More and more people are buying used cars while the number of customers purchasing new ones is decreasing. This has been the most recently observed trend in the industry, and it is believed to have been caused by the swelling prices of automobiles.
Besides the financial perks of getting yourself a secondhand car, many have reported the benefits of owning a used car that doesn’t suffer from extreme depreciation, doesn’t possibly malfunction due to unforeseen issues, and has the privileges of lower insurance rates. In addition, some dealers also tend to provide lucrative used car finance deals, making it a dream come true situation for anyone looking to buy a car.
So if you are planning to buy your first secondhand car, and have your eyes on one already, use this checklist to guide you in making the best decision.
Test drive
More often than not, used car dealerships in Utah, Nevada, Colorado, or any state will let you take your prospective car out on a test drive. The idea of driving a vehicle that would soon be yours can be fascinating, but do not let the rush block your judgment. Ask yourself these questions while your hands are on the wheel:
- Brakes
- Are they working properly?
- Do they make grinding noises when I step on the brakes?
- Steering wheel
- Is the steering wheel aligned with the wheels?
- Do I feel resistance when I steer the wheel?
- Does the wheel vibrate or unusually shake when I reach a certain speed?
- Gears
- Is the transition in shifting gear smooth?
- Engine
- Does the engine make strange sounds when I switch it on and off?
Visual inspection
Before or after your test drive, you should carefully inspect the car with a keen eye. The appearance of a car says a lot about its past usage and potentially leads you to see hidden damages. Additionally, when going for car inspections, you might want to be accompanied by a car expert who knows what to ask when buying a used car. That way, you can know if the car is suitable for you to purchase. That said, here are the most important things you should look at during a car inspection:
- Do warning signals still light up? So, you have found the perfect option at a reputable dealer trading in Used Cars Norwich, Holden Group or similar establishments elsewhere. Congratulations on that! Before you say yes to the vehicle, however, it is a must that you check every button to make sure each of them functions properly. And while you are at it, you might also want to check the hazard lights of the vehicle.
- Windshield wipers and windows. If you went to your local car dealership on a sunny day, you might forget to check the windshield wipers. Do not. Check if the button that activates these is working correctly. Also, check if the power windows are still functional.
- Air conditioner and heater. A car without a functional ventilation system raises red flags unless you wish to negotiate a lower price with the dealer.
- Tires should be worn evenly. If not, it means that some wheels might have been replaced for worse used ones. In relation to this, check for a spare tire and a functional jack. These should come with the used car.
- Car alarm system. If this is not working correctly, then you are sacrificing your safety.
- Switch on the tail lights and directional lights, brights, and headlights. Also, check interior car lights.
- Scratches or dents. These are signs of severe physical damage to a car that can make or break your deal.
Being a wise buyer
At a time when prices are skyrocketing at unpredictable rates, it pays to make informed decisions when buying anything-especially big purchases like a used car. With this checklist and a hefty amount of research, you can land a deal stress-free without financial fiasco.
Image: Pixabay.com
Source: https://www.wsj.com/articles/used-car-sales-boom-as-new-cars-get-too-pricey-for-many-1537700401
