Did you know that new cars lose their value 40 percent after leaving the showrooms? For those who have the budget to buy a new car with cash or via leasing, that might not be an issue. But for the rest of us who need to get our budgeting right to take a car, new cars are not a good option – we might want to seriously consider used cars.
A second hand car is appealing because it is obviously cheaper than the new ones. Moreover, tax-wise, taking a lease to buy a used car proves to be beneficial. However, you must take extra care when buying a used car simply because the car is, well, used.
Cars cannot be changed every week or month, buying a used car needs a lot of research and prior information. Every Year thousands of people are tricked into buying a vehicle which they did not want, but the salesman did!
To Help you buy the most suitable vehicle which fits your budget, here are some tips which may be helpful.
When purchasing a used car, choosing reliable and durable models can be a long lasting decision for you. There are many lists online that display the best-used car models to buy from luxury cars to family cars. These models have been reviewed and tested. They are highly recommended and are known as the best-used cars to buy.
Main Points Of Inspection before you buy a used car
Engine Check:
- Check for oil, water, or fluid leakage in the engine area.
- Check the engine components and even feel around the ground underneath.
- Use the engine oil dipstick to verify that the oil is golden and free from debris.
- The underside of the engine oil cap may have a thick, white substance which could point to a damaged engine head gasket or irreparable engine damage.
- The fluid levels of the engine coolant and brake fluid must be at the correct level when the engine is cooled.
- The battery terminals and connectors on the surface of the battery have to be in good condition.
Car Body:
- Concentrate on the big defects that are expensive to repair. Minor repairs can be easily handled.
- Check the bodywork for a complete paint finish.
- The gaps between the panels should be of the same width.
- The doors, windows, boot, and bonnet should open and close smoothly.
- Check for signs of rust that show as bubbling paintwork in particular areas.
- Validate the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- Both tires have to display even wear. Uneven tire wear may be proof of improper wheel alignment, worn-out front-end components, or tired shocks.
Best Tip to buy Used Cars
Any used car buying guide will tell you that a used car requires a thorough inspection, first by you and then by a mechanic. But If you follow or guide, rest assured. You wont be needing anyone.
The following are car buying tips you should adhere to as you want to find the best-used car to buy.
Car Buying Tips For Inside the Car:
- The mileage on the odometer inside the speedometer should be consistent with the advert and car’s documents.
- Ensure there is no damage to the steering column or the ignition.
- Make sure the important functioning items in the car are working, such as the seat belts, air conditioning, electric windows, adjustable seats, sunroof, bonnet release, and fuel filler.
The authenticity of Paperwork:
- Verify the home address of private sellers, the address is stated in the car’s logbook.
- Go through the car’s logbook, previous MOT certificates, service history, and old bills and receipts. From this information, you can discern if the car has been cared for, identify faults and verify that the car’s mileage is legitimate.
- Be wary of forgeries, the logbook should contain a watermark.
- Call the garage where the last MOT took place and the previous owner to confirm its history.
- Look at the MOT certificates and service stamps. With each MOT and service interval, the car’s total mileage should increase.
The most significant advice the used car buying guide offers is how to buy a used car without falling for scams. Scams by crafty salesmen are very prevalent;
1. Odometer Rollbacks: Digital or regular odometers can be tampered with to decrease the mileage of the car. A car with less mileage means you have to pay more. It is enough incentive for car dealerships to break the law and roll back the odometer.
2. Title Washing: Flood or accident-damaged cars end up in car dealerships, where they are resold by unscrupulous salesmen through title washing. Meaning, the car’s history is hidden from the customers, who are unaware that they are buying a salvaged car. Normally, salvage cars are difficult to sell and have a low market value. Title washing eliminates the term salvage car, allowing salesmen to sell the vehicle at a higher price.
3. Financing scams: Used car dealers inform prospective clients that they have been approved for a low rate, used-car loan. They accept the down payment and permit the oblivious customer to ride the car home. Later, they will call to tell the purchasers that they have failed to qualify for a low rate financing. If they desire to keep the car, it is necessary to agree to a new financing plan at a higher interest rate.
More car buying tips, negotiating a car price that fits in your budget are valuable information you should know.
1. Before meeting the dealer, you have to do a lot of research to decide on a suitable used car model. Check unbiased reviews and the average pricing of the model. Hunt for a used car dealership in the area that offers the best deal for the used car you want.
2. You need to gather data on the used car. Probe deeply if that car has any known defects or if there are any issues with it.
3. You should know that the sticker price on the car is not the actual price, which means you can haggle hard for your price. Firstly, never tell the salesman the amount you are willing to spend, always state your price as a lower number.
4. Ask to take the car for a test drive. Pay careful consideration to steering ease, braking response, acceleration, and turning radius.
5. In negotiating a car price, use vehicle history to your advantage. Vehicles that have been recently wrecked, repaired, or salvaged, you can bargain for a lower affordable price. Hence, always ask for the vehicle’s history report.
6. Be wary about any extras or add-ons the car dealers may try to sell you. Car dealers are adept at making customers think they need the accessories, warranties, and insurance offered. Do not immediately accept them. They are negotiable like the car price.
7. Continue negotiations until both of you agree on a price within your budget. If not, take his business card and visit other dealerships. When you return, the dealer might be more willing to meet your demands especially if he hears other dealers are offering better opportunities to purchase a used car. Hope you benefited from these car buying tips, thank you for visiting my site.
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