How to Shop for a Used Car Like a Pro

The price of a new car in the US has skyrocketed due to inflation. The best alternative to combat these high prices is to buy used. But, there are some things to keep in mind when shopping for a used car.

There is not a manual on how to shop for a used car. Most people who shop for used cars cross their fingers and hope for the best. It can be difficult to find a good used car, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t quality used cars on the market.

If you are shopping for a used car, take your time and do your research. Don’t allow any car salesman to pressure you into buying a used car.

You should feel secure and confident in your used car purchase. If you are nervous about purchasing a used car, the following tips will help you find the right used car for you.

Research the Title

When you go used car shopping, ask the dealer about the car title. You need to know if the car has a clean title or a salvage title. The title provides information on the previous condition of the car before it was on the market.

A salvage title means that the car was seriously damaged in the past. The car was either in a major accident or had damage due to a natural disaster. The exterior of the car may look nice but the car may not be properly fixed which can cause you problems in the future.

A clean title is the best option for you. This means that the car did not suffer any major damage in the past. Clean title cars are expected to have some general wear and tear, but the overall function of the car is not compromised

Bring Your Mechanic

Your mechanic will examine the used car for any signs of functional or structural problems. Mechanics will look at the undercarriage for rust, check the hoses for leaks, and run a diagnostic test. There are other ways to weed out any potential used car issues.

Ask the car salesman if their used cars come with a Carfax history. This document shows the previous owners, primary use, and location. To see an example of a Carfax history, you can check out these preowned vehicles.

Check the Mileage

Many cars come with a 100,000 mile warranty which helps with repairs and maintenance. Buy a used car with 100,000 miles or less because these cars are well maintained.

Used cars with over 100,000 miles start to show signs of age. It is expensive repairing an aging vehicle because the parts are not easy to track down.