There are several benefits to buying a used car instead of a new one and in many cases, this is a sensible choice. The purchase price of a used car is usually considerably less and when it comes to selling, you won’t lose so much of your investment compared to buying a brand new. According to Bankrate.com, a new car depreciates in value as soon as it is driven off the forecourt and will generally lose between 15% to 20% of its value every year.
In many cases, a well-looked-after vehicle with low mileage and a single previous owner is a better option over purchasing an equivalent newer model, which offers almost the same benefits but comes at a much higher price. However, buying a used car does come with inherent risks and it pays to do your homework beforehand to save you the time and expense of purchasing a poor quality vehicle.
In this article, we will highlight some of the areas to consider when buying a used car, helping you to avoid common pitfalls and costly mistakes.
Where to Buy
When it comes to purchasing a used car you can go to a used car dealership or purchase through a private seller. You will generally have more negotiating power with a private seller who does not have any costly overheads to cover helping you secure a lower price. However, this route also comes with greater risk as the car will not come with any warranties nor will it have undergone an inspection. Unless you are familiar with the mechanics of such vehicles or arrange for your own inspection, purchasing through privately will require greater care and attention.
A car bought through a used car dealer or garage will have been put through a rigorous inspection and be certified as road worthy. Although a used car from a dealership may cost more it is likely to come with a warranty which could be up to a year giving you the peace of mind that if something goes wrong the cost of repair will not come out of your pocket. If you have little experience with cars and their workings, it is advisable to purchase through a reputable dealer or garage.
Inspect the Car
Make sure to thoroughly inspect the interior and exterior of the car taking someone knowledgeable in this area with you, if need be. Ask the owner of the vehicle or car dealer questions about anything that is a concern or that you are unsure about.
Make sure the car is fit for purpose and will meet your and your family’s needs. For instance, if you have small children, there is adequate room to install a child car seat such as the ones at Diono and space in the back to carry a stroller. Below are some of the main areas to focus on during your inspection.
Body Work
Check the bodywork of the car on a clear, dry day as rain can make it difficult to detect dents and scratches on it. Look for signs of rust, corrosion and collision such as gaps between panels and uneven, bubbling or inconsistent paintwork which can reveal previous accident damage.
Check the wheel arches for any signs of damage and make sure the windscreen is in perfect condition with no scratches or chips as these could form cracks which will require replacing the windscreen. Even small scratches can create problems such as glare from sunlight and car headlights.
Make sure all of the doors and trunk of the car open and seal properly, and that all of the headlights are in good working order and are free of moisture, as this could indicate there is a crack in the outer casing.
Mileage
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, the average person drives roughly 1,200 miles per month, which is around 14,263 miles each year. To get an idea of how many miles the car has driven each year divide the number of miles displayed on the odometer by the vehicles’ age.
The higher the mileage, the higher the signs of wear and tear such as fading on controls and compartment panels, worn out tread on foot pedals or jerking motions while driving. If the car has a low mileage and is showing unusually high signs of wear and tear this could be a sign that the car has not been well maintained, or worse, that the odometer has been tampered with and the car is ‘clocked’.
Test the Ignition
Always start the engine to test the ignition and health of the battery. Ensure that the engine starts easily and there are no unusual sounds such as rattling or tapping noises. Inspect the exhaust for excessive or unusual emissions. Always try to start a used car when the engine is cold, as this is more likely to reveal any issues that can be hidden by a warm engine.
Under the Hood
Pop open the hood and check for the brake fluid, oil and power steering fluid levels. Check the color and consistency of the oil as well as the transmission fluid which should be a dark red color. Adequate levels are often a sign of a well-maintained car. Inspect the engine for any leaks, corrosion and worn-out or damaged gaskets, belts and hoses. Look for any grease or grime which is coating components as well as signs of leaks under the hood and underneath the vehicle.
Interior
Take a look at the interior of the car, inspecting the upholstery, flooring and windows. Make sure you check all the electrics are in good working order and the dashboard lights, electric windows, indicators, wipers and any other in-car features operate such as the GPS navigation, the heated seating and entertainment system work as they should.
Take a Test Drive
Test driving a car is one of the most important steps you should take when purchasing a used car, as it allows you to assess the performance of the vehicle. From the steering, acceleration and suspension to the responsiveness of the braking and biting point of the clutch, you will get first-hand insight into these important features of the car when you drive it.
Now that you are equipped with the essentials, you can shop around for a used car with confidence.
