Tips for Buying a Used Car

 Each year, Americans spend more and more on used cars.  While there may be added risks as opposed to purchasing a new vehicle, the value and benefits far outweigh these. Furthermore, there are many steps you can take that will reduce used car risks to a minimal. Most consumers want to know how to buy the car of their choice at the best possible price. However, purchasing a used car that is in good condition is far more important than finding one for the cheapest price possible. Shopping for a used car can be overwhelming, with so many options and variables, no one wants to regret their purchase. We have provided some key information about how to shop for a used car, including where to shop, pricing and financing of a car, and how to inspect it. Follow this advice and you used car shopping experience will likely be a good one

Where to Shop

A used vehicle is a major purchase and requires comparison shopping for price and value to find the best deal. There are many sources available to today's purchaser: new car dealers, used car dealers, rental car companies, leasing companies, and private individuals. However, a franchised dealer, one who sells both new and used cars, is a promising source for customers willing to pay top dollar. The dealer saves the late-model trade-ins for resale, while the less desirable vehicles are auctioned or sent to wholesalers. Franchised dealers have repair facilities, and they often provide a warranty with the vehicle. New car dealers generally keep only the best cars and usually give them a thorough inspection. In addition, consider buying from a dealer who handles the particular brand of vehicle that you are interested in. Look for a full service department and a well stocked supply of parts. They may offer a parts and labor warranty. Be wary of transient used-car sales operations; unscrupulous operators tend to move frequently. A private owner is another source for your used car, however, when buying from a private owner, insist on obtaining the vehicle's service records, references and records of original purchase. Regardless of who you purchase the car from, be sure you have thoroughly inspected the vehicle and its records prior to purchase. Have it checked by your own mechanic, if possible.

Used Car Reliability

  With improvements in the quality of automobiles over the years, a well-maintained car should remain reliable for at least 10 years and 100,000miles. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports the average life span of a vehicle is 12 years or 128,500 miles. That leaves a lot of good cars out there with plenty of life left in them. If you are looking for a new model, buying a used car of the same style, only a couple of years old, can really be a good deal.

Pricing a Used Car

The economy is down and new cars are getting more expensive, so it is not surprising that the fastest growing segment of the auto industry is the used car market. In the past decade, used cars have become increasingly better values. Buying a car that is just a year or two old can save thousands of dollars over the price of a new model, especially as the price of new cars keeps increasing. A variety of price guides are used by lenders, dealers and individuals to determine the value of used cars. Researching online will give you a good idea of how much you should be paying for a particular car. Make sure you take into account what condition the car is in, as this is a big factor. There are many sites that are dedicated to used cars and vehicle reviews. You will also find consumer reviews, which are a great first-hand opinion of a car. Online you can also order a car history check. All you need is the VIN, the history check will inform you if the vehicle has ever been in a crash, has been recalled, or has had flood damage among other things.

Financing a Used Car

If you purchase from a dealer, you may be able to get used car financing. The other option is to get pre approved from a bank or credit unions. Look into both options and decide which is better for you.  It is also important to check with your insurance company. Because you should stick to a specific budget, insurance cost should be taken into account. As long as you know the year, make, and model of the car you are interested in your insurance company can give you a quote.

Inspecting the Car

Look at the vehicle during the daytime as darkness may hide problems. Do not look at vehicles in the rain, which hides nicks and scratches, as well as making thin, worn paint look slick. Be sure to concentrate on big defects and not minor repairs that can be made easily and inexpensively. Prepare a checklist for both the interior and exterior of the vehicle, as well as those items to test while driving.  Examine both sides of the car from a distance. Look for ripples, waves, poorly fitted panels and mismatched colors, all of which may indicate that body work may have been done. Bubbles along molding or chrome indicate rust underneath. Also look under the vehicle for rust as well. If the rust has gone through the metal, you could be looking at major repairs. Check the tires. Uneven tire wear may indicate improper wheel alignment, tired shocks or worn front end components.  Look under the car for oil spots, or leaks from the transmission, power steering or shock absorbers. Pull out the oil dipstick. If the oil is gummy or grayish, the engine might have serious problems.

The interior can give you a good idea of the overall condition and how well the entire car has been maintained. Check the mileage to be sure the car has not been used too much for the price being asked. Today's cars average approximately 12,000miles per year. In addition, compare the service stickers on the door jamb or under the hood to see if the recorded mileage is consistent with the odometer reading. It is possible to obtain a history of service as well, depending on where the vehicle was serviced. Check the condition of the seats, belts and carpeting. Lap belts and shoulder harnesses should be in good shape with no rips, tears or    frayed webbing. The upholstery should be clean with no large rips or cracks. Look at the brake, accelerator and clutch. These pedals should work smoothly without strange noises or binding. Check all exterior lights and flashers on the car to ensure they are operating properly. Start the engine and check the warning lights and gauges as well as all the accessories to make sure they work.