| Even though buying a used car presents a risk, it's | | | | used car. You'll want to see evidence of things |
| also a great way to find a bargain. It's not | | | | such as oil changes, tune-ups, repair work, and tire |
| uncommon for buyers to stumble upon vehicles | | | | rotations. Even if a car looks great on the outside, |
| that have been maintained perfectly by their | | | | a lack of maintenance can lead to costly repairs |
| owners. Often, the price can be negotiated so | | | | down the road. |
| that both parties feel like they got a great deal. | | | | Step #4: Take A Test Drive |
| Because there is an element of risk with | | | | You'd be surprised how many people buy used |
| purchasing a used vehicle, you should follow a | | | | cars without taking them for a test drive. On the |
| simple routine that protects you from making a | | | | road, you'll be able to identify how smoothly the |
| bad decision. Below, I'll provide a 5-step process | | | | brakes operate, whether the car accelerates |
| that you should use whenever you're buying a | | | | properly, and if smoke billows from the exhaust. |
| used car. | | | | If you notice any of these things, think twice |
| Step #1: Order A Vehicle History Report | | | | before buying the car. You'll need to have these |
| Most sellers are trustworthy and the details they | | | | problems repaired, which can potentially cost |
| share about their car will be accurate. But, it's a | | | | hundreds of dollars. |
| good idea to order a vehicle history report to | | | | Step #5: Visit A Mechanic |
| verify things like past accidents, owners, flooding | | | | The final step in purchasing a reliable used car is |
| incidents, and recalls. Plus, if you're buying the car | | | | to have a technician run a diagnostic test. Even if |
| from a dealer, the history report will give you an | | | | you don't notice any obvious signs of problems, |
| idea regarding how long the dealer has owned it. | | | | an experienced technician can instantly notice past |
| The longer they've owned the car, the more | | | | repair work that has been done shoddily. He'll also |
| willing they may be to negotiate the price. | | | | be able to identify small problems that will |
| Step #2: Inspect The Used Car | | | | eventually lead to costly repairs. |
| While a lot of damage can be hidden from view, | | | | Driving Home A Deal |
| you'll still be able to identify things like water stains | | | | Finding a great deal on a used car is largely a |
| in the interior, parts that are mismatched or | | | | matter of diligence. Use the 5-step process that |
| uneven, and signs of excessive wear. | | | | I've outlined above. It will help you avoid cars that |
| Step #3: Ask For Maintenance Records | | | | promise expensive repairs in the future. And it will |
| Ask the seller to provide records that show | | | | prove to be instrumental for finding the coveted |
| regular maintenance has been performed on the | | | | bargains that exist in the used car market. |