Tips on Buying a Used Car from Auto Repair Experts
Let’s all say it together: adulting is hard. Taxes, bills, and finances–oh my! Whether you’re years into your adult life or now dipping a toe into the adult pool, it is not easy.
So, we’re here to make one aspect of adulting a little bit easier: buying a used car.
For first time car buyers, purchasing any car–whether new or used–is a daunting task. For non-first time buyers who weren’t anticipating the need to buy a car, it can still be as daunting.
Because of that, we want to give you a few tips we have up our sleeves to make this process a little less stressful.
Here are four tips to help the process of buying a used car run a bit smoother!
Tip 1 : Always check the vehicles reliability
Let’s say that you have your ideal budget ready. You also have the ideal car in mind. From that point, make sure that the car is as perfect on the inside as it is on the outside.
You should always ask the seller questions you have about the car, but it is also important to do your own research. Carfax is a great tool to use in this kind of situation. All you have to do is visit the site, input the VIN, and you will have the history report of the car at your fingertips. The report will detail major accidents, open recalls, service history, and much more!
Tip 2: Inspect the vehicle
A personal inspection is easy to do right before the test drive. First, start the car and take a look at any warning lights popping up on the dashboard. Keep in mind, when you first start the engine, warning lights will flash on before going off again. Don’t panic if you see a bunch of warnings the second you turn on the car!
Now, we know not everyone knows what to look for outside of indicator lights and wear and tear on the vehicle. That’s fine! Here are some things that are easy for everyone to look out:
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Notice the tread wear on tires.
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Check for rust or scratches (Most used cars will have some wear and tear. Be sure you’re comfortable with the amount in conjunction to the price of the car).
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Turn on the car and let it sit idle for a few moments–listen for any concerning sounds coming from the engine.
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Make sure there aren’t any cracks in the windshield or windows.
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Check functionality of headlights, turn signals, and check for any fogginess or moisture.
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Take note of any off-putting smells from the interior.
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Check the sound system–AM, FM, or Bluetooth
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Check the trunk to ensure there’s no water entry–use your nose as well as your eyes!
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Check for a spare tire–some vehicles do not come equipped with a spare, and a seller may not tell you that unless you ask! Generally speaking, spares are usually located in the trunk. This could change depending on the car. Ask the seller for the location of the spare.
Tip 3: Test Drive
After you inspect the vehicle, it’s important to also test drive it. The best way to use a test drive is somewhere with stop-and-go traffic, so you can take note of the brakes. Do they seem jumpy or loose when you come to a complete stop? Do you hear grinding or squealing?
This is also an opportunity for you to take note in the vehicle’s power steering and suspension. If there is resistance or pulling as you turn, that could be a problem with either of these.
We also recommend you drive on the highway so you can reach a higher speed. This will help you take notice of the acceleration. If there’s any engine hesitation, that’s not good. You can also look for vehicle’s blind spots and how the car switches lanes. If there’s any pulling to one side, that could be an alignment problem.
If you want, you can also check to see how you feel parking the car in a standard parking spot. Sedans will not pose any trouble, regardless if you have owned one in the past or not. If you’re test driving an SUV, and you’ve only owned sedans before, be sure to test how comfortable you are with parking!
Tip 4: Professional Inspection
A professional inspection is important before buying. Even the biggest car enthusiast is likely to miss something a professional will pick up on.
If you’d like a professional and trustworthy inspection , take the car to Team Ryan. We will be happy to ensure the safety and function of the car and answer any questions you may have. If you have questions about the inspection process, give us a call at 678.765.7926.
If the vehicle comes back with a clean bill of health, your next step is to get the paperwork together.
If you’re looking for an auto shop you can trust, feel free to give us a call or visit us at teamryanautomotive.com today!
