You’ve made the decision. It’s time to bite the bullet and upgrade your vehicle.
A new car is out of your price range, so you look into purchasing a used car. That means going through a few extra steps to ensure you get the best deal.
To help you out, we’ve put together this used car checklist, with five important things you should look for when you’re at the dealership.
Keep reading to learn more.
1. Mileage
When buying a used car, one of the first things you want to establish is how much mileage the vehicle has.
Now, it’s often preferable to have lower mileage, for obvious reasons. Of course, that isn’t always going to be available—a lower mileage usually translates into a higher price tag.
But high mileage doesn’t always have to equate to a bad deal. Proper maintenance is the key to a vehicle’s condition, and even a high-mileage car can be a great deal if the previous owner took care of it.
2. Check Out the Interior and Exterior
An important part of purchasing a used car is to examine the exterior and interior of the vehicle.
Look for any signs of wear and tear. Small dents and scratches are nothing to get concerned about. But check to see if the car’s body panels are aligned—otherwise, it might indicate that the vehicle was in a crash.
Test the doors to ensure that they’re aligned and sturdy. And inspect the interior for signs of heavy wear.
3. Thorough Inspection
Next on your used car checklist is to make sure the car has been professionally inspected.
If you’re buying a vehicle at a reputable car dealership (see here), then a used car inspection should already have been performed. Otherwise, have a mechanic make an inspection of the car for your own peace of mind.
4. Take It for a Test Drive
Of course, the test drive is a major part of buying a used car.
And don’t just take it for a spin. Keep alert and listen for any unusual noises coming from the engine, and get a feel for the vehicle’s handling. And while you’re at it, make sure the electronic features are all working properly.
5. Do Your Homework
Finally, don’t be afraid to do a little extra research on your vehicle.
There are plenty of ways to do this. CARFAX is a great site for getting vehicle history reports for used cars. And another way to be certain of a car’s quality is to look for one that is Certified Pre-Owned (CPO), which means the car has been inspected and certified by the manufacturer.
Follow This Used Car Checklist
These are five important things you should do when buying a used car. Once you cross these items off your used car checklist, you should be well on your way to owning a fine used car.
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