How To Choose A Used Car
There are a lot of advantages to buying a used car, rather than a new one. Price is an obvious benefit. Used cars can be a lot cheaper than new cars, and thus keep you from having a monthly payment.
But how you choose used car can make all the difference. Choose the right car, and you can save a fortune over a new car. Choose the wrong one, and that brand new car will look like a bargain in hindsight.
There are strategies to use to choose a used car. auto selection in Moscow
1. Find out the market value
This should be the first step in your used-car-buying process. You should have at least a ballpark idea of the value of any car you are seriously considering.
Kelly Blue Book and Edmunds.com have online tools that will enable you to get the value of just about any car. You will first have to get as many details about the car as possible. This will include make, model, year, mileage, options, and overall condition. The more information you can furnish, the closer you will come to the car’s actual value.
That value should be your starting point in any negotiation. It can also indicate how anxious the seller is to sell the car. For example, if the sale price is too high, the seller’s probably not motivated. But if it’s accurately priced—or price below-market value—you may be onto a good deal.
2. Carefully inspect the car
The condition of the car is a major indication of value. A well-maintained vehicle will be near the top of the value spectrum, while a poorly maintained one can be worth thousands less.
Pay particular attention to the following:
Make sure that the car is a comfortable fit. Check both the front and rear seats.
Carefully inspect every inch of the car. In the interior, inspect all of the seats, the floors, the doors, and the ceiling. Are there tears or stains? On the exterior, carefully inspect the paint job, the trim, and the bumpers. Are there any major scratches, dents, or evidence of repair? Also look at the car lights, the tires, and the muffler. Age or deferred maintenance will be obvious.
Take a nice, long whiff of the car. Some smells, like cigarette smoke and mildew, can be particularly difficult to remove. But the smell of burning oil or burning gas are much more serious, as they can indicate deep engine problems. Test them after the car has been running for a while.
Inspect the engine. A dirty engine can be an indication of poor maintenance. Check to see if there is oil on the engine. This could indicate leaks—or worse. Cracks or tired-looking hoses and belts can be an expensive fix, and another indication of poor maintenance.
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