7 Tips To Help You Choose a Great Used Car

Used car shopping can be intimidating because it carries some uncertainties. Each car is manufactured from more than 30,000 parts, so you must ensure that all those parts function properly for the vehicle to work.

If you’re on a mission to get the best-used car in your budget frame, here are some criteria you need to focus on before making a payment.

Understand Your Needs Before Hitting the Used Car Lots

To understand your needs, consider the things bothering you about your current car. Is it too small or has a harsh ride? Also, consider the near future; are you planning to expand your family or get a dog? What kind of car would you need then?

Asking yourself these questions will give you a clear insight into the type and size of the car you need. Once you decide, there’s no way a salesperson will talk you out of it.

Determine Your Budget

One of the most important things before purchasing a used car is to determine a budget and stick to it. Some people get loans, while some prefer paying the whole sum in cash. If you want to pay with cash, make sure you don’t spend all your savings on a car, and set some money aside to pay for insurance, registration, and possible repairs in the future.

If you decide to take out a loan, plan your budget so that your monthly car expenses don’t exceed 20% of your monthly paycheck, and always aim to pay out the loan in less than three years.

Carefully Inspect The Car

The price of the used car depends on the condition. Well-maintained vehicles have a higher price, while those not in such good shape can cost significantly less.

Here’s how to properly inspect the car to determine its condition:

Check the front and rear seats
Inspect every inch of the vehicle: this includes the interior, seats, doors, floor, ceiling, paint job, bumpers, tires, and car lights. Also, check out for scratches and evidence of repair.
Take a good smell of the car: you might consider this funny, but a burning oil smell can indicate serious engine problems.
Thoroughly inspect the engine: check if there’s oil and the condition of the hoses.

Do a Test Drive

Don’t test drive the car to see how it feels; use that time to evaluate the little things that matter.

Here’s what to pay extra attention to while you’re testing the car you want:

Check the sound system
Make sure that the amenities work properly
Test the air conditioning
Inspect for warning lights
Carefully listen to the engine
Inspect the exhaust
Do a double-check on the brakes

Ask a Mechanic to Check The Car

If you found a car you like, don’t seal the deal before getting a mechanic to inspect it properly. You can pay a mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection to get proper information about the car’s condition. This is money well spent because it will help you avoid buying a car that can have serious problems in the future.

Also, don’t go to the mechanic recommended by the seller. Find your own reliable source instead.

Get The Vehicle History Report

You can use the car’s identification number to get a detailed report on its history. This is a great way to learn everything about the car you’re interested in, even the information the seller is not willing to tell you.

The history report will indicate whether the car has been in a serious accident and if it has been declared a total loss by the insurance company. Some cars have a salvage title, meaning they’re not in good drivable condition, so make sure you stay away from those. The report will also give you information about all the previous owners.

Choose a Car Brand That’s Known For Reliability

Although this is obvious, if you want a reliable car, choose a model from a reliable brand. Some of the most reliable car brands include Honda, Toyota, Subaru, and Lexus. These brands may not look the best design-wise, but their cars are some of the most reliable on the market.

Conclusion

Picking out a used car can be tricky, but if you follow our bits of advice, you’ll be able to make a decent choice. Remember to set a budget, and don’t let the salesperson change your mind about what you want. It’s okay to consult with others, but ensure you’ll have the final word. After all, you are the one that’s going to use that car every day!

The market for used cars has seen an increase in sales because of the increase of COVID-19 cases across the world.The market for used cars is also a great option for those who are first-time drivers or searching for a reliable vehicle in a budget range. But what are the benefits of buying used cars? are these vehicles really worth the price? In this week's feature, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing used cars!

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