Tricks to Buying Used Cars

Models

Consider competitors to sought-after used car models to save money. Toyota and Honda have built a good reputation with many consumers, but that reputation also adds to the cost of their vehicles. You’re also less likely to be able to negotiate a lower price for those brands due to their popularity. Look at models made by Hyundai and other competitors. You can find quality vehicles among models that aren’t as popular with consumers, and save money on your purchase at the same time.

Tires

Tires can reveal several things about the condition of a used car and how well the previous owner took car of it. Check out the brand of all four tires and note whether they’re Michelin, Goodyear or some other well-known brand. Also notice whether all four tires are the same or mismatched. Name-brand tires that match can indicate the previous owner took reasonably good care of the vehicle. Note the wear patterns on the tire tread as well. Uneven wear on the tires can point to a vehicle alignment or suspension problem.

Body and Mechanicals

Open all the doors and the trunk. Listen for squeaks and look for misaligned doors. A car may have been damaged in an accident and put through shoddy repairs if the doors are misaligned. Look under the hood for leaking hoses. Check the underside of the hood for stains as well, which could indicate that a hose is leaking or broken. Turn on the vehicle and listen to whether the engine races without being prompted, or whether it makes clanking noises. Either situation might reveal a mechanical problem.

Flood Damage

Watch out for used vehicles that may have been damaged in a flood. Check the upholstery and the carpeting inside the car and in the trunk for signs of mold and mildew. A musty smell and replaced carpeting also might indicate a car was in a flood. Look under the seats for signs of rust or mud that may have been missed during the cleanup of a flood-damaged vehicle.

Warranties

Don’t be easily taken in by assurances offered to you through certified inspections. Used cars that go through those inspections by dealers’ mechanics may come with a warranty that only lasts three months. A better bet is to buy a used car that is only about a year old and has around 15,000 miles on it. Such cars are typically still under the manufacturer’s warranty, which may still be in effect for two years or longer after you buy the car.

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