When it comes to car shopping, many people will first check the used car market. After all, used cars, trucks, and other vehicles are much cheaper than newer models, and many drivers simply cannot afford them. However, many people fall into the trap of assuming that a car is good simply because it has low mileage or is in decent condition in the photographs. This guide will tell you what you need to look for when purchasing a used automobile.
Check the Miles
The number of miles driven on a vehicle can be a good indicator of the amount of wear and tear on that vehicle. However, you shouldn’t make a decision based solely on this number. Low-mileage vehicles may have other factors shortening their lifespan while a high-mileage vehicle that’s been well-maintained could have many years left, assuming that you, its new owner, continues to keep it in good repair.
However, checking the number of miles driven remains a great initial indicator of a car’s condition. The number of miles shows us what kinds of maintenance will need to be done soon, and the more miles driven, the more likely some of the more costly components will need to be repaired or replaced.
All parts in a vehicle can be replaced; it’s just a matter of whether or not it’s more cost-effective to start with something fresher or keep on repairing what you have.
Ask for More Pictures
Many hopeful sellers will include a few wide pictures of the vehicle with a couple of interior shots in their ads. While these pictures can be helpful, it shouldn’t bother the seller if you ask for more photos.
You want to be able to see all angles of the vehicle with a few close-up shots to look for dents and scratches. You also need to ensure that all aspects of the interior look good.
If you can make a trip out, schedule an appointment to go look at the car or truck in person.
Verify the Vehicle’s Condition in Person
Before you commit to buying, definitely check the vehicle out in person. Even if the pictures look fantastic, including the extra ones you asked the seller for, you’ll want to see the merchandise yourself. This will allow you to ask the seller questions in person and also check for any hidden damage, as it’s possible the seller isn’t aware of all the problems that could be going wrong in the vehicle.
Here’s what you want to inspect:
- The exterior and interior. Take your time doing this, circling the outside in search of damage such as rust, paint chipping, hail marks, or small dents. Sometimes, the presence of these things can indicate damage hidden below the surface.
- Beneath the car or truck. Look beneath the car, too. If you live in a colder climate with salty roads in wintertime, the underside of a vehicle can get badly rusted. You also need to ensure that no fluid has been leaking.
If you like what you see, ask if you can take it for a test drive. See how smooth the ride is and listen for any grinding, groaning, or whining sounds. Make sure it accelerates and brakes well, doesn’t pull to one side, and doesn’t emit any alarming smells. Any strange sounds show there’s a problem, and if any dash idiot lights come on, such as the check engine light, there’s likely a problem that needs to be addressed.
See if There Were Any Accidents or Repairs
Ask the seller for the vehicle’s VIN, which will allow you to pull up its Vehicle History Report. The history report will alert you to any major accidents reported to their insurance company as well as whether or not the associated repairs were made.
The point of this is to see how likely other hidden problems could be an issue after making a purchase. You can also use the information for haggling purposes, especially if the seller wasn’t upfront about this information.
Schedule a Pre-Purchase Inspection With Your Mechanic
Finally, asking your mechanic to make a pre-purchase inspection for you is probably the number one way to make sure the used vehicle you’re interested in is worth the money. They will tell you what’s really going on with the car or truck so you can make an informed decision of whether it’s a good buy.
Good Luck on Your Hunt
Buying a used vehicle is playing a game where you want something that’s in better shape than what you own while understanding that you may have to put a little more money into maintenance than you would a new automobile. You’ll have to weigh the pros and cons, performing a mental balancing act as you make your decision.
However, this guide has hopefully helped you to make a more informed decision as you hunt for your next vehicle.