You’ve found a few used cars that really interest you, but now what do you do? It wouldn’t be a wise decision to jump right into purchasing a used car sight-unseen. Whether the used car is being sold by a private party or a dealership, your next steps should include looking at the car in person and actually going for a test drive before handing over any of your money. Your satisfaction with the car is the top priority before purchasing it. Follow these simple tips to ensure that you are getting what you pay for in a used car.
1. Find out the history of the car
Every used car has a history. The most disappointing thing that can happen is finding out that the used car that you just bought has been stolen, vandalized, crashed, or flooded in the past. Make sure you know what you are getting yourself into, and that the car fully checks out with what the seller has told you about the car. Some useful vehicle history report resources include CarFax and AutoCheck. You’ll be able to purchase and print out the full history of the vehicle you are interested in. If the car is listed at a dealership, they more than likely can get you the history report at no cost to you.
The more you know, the better off you are.
2. Set up an appointment to view the car
The vehicle history checks out, and you’re still interested in the car. Your next step is to see the car in person. Pictures don’t always show the exact condition of the car, so set up an appointment to view the car. There may be paint imperfections or dents on the exterior, or even stains on the seats, that weren’t visible in online photos. These details may be enough to turn you away from handing over the cash. Don’t pay for a car without knowing the exact interior, exterior, and mechanical condition.
3. Make sure the owner has the pink slip to the car
The used car you picked out is starting to sound like a great deal, but don’t make any deals just yet. Make sure that the owner of the vehicle has the pink slip with their name on it, in hand. Don’t be misled by excuses that the pink slip is in the mail from the bank. Although it may be the truth, be a little more skeptical, especially if the owner hasn’t been completely straightforward with you.
4. Test drive the car to see if it’s everything you want
The seller of the car, whether private party or dealership, has the pink slip, so you’re ready to pay for the car and drive it home. Unfortunately, you don’t really know if the car drives well or if it can move at all. Take the car on a test drive to see how it runs and drives. Once you know how the car drives, you’ll know whether or not you’re going to need to pay for repairs and maintenance, both of which can be factored into the final price during the negotiation process.
5. Have the car inspected by a trusted mechanic
Now that you’ve seen and drove the car, have the car fully inspected by a trustworthy mechanic. There may be things wrong with the car that you can’t see or feel while driving it, which can lower the price you pay. An inspection of the critical components of the car is good idea, especially if you don’t want to run into unforeseen repair costs down the road. You can factor these repair costs into the final price.
With the amount of used cars out there, there are many cars that are bad buys. Making sure you know what you are buying will save you from headaches later on. Don’t purchase a used car from a private party or dealership that you don’t trust. For a used car dealership that sells reliable cars, check out Orange Buick GMC in Orlando, Florida for a huge selection of quality used cars. Only the best used cars are put on the lot. Have a car to sell? Let Orange Buys Cars handle it. We will take care of the transaction and give you top dollar for your car. Get started today at our location in Orlando, Florida!