It is amazing and astonishingly interesting how many people prefer buying used cars from across the world. There are many who actually opt for purchasing a used vehicle even though they may have the option to buy a brand new one!
Some purchase it because they firmly believe that these cars when intelligently picked have a lot of use in them, are lesser than a first hand in terms of price but still have the status associated with it! For some, it is even easier, more pocket-friendly and much less hassle that purchasing, registering and handling a new car.
From families to young couples to students, we see a huge range of people from all walks of life opt for purchasing a used car. Here are five practical ways to check a used car in case you are planning to jump onto this bandwagon.
- Head out to get a Carfax report. Basically, this gives you a solid idea of whether the car is in reality in the condition you perceive it to be in. The knowledge you gain about your prospective car through Carfax is downright phenomenal. It gives you the leeway to take decisions which are end to end – from insurance to more work to be done to history and every little thing that you’d want to know. It even helps you calculate how much the car will cost you in the long run. So this is a must do.
- Go for a test drive. No way should you sign anything before you do that. While you are at it, remember to check the brakes, the transmission, all the lights, heating/air conditioning, vents and more. In case something doesn’t work well, mention it to the dealership or the owner and they’d ideally fix it for you or reduce the asking price allowing you the window to fix it yourself.
- Please always check for damages all over. Rust can be a pain and can do more damage that we credit it to being able. Holes in the seats, state of the interior, the spare tire, the toolkit- check it all. Basically, you are looking for rust, damages, scratches, and cracks.
- Get another opinion. This should be your trusted mechanic. Do it in the presence of the owner if that makes you comfortable. It is an extra cost you put down in this that helps you save the huge potential cost in case it is a vehicle you’d rather never own.
- A key deciding factor should be the mileage check. Mileage should be average. Buy vehicles which have less than 1,20,000 miles on them. This is being on the safe side. However, most vehicles would be driven 13,000 miles in a year so you may need to do a bit of math to see what you are most comfortable with.
The blanket rule is of course to do your homework! Follow the above to boot and you should be just fine with your second-hand car purchase.
If you are looking for a new or used vehicle, then head on over and check out Brennan Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM! They have a car that will suit anyone’s needs.