How to buy a used car

When planning to purchase a car, you definitely want to get the cheapest deal at the highest quality. In fact, when buying used cars, it is possible to get a car for half its original price or even for much less. The problem usually comes with the likelihood of the used car not being in good condition. Since a cars value decreases with age, use and mileage, it is understandable to be concerned and a bit apprehensive when the deal seems to be too good. So what are some things to look at before buying used cars to avoid a rip off?

The first thing to consider is your pocket. How much are you willing to spend on a car? To get a good idea of the cars that fall within your price range, take a look at newspaper ads. Banks and loan institutions will usually have monthly listing guides of used cars. Consult these and see how far your wallet can stretch. Remember also that buying used cars will come with unexpected repairs as well as taxes, insurance and registration fees. Be sure to factor in these extra expenses before buying.

When buying used cars, it is best to avoid cars that have extremely high mileage. This is because as the car ages, it will need more repairs. The repairs that go into a used do not necessarily add to the value of the car. Ordinarily, it is less expensive to go for a used car in good shape than to take a bad car and fix it up, even if its price is much lower. So how do you find out if a used car is good enough to buy? Check the car thoroughly before buying. Look at the interior and exterior of the car. Have they been maintained well? What do the maintenance records show about the car? If they do not exist, likely the car has been neglected.

Before buying used cars, be sure to take a test drive. Drive in a variety of terrains and take note of the engine. Are there noises in the engine? Is there enough power for a good acceleration? If the owner of the car says that the engine just needs a tune-up, be wary. Tune-ups are a regular part of the car maintenance and should have been done often. What about the transmission? Does it shift smoothly? Are there grinding noises in the gears? All these are warning signs of a worn out engine. Other things to look at include the engine oil, the automatic transmission fluid and the brakes and suspension. Be sure to have a professional mechanic take a look at the car. While this may cost you a few extra dollars, it can save you hundreds of dollars of needed repairs in the future.