Buying a used car can mean huge savings for you, provided you take the time and trouble to conduct all the necessary checks and make sure that the car is in good shape. If not, you could end up spending more than the money you've saved, on costly repairs.
Do your research before going around to the used car dealers. Read consumer reports and reviews on different models and compare fuel consumption as well as upkeep, maintenance and part replacement costs of various models. This will help you narrow down your choices and stay firm in the face of forceful car-dealers who will try to convince you to purchase a car that they want to sell and not necessarily one that you want to buy.
Armed with this narrowed-down list of car models that are ideal for your purpose, it is now easier to identify potential used cars when you visit the used-car dealer. The most important thing to do is to check the history records of the car. This will give you vital information regarding any major repair work that has been done on the car due to a serious accident, flooding or misuse. Check out the odometer and see how many miles the car has already done- make sure the odometer has not been rolled back. It is equally important to check the financial records of the car and ensure there are no outstanding liens. Strike a car off your list if you spot the slightest irregularity in its history.
Now you can go ahead and do a physical inspection of those cars that you've short listed. It is a good idea to take a known and trusted mechanic along with you to do a thorough check of the body as well as well as the engine of the car. A mechanic's experienced eye will immediately pick out even small dents, bumps and scratches that have been worked upon. Even if a car does appear to be in good condition, tell-tale signs of a previous accident or misuse of the car include excessive tire-wear, uneven coats of paint, car panels of different colors, uneven gaps between the door hinges, premature corrosion, noisy wheel bearings or air-conditioner problems. Take the car out for a test drive and see if the transmission is smooth and there are no unnecessary or unidentifiable noises.
It's time for the paper work when you have finally identified the perfect car that you intend buying. Exercise extreme caution when processing the paper work. If the car is being bought directly from the owner, make enquiries with the Vehicle Registration Authorities to ensure the car is not stolen and the person selling the car is indeed the rightful owner. When purchasing from a dealer, examine the fine print thoroughly and see what the warranty does and does not include. Get all promises in writing. Make sure the car is transferred into your name and get the sale registered to avoid any future problems.
