By
Ace Abbey
Submitted On September 24, 2014
Benjamin Franklin once said, "By failing to prepare, you are
preparing to fail." These words ring true, even when it comes to buying
used cars. By following these five easy tips, you can save a lot of
money and heartache on your next purchase.
Check The Title History
Jot down the vehicle's VIN (vehicle identification number) and run a check on it. The report will show the vehicle's previous owners, where it was sold, and how it was registered, I.e. for personal use, as a rental vehicle, or as part of a fleet. It will also indicate if the car was ever salvaged. VIN reports are available for a small fee through private agencies, such as Car Fax or Auto Check.
Get An Inspection
Always have inspections conducted in daylight. This is especially true when it comes to buying used cars. If you personally know a mechanic, have he or she go with you to the dealership and perform a preemptive inspection. Though some dealers may object to this for a number of reasons, such as insurance liability and trust, others may grant your personal mechanic a supervised look under the hood.
A good inspection will reveal how well the car has been maintained and whether you can expect additional expenses in the near future, such as brake work, exhaust repair, etc. Additionally, check for "overspray" in the paint job. A mist of paint on the wheel wells or poorly masked trim can indicate bodywork was recently conducted, perhaps to cover up damage or rust. These findings will bode well for you during final negotiations.
Check Out Service Records
Ask to see service receipts, especially if the work was performed at the dealership. Check for regular oil maintenance, and if major work, such as a timing-belt installation, has taken place. Additionally, if applicable, make sure to find out when the brakes were bled last (referred to as "bleeding the brakes").
Check The Vehicle's Reputation
Some cars are duds (lemons) the moment they come off the production line. But that is typically okay because these records are very easy to find. You can check the reputation of specific models through a number of reputable agencies. JD Power & Associates maintain a library of ratings, and Consumer Reports offers an array of more specific reporting, including repair frequency and quality. For recalls and major safety issues, turn to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for information on the vehicle's overall capability.
Emissions Compliance
Make sure the car's emission certification is up to date, if you live in a state that requires such checkups. If the vehicle cannot pass an inspection, you may not be able to register the title without paying for costly repairs first. Get this done regardless, because a cleaner running automobile will last you much longer than one that has been neglected.
Moreover, make sure to test drive the used cars that interest you prior to signing anything. Who knows, after a few turns around the block, you might just fall in love with something you never would have considered driving before. In the end, always remember to follow the aforementioned tips, and good luck shopping!
Check The Title History
Jot down the vehicle's VIN (vehicle identification number) and run a check on it. The report will show the vehicle's previous owners, where it was sold, and how it was registered, I.e. for personal use, as a rental vehicle, or as part of a fleet. It will also indicate if the car was ever salvaged. VIN reports are available for a small fee through private agencies, such as Car Fax or Auto Check.
Get An Inspection
Always have inspections conducted in daylight. This is especially true when it comes to buying used cars. If you personally know a mechanic, have he or she go with you to the dealership and perform a preemptive inspection. Though some dealers may object to this for a number of reasons, such as insurance liability and trust, others may grant your personal mechanic a supervised look under the hood.
A good inspection will reveal how well the car has been maintained and whether you can expect additional expenses in the near future, such as brake work, exhaust repair, etc. Additionally, check for "overspray" in the paint job. A mist of paint on the wheel wells or poorly masked trim can indicate bodywork was recently conducted, perhaps to cover up damage or rust. These findings will bode well for you during final negotiations.
Check Out Service Records
Ask to see service receipts, especially if the work was performed at the dealership. Check for regular oil maintenance, and if major work, such as a timing-belt installation, has taken place. Additionally, if applicable, make sure to find out when the brakes were bled last (referred to as "bleeding the brakes").
Check The Vehicle's Reputation
Some cars are duds (lemons) the moment they come off the production line. But that is typically okay because these records are very easy to find. You can check the reputation of specific models through a number of reputable agencies. JD Power & Associates maintain a library of ratings, and Consumer Reports offers an array of more specific reporting, including repair frequency and quality. For recalls and major safety issues, turn to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for information on the vehicle's overall capability.
Emissions Compliance
Make sure the car's emission certification is up to date, if you live in a state that requires such checkups. If the vehicle cannot pass an inspection, you may not be able to register the title without paying for costly repairs first. Get this done regardless, because a cleaner running automobile will last you much longer than one that has been neglected.
Moreover, make sure to test drive the used cars that interest you prior to signing anything. Who knows, after a few turns around the block, you might just fall in love with something you never would have considered driving before. In the end, always remember to follow the aforementioned tips, and good luck shopping!
For residents of Exeter, NH, used cars can be found at http://www.hondabarn.com/used-vehicle.html.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ace_Abbey
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