We've all heard stories of people getting involved in used car disasters; buying vehicles without clear titles or purchasing someone else's problems. No one wants to end up with a "lemon." No matter if you are buying a used car from a private seller, a car dealer, or from an online source such as Driveway, it is best to know all you can about the car, truck, or SUV that you'll be investing in. With that in mind, Lithia Motors brings you seven used car buying secrets to know before you buy a used car.
Avoid Used Car Disasters
What you must know before Buying a Used Car
Buying a used car can be expensive and you want to make sure you avoid any number of potential problems before shelling out the moolah to buy a used car. It is much easier to be well armed with knowledge about a used car today than in years past. For a private sale, you would often have to grill the previous owner about the vehicle's details and hope you were getting some semblance of the truth. Knowing what you are buying is important, especially since many used cars are sold "as is" with no warranty. But these days, the Internet has leveled the playing field, providing more accurate information on used car buying than ever before.
Before you Buy a Used Car:
Assuming you have narrowed your focus down to the year, make, and model of car that interests you, check out Kelley Blue Book to find out how much the used car is worth right now. The used car market is an ever-changing landscape, and you need to know what you'll expect to pay for that used car based on the current marketplace. Once you know what the car is worth, you'll be in a better position to negotiate the price with the dealer or private seller. Find accurate car values here: KBB
Most new cars lose close to 60 percent of their value within the first five years of use, so the age of a used car is important when determining its value. A car that is three to five years old has been through the steepest decline in value. Its age and mileage help to determine how much it is worth. You can use the Lithia Motors website to search for examples of the year, make, model, and trim level of vehicles that are available for sale near you. By doing a bit of research on cars of similar age and mileage and comparing their prices, you'll get a good idea of what you'll likely pay.
Obtaining a Vehicle History Report will tell you a great deal about the car your considering. Most car dealers will provide a Vehicle History Report to you free of charge. Companies such as Carfax or AutoCheck offer history reports to help you avoid buying a car with problems. All you need is the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate number to find out all about its history including how many owners it has had, if it has been in an accident, if it has had any factory recalls, what has been repaired on the car, if it has a clear title, and how it has been serviced and maintained.
Car dealerships put used cars through multi-point safety checks to make sure there are no major mechanical issues with a vehicle. If you are buying from a private party, you'll want to have a trusted mechanic give the car you're considering the once over by providing a private inspection. A mechanic will check the suspension components, the engine, transmission, brakes, tires, and wheels. He or she will look for leaks, check the hoses, seals, and belts. This sort of inspection generally costs around $200 and is well worth the money to make sure you're getting a vehicle that is free of major problems.
There's an old saying that how you do one thing is how you do everything. That's true with car ownership. If the former owner treated the vehicle poorly, you notice it in a lack of service receipts, you'll see it in a lack of wax on the body and scratches or dents in the paint and body. Can you see any rust? Are there cracks in the windshield, or scratched up wheels and worn-out tires. Inside, you might see cigarette burns or coffee stains in the upholstery or cracks in the leather seats. A general lack of care for the car is a sign that it has been poorly treated and that's never a good sign.
If your mechanic tells you that the vehicle you're looking at is good to go and you like the way it looks and how it has been cared for, it's time to take it for a test drive. You can tell a lot about a vehicle by how it feels to drive. Don't play the radio while you are test driving; you want to concentrate on hearing all the sounds the car makes.Â
Are there any rattles, pinging or ticking sounds coming from under the hood?Â
Do the brakes squeal or vibrate when applied? Does the steering wheel shake or pull to one side?Â
How do the brakes feel? Do they grab or are they spongy? How does it feel when you accelerate?Â
Does the car pause or cough when you hit the gas?Â
Drive the car on backroads as well as highways to see how it handles. Try it on a rough road to check the suspension and shocks. You'll be spending a lot of time behind the wheel, so make sure the car fits you and your needs.
Are there any rattles, pinging or ticking sounds coming from under the hood?Â
Do the brakes squeal or vibrate when applied? Does the steering wheel shake or pull to one side?Â
How do the brakes feel? Do they grab or are they spongy? How does it feel when you accelerate?Â
Does the car pause or cough when you hit the gas?Â
Drive the car on backroads as well as highways to see how it handles. Try it on a rough road to check the suspension and shocks. You'll be spending a lot of time behind the wheel, so make sure the car fits you and your needs.
Has the factory warranty expired on the car you are buying? Does it come with an extended warranty that is transferable? If the car is sold "as is" and has no warranty, you'll have to pay for any future repairs out of pocket. Before you buy the car it is also a good idea to check with your car insurance agent to find out what it will cost to insure the vehicle. You don't want any surprises. Speaking of, you can check the EPA rated fuel economy of your "new to you" car to get an idea of how much you'll pay for fuel each month by entering the vehicle's year, make, and model here.
Let Lithia Help
With over 75 years of experience in providing personal transportation solutions for our customers, Lithia Motors can help you get into the used car of your dreams. We have over 40,000 pre-owned vehicles for you to choose from. We'll arrange for financing, take your used car in trade, and get you back on the road quick and easy. Because at Lithia Motors, we want to keep you as a customer for life.
