According to Allstate Insurance, buying a used car is not only a more affordable option than buying a new one, but a used car can also be a very sensible option. While Allstate encourages buying a used car, they recommend looking for the following features when shopping for a “new” used car.
1. How is the Car’s Appearance?
The first and easiest thing to do when looking for a used car is to do a visual assessment of the vehicle. Are all the exterior lights intact? Are there any dents or dings that you need to be concerned about? What about rust? Check under the vehicle to look for any areas that have a problem with rust.
The next thing you want to do is give the car’s interior a quick inspection. Does it smell like smoke, even though the owner said it was a non-smoker’s car? Do all the lights work? What about the speedometer and gas gauge? These are little things to remember, but they’re essential to know about the vehicle you’ll be driving.
2. Take a Test Drive
One of the most efficient ways to get a feel for the condition of a vehicle is by taking a test drive. First, if the owner doesn’t want you to take a test drive, you must politely walk away. If they don’t want you testing the car, there’s a good chance that something scandalous is happening.
Once you’re in the car, you want to make a few observations. Do you hear any noises that you shouldn’t be hearing? Are there any odors coming from the vehicle? How are the tires? Do they feel adequately aligned, or does the car pull to one side? How are the brakes? Also, check the horn. You can’t imagine how stressful it is to need a horn when you don’t have one.
Since you’re already doing a test drive, this one should be a breeze. Before buying a used car in Utah, check to ensure there isn’t any fluid gathering under the vehicle. If there is a puddle underneath the car, there’s a leak somewhere, and you should walk away from the vehicle because that one isn’t the car for you.
4. Do Your Research
Making sure you do your research can save you time and money from the start. If you have the car’s VIN (vehicle identification number), you can research to see if there have been any recalls on the vehicle. You can also research to find out if the car had been in an accident and how many drivers the vehicle had by looking at the vehicle history report. Check out KBB, Kelly Blue Book, to investigate the car’s history before paying for anything.
5. Don’t Feel Rushed
Like Allstate recommended, don’t go to look at cars if you might feel rushed. If you speed through the process, there is a good chance you could overlook an essential feature of the vehicle. For example, if you’re rushed, you may overlook that quiet tick coming from the back of the car, or you might not notice that the radio doesn’t work.
Buying a used car can be a rewarding process, especially if you get a great car out of it. It can be a little intimidating to buy a used car if you’re going alone, but it can be easily accomplished. If you follow this advice and remember what you read here, you should have no issues finding a reliable used vehicle.
