Looking for some quick tips to help you buy a used car? You have come to the right place! Below we have compiled for you some of the most important things to keep in mind when buying a used car:
- Look into Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles. Dealerships sometimes engage in selling “Certified” used cars. Basically it is a used vehicle that has fairly low milage on it, and has been given a multipoint inspection backed by the original manufacturer. Sometimes these are reffered to as CPO vehicles. This class of used vehicle is generally well maintained.
- Look at newer used cars, still honoring the original manufacturers warranty. The majority of new cars have at least a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty that transfers to new owners, and covers the entire powertrain. If you can find one at a decent price, consider it.
- Do a background check on the vehicle. There are many cheap services to take advantage of that allow consumers to background check the vehicle you are interested in. These services are VIN specific, and will tell you everything there is to know about the car, including accidents, repairs, etc. Check with your dealer, as many of them offer it for free.
- Research your particular make and model. This simple action will save you a lot of trouble in the future. Check car magazines, search the internet, ask friends and colleagues you trust. Just because the car is expensive, does not mean it is of quality. Look for known manufacturer defects, check for recalls, and read reviews.
- Ask for service records. If available, look at the service records on your car. Was the oil changed frequently? Tires rotated, spark plugs changed? Take note. A big pile of papers is a good sign.
