The Ins and Outs of Buying a Used Car: What You Need to Know

The Ins and Outs of Buying a Used Car: What You Need to Know

Buying a car is a big deal. It’s exciting, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re not a car expert. Whether you’re buying new or used, you want to make sure the car you drive off with is in good shape and won’t leave you stranded. Here’s a simple guide we’ve put together to help you know the basics and what to check to ensure everything’s working as it should before you make your purchase.

 

Set Your Budget

Before you start browsing used cars, decide how much you're willing to spend. Consider not only the price of the car itself but also other costs like insurance, taxes, registration fees, and potential maintenance. Once you’ve set a budget, try to stick to it. It’s easy to fall in love with a car that’s a bit out of your price range, but there are plenty of great used cars available within almost any budget.

 

A bank will not approve you for a loan that it doesn’t feel that you can afford.

• Average used car payment: $538/month
• Average new car payment: $737/month
• The average percentage needed down for a card is 20%
• The average finance rate is around 11%

Research What’s The Best Make and Model?

Take some time to research which cars are known for being reliable and lasting a long time. Some brands and models are more dependable than others, so it’s important to pick one that won’t give you trouble down the road. Websites like Consumer Reports, Edmunds, and Kelley Blue Book are great places to start. Look for:

 

Reliability: Brands like Toyota, Honda, and Subaru are known for their longevity.

Common problems: Certain makes and models may have recurring issues that could be expensive to repair. Check online forums or car review sites to get an idea.

Safety: Ensure the model you're considering has good safety ratings. You don’t want to cheap out on your safety, and or your passengers when buying a used car.

 

Check the Vehicle History Report

One of the most important things to do when buying a used car is to check its history. A vehicle history report will tell you if the car has been in any accidents, had major repairs, or if there are any red flags like a title brand (salvage or rebuilt aka R Title). You can get a report from services like Carfax or AutoCheck for a small fee. This report will also tell you if the car has had multiple owners, which can indicate potential problems.

 

If the seller is hesitant to provide a history report, that should raise a red flag. A clean, transparent report gives you peace of mind and helps you avoid buying a car with hidden issues.

 

Inspect the Exterior and Interior

Even if you're not a mechanic, a good visual inspection is essential. Here's what to look for:

Exterior: Walk around the car and check for any dents, scratches, or rust. Small imperfections are normal, but big patches of rust or body damage could be signs of a car that’s been in an accident or poorly maintained.

Interior: Look for signs of wear, water damage, or unpleasant smells (like mildew or mold). Check the upholstery, dashboard, and control panel to make sure everything is in good shape. Make sure the air conditioning, heater, lights, and sound system work as expected.

Tires: Check for uneven wear on the tires, as this can signal alignment issues or suspension problems. Also, make sure there’s enough tread left for safe driving.

 

KEEP IN MIND, WHEN PURCHASING PRE-OWNED YOU MUST EXPECT WEAR AND TEAR. PRE-OWNED IS ABOUT AVOIDING TAKING THE INITIAL DEPRECIATION COST AS WELL.

 

Take It for a Test Drive

The test drive is one of the most important parts of buying a used car. It gives you the chance to feel how the car drives and check for any potential issues. When test driving, pay attention to:

How it drives: Does the car feel smooth, or is there any jerking or hesitation when accelerating? Pay attention to any strange noises or vibrations that might suggest mechanical problems.

Brakes: The brakes should feel responsive and firm. If you hear squeaking or grinding, it could be a sign the brake pads need replacing or that there’s an underlying issue.

Transmission: Whether the car is automatic or manual, the gears should shift smoothly. If you experience rough shifting, it could indicate transmission trouble.

Suspension: Drive over a few bumps or rough roads. The car should handle uneven surfaces without excessive bouncing or rattling.

Steering: Check if the steering feels tight and responsive or if the wheel drifts or vibrates.

What’s Under the Hood: Check the Engine

Looking under the hood to inspect the engine and components. Even if you don’t know exactly what you’re looking at, you can still spot potential problems. Look for:

• Leaks: Check for any signs of oil, coolant, or brake fluid leaks under the car or around the engine.
• Fluid levels: The oil, coolant, and brake fluid should be at proper levels. If any fluids are low or dirty, it could signal neglect or impending issues.
• Belts and hoses: Look for cracks or wear on the belts and hoses. These parts are essential to the car’s function and replacing them can be costly.

 

Have a Mechanic Inspect the Car OR Ask the dealer for the service records, and the work they've performed.

This step is crucial when buying a used car. If you’re serious about the car, it’s a good idea to have a trusted mechanic to do a pre-purchase inspection. A good mechanic can spot issues that you might not notice during a visual inspection or test drive. They’ll be able to assess the condition of the engine, transmission, suspension, chassis/frame, and other important components of the vehicle. This might cost a little extra upfront, but it can save you big from buying a car that may need an expensive repair after the purchase.

 

Check the Paperwork

Make sure all the paperwork for the car is in order. For used cars, this includes:

• Title: The car should have a clean title. If the car has been in a serious accident or has been rebuilt, the title might be marked as “salvage,” which could mean problems down the road.
• Maintenance records: Ideally, the seller will have kept records of any repairs and routine maintenance (oil changes, tire rotations, etc.). This can gives you insight into how well the car has been cared for by the previous owner.
• Inspection and emissions reports: Some states require all cars to pass safety or emissions inspections before they can be sold. Make sure the car has passed any required inspections in your area.

 Factor in Where You Live (Weather Matters!)

Where you live should influence the kind of car you choose. If you live in an area with harsh winters, snow, and or rainy conditions, you’ll want to look for a car with all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD, 4x4), or front wheel drive. These systems give you extra traction on slippery roads, making them valuable in snowy or wet conditions.

However, if you live in a region with mild weather and little to no snow, you might not need AWD or 4WD. In fact, opting for a vehicle with these systems when they aren’t necessary can actually be a disadvantage. They tend to increase the cost of the car upfront as well as add to long-term maintenance, and repair costs. If you don’t need the added traction, a front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive vehicle should serve you just fine and be cheaper to maintain.

 

Read the Fine Print

Before you sign any contracts, please make sure you fully understand the terms properly. This includes checking for any warranties by the manufacturer, aftermarket warranties, or return policies offered by the seller, if any are offered. If you're buying from a dealership, they might offer a limited warranty or some kind of guarantee. If you're buying from a private seller, make sure the transaction is documented and you have a bill of sale.

 

If you are searching for a used car with in the Eastern, PA or surrounding area, please feel free to contact us, we’re hear to help. AutoProved