What to Look for When You Are Buying a Used Car?

Well, are you looking to buy a used car, but you are not sure what to look for in the vehicle that you are about to buy? Do all the used vehicles seem tempting to you at the price the dealer is offering you the cars?  Do not worry, have some fresh air, grab a nice cup of coffee and give this article a thorough read.

Of course, you want to purchase a used vehicle for the most obvious reason: since it is cheaper than a showroom one.  If you have a tight family budget and you appreciate the need to save every penny but you also need a standard car for your family, do not over stress yourself. Many of the used cars have durable engines which provide great service many years after purchase.  However, there are few things you might keep in mind before buying a used vehicle so that you can make the best possible choice.

Research the vehicle carefully

The kind of world you are living in is replete with various utilities and services which can help you immensely in several spheres of your daily life.  The internet offers you a wonderful opportunity to look for the right model which fits in your budget and is perfect for you. Several sites are dedicated to providing you information about a particular car model, which might help you in estimating the price of your dream vehicle that has been used. 

You could also if you have a little money to spare, hit up the local car rental company to see if they have a similar model and take it out for a test drive for a day or two. This may seem frivolous but there is no better way to see if a car is right for you than to drive it for a day or two.

Determine the right budget

Even before you get started, you must decide how much money you are willing to spend on your vehicle.  You must also have an idea about how the monetary transaction of the purchase is going to be financed (whether through bank loans, car dealership or credit union). Be sure that your cost range is planned in a manner which include several incidentals like buying extra parts or repairing any particular gear.

Request the dealer for an inspection before you buy the vehicle

This is very important because no prior inspection before buying a used car, may lead you to a huge loss which of course you do not want to undergo.  If possible, pay an experienced car mechanic to go with you for inspection of the car you are likely to buy.  This helps you to know every minute problem or complexity that is associated with the car which even the car dealer might not have known.

Feel free to negotiate

The cost of the car which the car dealer has prescribed in the price tag of the car is anything but the final price. Car dealers are mostly sly customers who might rob you of your money if you are not well equipped and if they are not professionals.  The dealer should definitely be willing to negotiate a bit but you must understand how much are they really willing to go down and don’t hesitate to make the best use of your bargaining skills.

Consider only the cars that solve your purpose

You must be sure about what kind of vehicle is pragmatic and sensible for you.  The inner teenager in you might want a saucy sports car but forget not the needs that your car must meet.  The car that you are going to buy must be appropriate for your family’s lifestyle and your daily needs.

Always ask for a test drive

Spending at least some time with the vehicle you are going to buy is mandatory.  It allows you to know not only the interior of the car better but also lets you know how the car is behaving with you at different speeds.  As a driver you get to know little intricacies about the vehicle.  Also make sure that your test drive includes a ride in the local markets or side streets as well as a highway where you might assess the pickup ability of your vehicle.

Review the history of the car

Do remember that like your love life every used car has a past.  The condition of the car in the shop might not tell you everything about the vehicle’s past.  The car might have a visible or invisible internal damage that might be serious which might have been reported in the review.

Validate the VIN and the ownership of the vehicle

This is one of the most important things to look for when you are buying a used car.  This becomes all the more significant if you are buying the car from an individual and not a reputed dealer.  Always validate the VIN code of the car and investigate thoroughly about it.  Be sure of the fact that the person who is selling you the car is the actual owner of the car and have provisions to do authentic paperwork with him or you might repent later. The safer you remain in your dealings, the better it is for you in the long run.

A used car might be a really affordable commodity which might help you in your daily transportation to your work or during an outing. The better it fits your daily needs, the more you are likely to get the best out of it.  However, you must always keep in mind that finding the appropriate automobile for you is not the easiest job.  Shopping for used cars can cost you similar amount of caution and patience which you exercise while buying a new one or even leasing a car. Leasing a car is often not the first thing you would consider, however there are some fantastic guides out there for anyone looking to lease there next car:

Why Should I Lease My Next Car? - Lease Car UK
Is it cheaper to lease a car or buy a car? - GoCompare
Pros & Cons of Leasing a Car vs. Buying a Car! - Money Crashers 

The intelligence that you exhibit while buying a car will surely help you later.  If you keep the above points in mind while buying a car you will surely be benefitted. 

Karl Young

Part-time daddy and lifestyle blogger. Father of 2 boys under 2. Golfer, scare-fan, tea-lover, traveller, squash and poker player. I write on the @HuffPostUK http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/karl-young/

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