Are you planning to get yourself a car?
As the world modernizes and highways become more rampant, the need for a car also grows. In America, owning a car is not only a convenience but a necessity. It’s especially true now in the pandemic when we have limited public transport.
However, you shouldn’t have to spend so much on a brand new car to fulfill your needs. Buying a used car from a dealer will be much easier for your budget.
Need to know what questions to ask when buying a used car?
This article covers a car buying guide to help you get a quality secondhand car. Read on to know what to look for when buying a used car.
1. Why Are You Selling the Car?
One of the first questions to ask when buying a used car is why they’re selling it. Most secondhand car dealers are honest people and have your best interests in mind. However, it’s always best to get inasight into the seller’s intentions before getting a used car.
Ensure to observe the seller’s demeanor to ensure whether they’re telling the truth. Many people let their cars go in favor of a new one or because of a lifestyle change. If the seller is hesitant or dances around the subject, it might be best to look elsewhere.
2. Are There Any Damages?
Ensure to ask your seller if the car has any past or present damage. Even the seller gave you an answer during the consultation; it’s best to inspect the car for yourself.
Look for inconsistencies in the paint job, frame, or bodywork. Possible damages may include dents, rust, and scratches. Ensure that both side view and rearview mirrors are working as they should.
Check if the windshield has any cracks or if the headlights have some discoloration. Inspect the tires and make sure that the wheel isn’t dented or bent. Don’t forget to look under the hood to see if there are any leaking fluids.
The car’s interior and exterior will tell you a lot about how well the past owner treated the car.
It will help to ask the seller if they have a copy of the repair and damage reports. This document lists everything that the car has been through.
3. Can I Have My Mechanic Inspect the Car?
Even if you’ve conducted your own inspection of the car, it’s best to get a mechanic to look at it. Ask the seller if you could have a mechanic inspect the vehicle. Your mechanic could give you some peace of mind before you decide to buy this vehicle.
It’s crucial to do this if the dealer says the car hasn’t gone through enough maintenance checks. The seller should have no problem letting you invite a mechanic over. If you live in New York, it might also be beneficial to ask about a NYS inspection cost to see if there are any fixes needed.
If the seller refuses or seems hesitant, they may be trying to hide a serious problem. You have better chances looking for a different seller if this happens. If the answer is anything other than an immediate “yes,” start looking for a new vehicle.
4. Is the Car Under Warranty?
If it’s your first time buying a used car, ensure to check if a dealer is selling the car “as is.” The term “as is” means that the car is no longer under any warranty. Once you buy the car and driving off the lot, the dealer isn’t responsible for flaws or defects.
However, some used cars remain under the manufacturer’s warranty. A private seller is less likely to have information on vehicle warranty. If you’re buying from a dealership, it won’t hurt to ask for this information.
If the car of interest has damages, you may not have to spend so much for repairs. It will also help to know if the car has insurance or pending payments.
If you aren’t buying from a third-party seller, be wary of pending payments. You may end up carrying over the past owner’s debt and pay more than you need to for a used car.
5. What is the Car’s Mileage
A crucial question to ask before buying a car is how much the car’s mileage is. Knowing a car’s mileage will give you some insight into how much wear and tear the vehicle has been through. The value of the car must reflect how much mileage a car has left on its odometer.
When it comes to a used car’s mileage, the lesser the number, the better. Anything over 100,000 miles should have any buyer looking the other way. Some dealerships may have limited options, but your choice may depend on what you use your car for.
If you need your car for everyday use in the city, 90,000 miles is a safe range. If you’re gonna use your car for travel, you may need to be a little pickier. In general, a safe milage range would be 80,000 miles.
6. How Long Have You Had Your Car?
If you’re buying a used car from a local seller, ask how long they’ve owned the car. A person can tell you more about a car if they’ve owned it for a longer period. If a seller has been driving this vehicle for a while without issues, you could have a reliable car on your hands.
7. Do You Have the Car’s Title?
When buying a car from a private seller, they must be able to present the vehicle’s title. This proves that they are the vehicle’s legitimate owner and that the VIN matches the car’s model and make.
If you’re looking for a reputable car dealer in Columbus, Wisconsin, check out Gates Auto.
What Questions to Ask When Buying a Used Car
Now you know what questions to ask when buying a used car. These tips for buying a used car will help you find a vehicle to suit your lifestyle.
Once you have your car, it’s crucial to know how to maintain it, especially when it’s secondhand. Looking for some car maintenance tips? Check out our other blog posts for more guides.