Things to know when purchasing a used vehicle
Things to Know When Purchasing A Used Vehicle
The first thing you might consider when buying a used car is how much you are willing to spend on one. If you are simply looking for a vehicle to go from point A to point B day in and day out, you won’t have to spend much money on your vehicle of choice. For those looking for a “certified pre-owned” vehicle that is relatively new, then you will end up spending a considerable amount of money, offset by the fact that buying this way can help you avoid taking the depreciation hit. The quality of used cars is usually determined by how much you are willing to spend, although there have been some notable exceptions. If you have from $1000 to $2000 to spend, you can easily find a “beater” – a car that serves as simple transportation and can get you from point A to point B. These are often high mileage cars sold by private owners. These cars can also be found at public auto auctions, as most major dealers may sell them there rather than spend time selling these vehicles. The only drawback to buying a beater is that you may end up spending a great sum of money in repairs in some cases. The $5000 to $9000 range will get you a 6 to 9 year old used car at an independent used car dealer. These cars still have relatively high mileage, but are usually in good shape and can offer years of continuous service before major problems appear. It is always a good idea to be financially prepared to take care of those issues once they pop up. Cars with low mileage in this category are not common, but it is possible to find one. For $10000 or more, you can purchase a new car that is 3 to 4 years old and in good condition. These vehicles are usually trade-ins that have been purchased and serviced at the same dealership. On average, these are the cars you would expect to see in the used section of a new car dealership. Some dealerships offer “certified pre-owned” programs that offer the best in their used car lineup that have been thoroughly inspected for mechanical and cosmetic faults and often come backed with a warranty. These cars can be counted on to last for years without any problems. The main problem with buying a used car is making sure that there are no hidden faults or nasty surprises lurking which can ruin the purchasing experience. It is always a good idea to check the Vehicle Identification Number with a vehicle history report database such as CARFAX or AutoCheck. These databases often have comprehensive information about the vehicle’s history, listing if it has been involved in an accident or flood and whether it has been listed with a salvage or rebuilt title at any point of the vehicle’s life. It is also a good idea to have an independent mechanic place the car on a lift to inspect for underbody damage such as bent frames and rust or corrosion. For more information on cars, visit http://carmicroblog.com and http://carsmicroblog.com