Whether it’s for yourself or for your child, used cars that have been well maintained can be a good way to get around. Purchasing a used car can also be a good way to save money. Because Pennsylvania does not offer lemon law protection for used cars, it’s important to do some research before making such a big purchase. In this article, we’ll discuss some important things to check before buying a used car.
Make a Checklist
Before you begin shopping around online or looking at used car dealerships, take some time to make a checklist of needs and wants. Consider what size vehicle you’ll need and how long you’ll be using it. Think through the features that are necessary (like certain safety features) and features that would be nice to have (extra accessories, a sunroof, AWD, etc.). Keep your budget in mind—don’t just consider the sticker price but remember operation and maintenance costs as well. How much gas can you afford? What regular maintenance would be required? After you’ve created this checklist, you can start looking for a used car.
Research Your Options
There are a lot of places you can buy used cars. Dealerships, online services, car rental agencies, and even private sellers can all be good places to find one. When you’re looking up your options, take some time to look through consumer reviews and see what other people are saying about the make and model you’re considering. Check for certified pre-owned vehicles—these come with an extra layer of quality assurance and even warranties. Compare prices from a few different sources to get a better idea of the fair market value of your vehicle. You can even run the VIN with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to check for any safety recalls.
Take it for a Test Drive
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s time to take the car for a test drive. A test drive can help you feel how the vehicle handles. You should keep an ear out for strange noises coming from the engine or brakes. Make sure the transmission shifts smoothly between different speeds. Test the heater and the air conditioning. Check that the windows work. Test the windshield wipers. Look at the dashboard instruments to make sure they light up properly. You should also check the headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. If you’re looking at a used car and you are not allowed to test drive it, you probably shouldn’t buy it.
Perform a Visual Inspection
Along with test driving the vehicle, you should also give it a thorough visual inspection. Look at the paint—are there cracks? Scratches? Rust? Check the interior of the car for major wear and tear and musty smells. Musty smells can be an indicator of water damage. Test the seats and seatbelts. Look for leaks under the car after you complete your test drive. Check under the hood—look at the battery and fluids. Look under the body of the vehicle for signs of rust or other damage. Check the tailpipe. Consider the mileage—Is it too high for the price? You should also check and see if there’s a second key. Most newer vehicles use fobs and getting an additional one can be pretty pricey.
Have a Mechanic Inspect the Used Car
Before you purchase the used car, have a mechanic that you trust perform an inspection. Visual inspections like what’s described above can help you to find the more obvious problems, but a mechanic can help you find the less obvious (and possibly more dangerous) ones. While used cars are rarely perfect, they should at least be safe. A mechanic, like the ones at Restored Auto, LLC, can help you to ensure that the used vehicle you’re looking to purchase is safe and ready to drive.
In Conclusion
Buying any car is a big decision, and used cars are certainly no exception. It’s important to take your time and make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck while also purchasing something that will keep you safe on the road. If you’re looking to buy a used car and you need a mechanic to inspect it for you, call Restored Auto, LLC. We can help you consider your options and pick the best used car for your situation. Call us today to schedule your used car inspection.