subject: Things You Have To Know When Buying Second Hand Cars [print this page] Buying pre-owned cars is an affordable alternative to own a car, especially when you consider that a new car depreciates for as much as several thousand dollars as soon as you drive it away from the dealer's shop. While a pre-owned car can have issues that must be resolved, understanding some basic things to look into before you purchase a used auto can help you make an informed choice.
If at all possible, never purchase a used car from a dealer. Dealers are in the business, of course, to make money, and they can misrepresent issues with a car. For instance, they may have acquired cars from insurance lots after they have figured in a crash. An exception to the general rule on buying from second hand car dealers is if they are known to sell cars acquired by means of trade-ins. The traded cars are usually sent for a series of appraisals and have to meet a particular standard, because the car manufacturer's reputation is actually on the line.
A good starting point to find a second hand car or truck is to read customer feedback online. These ratings usually discuss issues that are specific to a car's model or perhaps its make. It could be any recognized issue as regards a number of things, but knowing what those issues are can help you to make a more informed decision.
Private car sellers are a good source for buying a used auto. You can get a feel as to what a fair price is by comparing the price set by the seller with the costs in your local paper, the costs in online ads or the car prices in dealer lots. Take the car away for a test drive and be sure it really is in good working condition. The seller will probably want to ride along with you, and that's perfectly reasonable.
Ask your dealer to permit you to look under the hood and inspect the engine. A peripheral view is all right. Just ensure that there aren't any visible leaks, loose wires, or parts that look like they should be replaced immediately. A good local mechanic will perform an inspection of the auto for you if you're seriously thinking about buying it. They'll probably impose a fee for the same, but it will be money well spent to ensure you are not buying a car that is no good. When you check a used car, also look underneath it. Examine the body to see if you will find any visible dents, and find huge portions with rust. Are the muffler and also the exhaust intact? What is the wear on the tire treads? It is simple to find out if the car has had substantial repair by taking a piece of paper and a magnet and moving the latter along the car's body. If the magnet falls from the paper, you might have just found a repaired area.
Before you make a final decision and hand over your payment, get a Carfax report on the car. You will need the automobile identification number, and you'll need to pay a small fee, but it is worth every penny to make sure you are purchasing a vehicle that has not experienced a major accident.
by: Michael Dierson
welcome to Insurances.net (https://www.insurances.net)
