5 Tips for Buying a Used Car

When you contemplate buying a used car images of a sleazy salesman in an unkempt lot may come to mind. Today’s more sophisticated consumer has weeded out many of these unsavory characters. Most used car dealers are helpful people who are concerned with maintaining their stellar reputation. Kick the old image out of your mind and follow these tips for buying a used car.

Read the Vehicle History Report

Use CarFax or AutoCheck to find the used car’s vehicle history report. Never buy a used automobile until you have thoroughly reviewed this report as some dishonest dealers will gloss over pressing problems or past issues with the car. The car may have been salvaged, or totaled, or it may have been in an accident. Find the 17 digit VIN – Vehicle Identification Number – on the dashboard to find the vehicle history report for the used car.

Check the Car Out

Take a used car to the mechanics to run a series of tests on the automobile. Check for rust on the muffler, radiators and exhaust. Look over the engine and transmission. Look for worn out brake pads and also check the brake cylinder. When taking the car for a test drive apply the brakes at 40 MPH. If you feel vibrations without down shifting the steering pinions or brake pads might need some repairing. Press down on the accelerator to see if the car has some pick up. Also look for oil spots below where the car has been parked to spot oil leaks.

Consider Mileage

Seek out low mileage used cars. Any car with more than 100,000 miles is due to breakdown soon. Wear and tear might reduce a used car’s price but the cheap auto you purchase might be heading to the junkyard in a few weeks. Research cars with 50,000 miles or less to find better deals.  Note that the average used car registers 12,000 miles per year. Cars which have been driven on highways are generally in better condition than cars which have been driven primarily through cities.

Gauge Fairness of Price

Use Kelley’s Blue Book to find the true market value of a used car. Walking in to a dealer and eye-balling a used car is the worst way to find it value. Many factors come into place when gauging a fair and honest price of any used car. Some unscrupulous dealers might hide dings, bang ups or other internal problems which would drive down the price of the ride. Working off of Kelley’s Blue Book gives you a benchmark price to bring to the dealer.

Shop Online and Offline

Combine online due diligence with in dealership leg work to find your ideal used car. Mixing the 2 approaches helps you to zero in on cars  and dealerships which are worth your time. Do not show up to a dealer in person before doing online research. Prepare yourself for your shopping experience. Have an ideal car, make or model in mind. If you are not set on a particular make of car narrow down your search to a few different types of car.

About the Author: Ryan Biddulph can help you find a used car at a reasonable price. If you need a used car in the Midwest consider St Cloud car dealerships.

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