What to look for when Buying a Used Car

Buying a used car can be a scary process. A used car is unknown territory. You have no idea who the previous owner was. You have no idea how they took care of the car. You don't even know if the oil has ever been changed much less an alignment, tire rotation, or just a general check over. But buying a used car doesn't have to be that why. Just follow a few simple steps and you will be driving away with confidence in no time.

Mechanic

If you can take your mechanic with you to look at the car. Generally if you have taken your vehicles to the same mechanic for years they are willing to go this extra step for your continued business. If your mechanic can't go to the used car dealer, bring the car to him. Any reputable used car salesman will be willing to let you have the car checked over by your own mechanic. If they are unwilling to let you take the car you may want to think twice about buying a car there.

Car Fax

You have seen the commercial. Get the car fax. Now a car fax won't tell you everything but it will tell you if the car has ever been in a reported accident or flood. It will tell you how many owners the car has had and if there are odometer issues. It can also tell you if the car was a rental or fleet vehicle. Most used car dealership will provide these to potential buyers as part of the buying process.

Test Drive

Check the car over looking for scratch, dings, or any other blemishes. Take it for a long test drive. Drive it on the highway and on back country roads listening for rattles, squeaks, or other noises that don't belong. Take it somewhere that you can drive around in circles such as a parking lot. Drive around in tight circles and then wider circles in both directions. Again you want to listen for strange noises or feeling that should not be there.

Instincts

Believe it or not your instincts can be your biggest asset when it comes to buying a used car. You know that odd feeling you get when something just isn't right even though you can't quite put your finger on it. These instinct feelings are often something that we may have heard or seen that our brain hasn't fully processed.

Haggle

Don't take the first offer from a used car dealer. Used cars have the biggest percentage of wiggle room in negotiating the price. Check the Kelly Blue Book of the vehicle for trade in value. Most likely that is what they gave the previous owner on a trade. They may have given even less. Even though you want to get the best deal possible remember the deal does have to make some money to stay in business.