April 26, 2017
Shopping for a used vehicle can be one of the best ways to find the right car for your needs. Though some may not be in brand new condition, there are many lots that emphasize care and presentation, which means that first-time shoppers can find what they need at an affordable price. Like with any such long-term purchase, however, it is strongly recommended for drivers to plan ahead in order to make an advantageous buy. Inspecting a used car can be made simple by following a few tips, and always performing the necessary research before going out to shop can help drivers make the most of their first vehicle.
One of the most important ways for all new drivers to keep up with their vehicle is to make sure that they know what the car has been through. Always take the time to check the vehicle's history by using any number of online services. Websites like Carfax and Autocheck both keep careful track of most major repairs that are made to different vehicles. If the car you are interested in had many parts replaced in a relatively short amount of time, you may want to look into another car.
Make sure that you check the car's title as well. Some smaller dealers and lots may buy the vehicles from insurance companies that had written the cars off as losses. From there, the dealerships will try to fix the vehicle for cheap and resell them. Because there are very few ways to regulate such practices, faulty parts may be used in the repairs. By checking the car's title, you can find out whether the car was totaled or damaged in the past.
Make sure that you ask for the receipts to the vehicle as well. If you find that you like a vehicle that has had extensive repairs performed, it can be a good idea to ask the seller to take a look at the receipts to learn more about the parts used to fix the car. If you do not receive any receipts after asking, it is recommended to continue with another vehicle.
Finally, be sure to have an inspection performed as well. Once you take a look at all of the paperwork and feel as though you would like the vehicle, it can be a good idea to proceed to a mechanic to have the car inspected. A professional opinion can often be just what you need to feel more confident in your purchase.