Should You Buy That Used Car?

Posted on: 20 December 2016

Used cars are usually a solid option for people who want to get around without paying the high sticker price that newer cars demand. However, in order to truly benefit from that cost savings, you must be sure that the car is not going to need a lot of repairs once you get the keys in your hand. For that reason, it's smart to pay close attention to certain things so you can get as much information as you can about the used car you're thinking about purchasing. With the following tips, you can make the right choice.

1. Try Neutral

One of the first things you should be doing when considering a particular used vehicle is to check for trouble that may mean expensive repair costs. To check the transmission, the easiest thing to do is put the car into neutral gear. If you don't hear noises, that's a good sign; clunking, knocking and other noises may mean that the transmission could be having a problem that you don't want to have to pay for.

2. Bring Something Heavy

After checking the transmission, you can pay attention the car's rear suspension. Bringing something heavy like a duffel bag packed to the brim or a tire or two can help you check that out. Put something heavy inside the trunk before you drive the car around. If the car has some suspension issues, you'll hear it coming from the trunk, especially whenever you hit bumps in the street.

3. Have a Dealership Employee Drive

It's easy to forget other passengers who may travel in the car with you. You might test drive the car but only sit in the driver's seat. To be considerate of your children, family members and friends, have a seat in the rear while a dealership employee drives the car so you can get a feel for whether the ride would be bumpy and uncomfortable for them.

4. Look Closely at Door Jambs

If a car has had major body work done in the past, it can be hard to tell if the repairs have already been made. That's why it's a smart idea to peer into the door jambs before you purchase a car that's used. By doing so, you may notice that the jambs are differently colored than the rest of the car. If that's the case, that would mean the car has been repainted; do your best to figure out why before you agree to buy.

Taking the time to use the information here will assist you in making a purchase you won't later regret. Work with used car dealers in your town or city to try out different used cars and pick one that work well for you and your family. For more information, visit a website like http://www.starautomall.org/.

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