The COVID-19 pandemic caused a dramatic upswing in the number of used cars bought by Americans. There’s no wonder why; buying second-hand means spending less money and expediting the shopping process.
However, buying a second-hand car comes with a certain amount of risk. This article will walk you through a couple of tips on used car buying.
1. Know the Market
Before you head over to a dealership to buy a second-hand vehicle, it’s wise to do a little research. Learning what the standard going rate is for common makes of common models will make it easier to prevent paying too much for a car. It also might open up some negotiating options for you.
Knowing what’s going on in the market is also important in developing a budget for yourself. One of the key advantages of buying a used car is getting it for cheap, so you’re going to want to stretch your dollar as far as possible.
2. Check the Paperwork
When the time comes to actually put the money down for a car, make sure to check all of the paperwork you’re asked to sign. If the seller can’t show you the VC5 registration document, you won’t be able to tax the car.
Then, check to see any discrepancies in the car’s service record and any sales receipts that prove ownership. Run an HPI check to secure any outstanding history.
3. Test Drive the Car
Experience is the best teacher, and nothing is going to say whether or not the car is worth buying like a test drive. Check to see if the lights come on properly and if any noises start when you break. If there’s a steering vibration or pull to either side, this car might not be for you.
Be very wary of any dealership that doesn’t let you test drive their cars. There are many second-hand car dealers who run scam operations.
4. Check Fluid Levels
Before buying a new car, check oil, break, and power steering fluid levels. If the levels are low, this is a good sign that the car has not been well maintained. Whatever tricks are being used to make the care look great will soon fall apart.
5. Pick a Reliable Dealer
The best way to make sure you don’t wind up with a lemon in your driveway is to pick a well-respected dealer you can count on. Do a little research, and check out one of the few great bad credit car dealerships.
Buy a Second-Hand Car
At the end of the day, buying a second-hand car largely comes down to making sure that the care is properly maintained. All of this is handled for you if you pick a respected, trustworthy dealer who can help you through all of the steps of examination you need to take.
For more articles like this, check out our “automobile” section.
