A car is one of the significant investments that you will make. Whether you want it for regular use or occasional use, you need to look for the right kind of vehicle that meets your requirements. If you are a new driver and have a limited budget for a car, then a brand new car may be out of bounds. There are many benefits to purchasing a used car, especially, if you are still in the learning phase of driving. A used car purchase can be tricky too, if you do not know what to look for. To make sure that you get your money’s worth, here are a few important things that you should consider when purchasing a used or pre-owned car.
Test Drive
A used car is one that has been owned by one or more individuals in the past. You may have no way to know if it is in a good condition unless you test drive it. The first thing to do when buying a used car – test drive it. Get a feel of the vehicle and see how it behaves on different roads. Only if you are comfortable with it, should you go ahead.
Leaks
Oil leakage in a vehicle is a serious issue. New cars will not have this problem, but old cars may. So, before you finalize on a used car, check for leaks. Go for a test drive and park the car with the engine running in a clean spot for at least 30 seconds. Move the car and check the space where you parked it for any visible leaks. If you see green fluid, there is a leak in the anti-freeze, black means leakage of oil and pink fluid means leakage in the transmission.
Get it inspected by a trusted mechanic
The dealer selling the car may not necessarily tell you about the issues with the car. That is why it is important that you have a trusted mechanic look at the vehicle for you. Get the car thoroughly inspected by a mechanic and check for any issues that the dealer may not reveal. A mechanic inspection will give you a clear idea about the vehicle’s condition.
Aesthetics
The aesthetics of the vehicle should also be checked thoroughly. You should check the overall appearance of the vehicle. Check the outer body for any scratches, dents or cracks and the interiors for any tear, cuts, scratches and stains on the seat and the mats. Even a tiny unnoticed defect can help in reducing the price of the car significantly.
Certified vehicles
Used vehicles are of two kinds – certified and non-certified. Certified cars are those that have already been inspected and thoroughly checked by an expert team and are certified to be in usable condition. Certified cars have the backing of the mechanics and the auto experts. For non-certified cars, you only have the word of the previous owner. It is always safer to go for certified pre-owned cars if you do not want any kind of trouble later on. Most of the sued cars sold by dealers are usually certified, only those that are being sold by the owner are not.
Price
The cost of the used car is certainly one of the most important things to check. Without a doubt, a used car costs a lot lesser than a brand new car depending on its condition, miles traveled and other defects. In any case, research the price of the make and model of used car you are planning to buy. Chances are that different dealers could have different prices for the same kind of car, which means you always have a chance of getting a good used car at a competitive price.