If there was ever a time when being an impulsive shopper can really backfire, it’s buying used cars. Buying pre owned vehicles is an excellent way to find a quality vehicle for less, however, it’s important to know what to look for when purchasing a used car, which is exactly where the value in auto service really comes into play.
Today’s vehicles are much safer and more reliable compared to vehicles from past generations. In fact, an analysis of Consumer Reports’ annual subscriber surveys found that over the past few years, today’s five-year-old vehicles had far fewer problems than five-year-vehicles from 2007.
When properly and regularly maintained, today’s vehicles can easily surpass 100,000 miles without any major repairs such as engine or transmission repairs. Some can even reach as much as 200,000 miles before they require major service. n addition, important safety features such as anti-lock brakes, traction control, and side air bags now come standard in many of the safest used cars.
If you’re considering buying a used car, especially directly from the owner via a private sale, it’s important to ask auto service questions about how the owner maintained the vehicle. Ask how often the oil was changed, if any major repairs have been done, when were the brake pads last changed, among other questions. The value in auto service in terms of purchasing a used car lies in how often it was maintained and how often it was serviced.
It’s especially important to have mechanic look over any vehicle you intend on purchasing through a private sale. Unlike factor or manufacturer certified vehicles, vehicles purchased directly from the owner do not come with any kind of guarantee or record of service. This can making avoiding a “lemon” difficult. However, having a mechanic thoroughly check the vehicle over will save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
