a lot of snow use rock salt that can also wear cars down. Finding out whether or not it’s been in a previous accident is important, as is finding out if there are any open recalls on the vehicle. Most reputable dealerships will provide you with the car’s history and list of previous repair items.
Test Drive
Taking a car for a test drive is important, but there are some specific things to try out. Look carefully for any damage, poorly done fixes, warping, or rust. When you drive it, find a straight stretch of road and jiggle the wheel from side to side to see if the car responds to slight turns. Slam on the brakes to see the response time. Make a U-turn to see what kind of turn radius the car has, and quickly hit the gas pedal to see how the engine responds if you need to pull out quickly. Finally, pay attention to your comfort and visibility.
Professional Opinion
While your checklist for buying a used car is important, nothing beats a professional opinion. Unless you are a seasoned car pro, having a mechanic take a look is the best way to ensure that you’re purchasing a quality vehicle. You can even hire mechanics to come out to the dealership and take a look before you purchase. Any reputable dealer should have a reasonable return policy if you find issues within a few days of purchase.
Shopping for a used car can be a daunting task. And unfortunately, it can come with some risks. You never truly know how previous owners treated a car, and whether or not it’s been maintenance regularly. Try to find out as much information as you can about the car’s history and maintenance record. Additionally, try to only shop at reputable dealerships that have good reviews. When you arrive at the car lot, visually assess the car before taking it for a test drive. Be mindful during your drive about the way it feels, and try to test out the engine, brakes, and steering as well as you can. Using this checklist for buying a used car can help you avoid major issues, but the best thing to do is to get a professional opinion. If you purchase a car, take it to your local mechanic or auto shop to have an inspection. Hopefully, you’ve purchased a great vehicle that will serve you well.