Unless you can’t stand the idea of someone else ever owning your car, or you simply prefer buying things brand-new in general, buying a used car is usually the most sensible decision, as long as you don’t end up with a dud on your hands of course. Going in to buy a used car or vehicle without experience is the worst thing you could do, and a flaw any skilled salesman will take advantage of. But there are a few simple things you can do and look for to make sure that you get a nice vehicle from a car dealership that will last long and won’t leave you stranded on the road after a few weeks. Here are a few tricks to know if you have a good vehicle on your hands.
Check the Interior
This is especially important if you’re buying the car directly from the owner. The condition of the interior is usually a direct reflection of the amount of care the owner gave to the car. Also, make sure that you ask if they were the first person to own the car. Look for unfixed burns or stains that weren’t removed. Look at the state of the upholstery. Check for lingering smells. All of these clues will give you hints as to whether the owner was negligent with the vehicle.
Go on a Test Drive. A Real One.
Going around the car parking lot won’t do it this time. You have to take it on a real spin. Take it on the road and do some hard left and right turns. Check for any strange noises. Check the brakes. Let go of the wheel in a safe area at a low speed, and see if the vehicle stays aligned. And don’t forget to take it on the highway and crank it up. Some issues will only show up at higher speeds, so don’t skip that part.
Make Sure You Work with the Right Dealer
There’s no need for guesswork these days, and you can easily check the reputation of the dealership(s) you are going to deal with. If you live in Winnipeg for instance, and you’re looking for a good Winnipeg car dealership, just running a quick Google search and looking for reviews should give you a general idea of who you’re dealing with. Another resource you can check for reviews is DealerRater. You’ll be able to get in depth reviews for car dealerships and service centers as well.
Look for Problem Areas
Some damage on older vehicles won’t matter much, and could even give you some space for negotiation. But there is some damage that could eventually be irreversible and cost you in the long run. You're protected by the Lemon law if you take your car home and realize within a certain amount of time that the car is in bad repair. You should take the car to a mechanic to check out thoroughly just to be sure. When you're at the car lot, however, one of the things you have to look for is signs of corrosion. If you see signs of paint bubbling, especially around the fenders, this could be a sign of corrosion forming, or a cover up job.
At the car dealership, check under the vehicle with your hands and scratch underneath. If you see some flakes of rusted metal falling, then you could be in trouble. Corrosion at the foundation level is nearly irreversible and is not worth fixing on an older vehicle. Not only that, but it might be nearly impossible to sell after. So, in any case, avoid vehicles with this type of damage, or you’ll be left with a huge repair bill.
Buying a used vehicle isn’t rocket science, but you have to do your homework first if you don’t want to get swindled. Follow these few tips, and don’t hesitate to bring a friend in with more knowledge than you. And never forget to have the vehicle inspected before the deal is finalized.
