5 Key Things You Should Know Before Buying a Used Car

I bet, there is that car you have always dreamed of owning. But, financial constraints put it out of your reach. The cost of a new car is not something you can easily afford. But don’t worry. There is still a way to turn that dream into reality. And it is all thanks to the used car industry.  

Industry projections for the used car industry show an upward trajectory. By 2030, industry experts say it could be worth a whopping US$2,120.5 billion. 

The optimistic figures are due to the fact that automotive dealers are going into the used-car sector. They are now expanding their product lines outside new vehicles and sales businesses. Used cars are now a critical byproduct that will significantly impact their business growth.  

Buying a used car can be pretty tricky. You rely on the previous owner’s information to base your decision. The purchase can go well in some instances, and you drive off with a pretty good car. 

Sometimes, you can stumble upon an unscrupulous character who will sell you a vehicle that is not roadworthy. But how can you prevent such things from happening?

Take time to read this article for insights on what you need to know before buying a used car to find out.

1. Opt to Transact With Reputable Dealers 

It is so easy to find people selling used cars with a simple online search. An article on Yahoo Finance even highlights buying scams to avoid being cheated when purchasing. But even with such information, it is not impossible to lose money to illegitimate sellers. But even with such information, it is not impossible to lose money to illegitimate sellers. So, when you’re purchasing a used car it’s vital to deal with a trusted used cars Birmingham (or one in your location) garage, to ensure the vehicle has had thorough checks.

But do not worry! You can avoid all this by only transacting with reputable dealers. For sure, there are a lot of legitimate dealers in your area. Most of which offer a lot of benefits and even a warranty. For example, at the honda dealership, brandon fl, you get benefits such as:

• Ability to get great discounts and negotiate great deals for your dream car. Some dealers will offer rewards or incentives to customers.
• A wide range of vehicles to choose from. Indeed, your dream car could be right in the dealership.
• Financing options through their partnership with lending institutions
• Assurance that the vehicle you are buying is in good condition. Established dealerships will not stake their reputation on shady deals to make money. They will even go as far as to offer a lifetime warranty. Remember, such traders have to comply with the Consumer Rights Act. That means customers can get replacements, repairs, or refunds if the vehicle does not meet quality standards.
•  After-sales services to keep your vehicle in good running order always.  

Unless you are buying from someone you trust completely, go the dealership way. 

1. Research the Market 

Let’s say you have your heart set on a Honda model. And, you have decided to buy from the Honda dealership in Brandon FL, don’t go in blind. Take time to research used cars and how much they cost. It helps to have some knowledge when trying to negotiate the deals. 

An online search for ‘Honda dealers near me’ will let you know where to begin your search. Call them up, visit the actual dealerships and ask as many questions as possible. Online resources that show the market value of used cars are also available. This will give you an insight into the actual prices. Knowledge is indeed power when haggling the price of a used car.  

1. Check the Vehicle Details and History 

You cannot fully rely on the information from the previous car owner when making a decision. U.S. and Canadian buyers can use CARFAX to get the vehicle history. 

 It is also important that you look at the logbook or registration documents. You could be buying a car whose details do not match what is in the official documents. Check the vehicle identification number (VIN), for example. You will find it on the car chassis and other places like on the windscreen. 

If the VIN in the documents is different from what is on the vehicle, that is a big problem. The VIN is not something that anyone should alter. It is the identifier car manufacturers give the vehicles. 

A different VIN could mean you are about to buy a stolen car. Unscrupulous Individuals could even forge documents or clone the VIN.  

1. Know What to Look For 

 Ask to see the vehicle before exchanging any money. Unless you’re pretty good with cars, it doesn’t hurt to go with someone who understands them. Bring your mechanic along if you can. Check places like:-

• Under the hood for any corrosion, leaking fluids, or cracked pipes. Low fluid levels show poor maintenance or leaks.
• The body of the car, taking note of any paint damage or rust. Check the panel gaps to see what condition they are in. large gaps may indicate poor repair work after an accident.
• Any issues with the frame, including loose parts
• The condition of the tires. Buying a car with worn tires means you have to replace them pretty soon. That will essentially bump up the price of the vehicle.
• Any chips on glass surfaces or lights
• Interior electronics like air conditioning, heat, windows, etc. 

If you notice that there seem to be so many new components, it could be indicative of issues. Some people will do cosmetic repairs so that the car looks newer than it is. 

1. Don’t Depend on Mileage

Mileage is not always an indicator of a good used car. Odometer rollback happens quite a lot in the used car industry. A New York Times article highlights some grim statistics. As many as 450,000 out of 40M cars that go into the market have some odometer alteration. In dollar terms, the cost of such practices is over $1 billion every year. 

Another advantage of a physical inspection is that you can test drive the car. Check for factors like acceleration, maneuverability, suspension, and braking systems. Once again, someone with thorough knowledge would point out things that may not be obvious to you.   

Final Thoughts

Caution will be your best friend when buying a used car. And, it extends to being very deliberate about who you purchase the vehicle from. We strongly recommend opting for the dealership route early on. 

Some may argue that it is more expensive. But, think about the benefits, some of which we have highlighted above. Other critical steps include doing proper research on the used car market. 

Finally, do not buy a car without a physical inspection. Please go with someone who understands vehicles if you don’t.