5 Tips for Buying a Used Car

Buying an affordable, used car is a great way to stay mobile on a budget. If you’re considering getting a

used vehicle, be sure to take a close look at any cars you’re interested in. Make sure they’re certified pre-owned vehicles so that you know exactly what you’re getting with your purchase. Here are five tips to consider the next time you’re in the market for a used car.

1. Get a Vehicle History Report

Vehicle history checks or vehicle history reports explain a car’s past. They show details of vehicle inspections, accidents, and other things that might impact the value of the car. You can obtain a vehicle history check through services such as Carfax.com. Some services even allow for one free report per vehicle. While there’s no guarantee that reports consist of everything that happened to a vehicle, they provide helpful information to guide a used purchase. Other information these documents report on include:

• Ownership history
• Title status
• Mileage

2. Check the Car’s Value

To guarantee you get a fair sale, check the average value of the vehicle you’re interested in through services like Kelley Blue Book. This organization is widely recognized by both consumers and vehicle manufacturers alike for providing trustworthy car information. The company researches the automotive industry and the products used during the manufacturing process. With these resources, they evaluate vehicles based on their make, model, and year.

3. Take a Test Drive

Driving the car yourself is the best way to find out how well it performs and if it’s a good fit for you. Turn the ignition to the first click or accessory position. This turns on all the lights within your dashboard, allowing you to identify if any remain unlit. If any lights either fail to come on or stay on after turning on the car, ask the dealer to inspect the vehicle. The moment you start the car, listen for clicking or tapping sounds. If you hear them, ask the dealer to take a closer look under the hood.

4. Check the Tires

Examine all four tires on the vehicle up close, including any spares it might come with. Look for deep cuts, scuffs, or embedded debris that might cause air or pressure release. If the car comes with a spare, check the location and determine if the spare exists and if it has any noticeable problems. Tell your dealer if you find any problems with the tires, and they may be able to help you at no additional cost.

5. Negotiate

It’s not always necessary to pay the listing price for a used vehicle as is. Use information from a vehicle history report, a valuation service, and your personal inspection to gauge your preferred price. Try to get as close as you can to their starting amount to make for fair negotiations.

Fairway Auto Center is determined to make the used car buying process as fast and easy as possible. We’re excited to put you in your next ride from affordable favorites such as Chevrolet, Ford, and Dodge to luxury options such as Acura and Lexus. Check out our inventory and contact us today for more information!

Tags: How to Buy a Used Car, Used Car Buying Tips, Used Car Purchasing
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