Are you in the market for affordable used cars? Buying previously used cars is a great idea because they give just as many benefits as new vehicles, but are great for your wallet. But, it is important to be aware of some things before you dabble into the world of used cars. Here are some things you should know before heading to a used car dealership.
Know what you want
It is important to do your research when it comes to previously used cars. You should never walk into a pre-owned car dealership just to look around, as you may end up with a car that does not suit your needs. There are many websites online that can help you whittle down what exactly you need in a vehicle including size, gas mileage, life span, and whether it drives automatic or with a gear shift.
Give a thorough check of the car
It is incredibly important that you give your car a thorough check before you even talk about financing with the dealership. This means being meticulous within the car’s interior checking for stains, ripped upholstery, and making sure every button on the dash works. Then go around the outside and look for any dents, scratches, missing headlights, or loose bumpers. If you don’t find anything that concerns you, then you are good to go!
Look under the hood
Before anything else, you will want to ensure that your car works properly. So open the hood and check your car’s fluids. The coolant should be clear, the transmission fluid should be red or purple — not black– and the belts should not have any visible cracks.
Take it for a test drive
Go on the highway and side roads. Rev the engine, see how fast it can accelerate, if the turn signal and windshield wipers work, and check the air conditioning and heat. Practice breaking suddenly, passing cars, and see if you have enough visibility when you are doing a K turn or parallel parking. Make sure the car does not shake when it gets to top speed, or that it drifts to one side while driving as that can mean its alignment is off.
Just follow these tips to finding reliable used cars, and you will soon find a used car that fits your needs and your budget!
