What to Look for When Buying a Used Car
The used car market is massive, much larger than the new vehicle market, and each year billions of dollars are spent purchasing pre-owned vehicles. Prospective buyers must find a dealer or private seller, choose from a nearly endless bounty of models and trims, and then compare the condition and vehicle history. With so much information and decision-making involved, it can be an overwhelming experience for first-time buyers.
Thankfully, there are ways to simplify the process, and if you follow these tips, you may be able to narrow down your search and find the perfect vehicle for your needs.
Used Car Checklist
The first thing to know is that dealerships must be more transparent when it comes to selling a used vehicle than a private seller. This is because their practices are regulated by the Federal Trade Commission, which states that they must be transparent about crucial information that pertains to the vehicle. Things such as whether the vehicle is being sold as is or if it is under a warranty that the dealer has to honor will be included in this buyer's guide.
After checking the information, it is important to inspect the vehicle to the best of your ability. Dealers will provide a complete vehicle history report, and their service department will also conduct an in-depth mechanical inspection so that they can list it as a certified pre-owned vehicle. While this information is useful, you should also take the time to run through your own inspection checklist just to make sure that the previous owner treated the car with care.
When it comes to actual damage to look for, the body, tires, and interior are going to be the most important areas of concern. If the body panels are miscolored or rusting, then it is a sign that they may have been replaced or that the vehicle has seen heavy exposure.
The tread depth of tires can tell you a lot about the previous driver’s habits on the road, and if they are brand new you may want to inquire why the tires were changed. The interior may have odors or stains that are hard to remove, and you will want to ensure that the pedals and dash are properly functioning before driving off the lot.
If you are shopping for a used car online, then take the time to browse through the certified pre-owned selection at Hawk Mazda.
