What to Look for In a Used Car

Buying an ‘as new’ used car takes a lot of leg work. Research is crucial to getting a good deal on a used car, since every car is unique and comes along with its own quirks, problems, and assets. These only become more ingrained in the vehicle as it spends time on the road, so knowing what you are looking for when searching for your next ride is incredibly important. Here is a breakdown of what you should think about, while you are researching.

Consider your own needs

Whether you are looking into the best family cars to transport you and your young ones, or want something with a little muscle to hit the open road for some gasoline-inspired fun, thinking about your requirements first and foremost, is a great place to start. Vehicles enjoy a range of space inclusions, fuel economy, and two or four wheel drive options for extra torque or additional gas mileage and range.

If you are consistently hauling sports equipment, or material for home improvement projects then investing in an SUV, minivan, or pickup truck with an exterior bed or roomy interior might be the right choice for you. Alternatively, for short commutes throughout the city, a sedan or other compact family car might be more suited to your needs, as they allow for great reliability and gas mileage above other optional features.

Safety features should be a top priority

No matter where your style choices and real world requirements land, buying a used car that is in good working order is a must. This means checking out the breaks, evaluating the frame and headlights, and having a mechanic look under the hood for any concerns with the engine, belts, and alternator first is a good idea. Trouble in any of these places could be a sign of imminent mechanical failure that could leave you stranded on the side of the road, vulnerable to loss of control, or in a compromised vehicle that will not hold up in the event of a crash. Protecting yourself and any other individual that trusts you to drive them around should be paramount, and this starts with a thorough evaluation before pulling the trigger on any buying opportunity with a used car.

Finding the perfect age for value

The truth is, you just can’t be certain of anything with a pre-owned vehicle. ‘Nearly new’ is the most popular type of used car, meaning the vehicle was bought new and then traded in after just a year or two on the road. If you are considering one of these cars, then you are likely looking at a reliable unit that includes all the latest tech upgrades like USB ports, Android Auto, or Apple Carplay. These may present minor wear and tear issues like overspray from a nearby worksite, or dings to the bumpers, but they likely haven’t been on the road long enough to pick up any real trauma that should be a cause for concern. Besides, a simple search for ‘how to remove overspray from a car’ or ‘how to defog the headlights’ is all you need to remedy these minor cosmetic problems that reduce the sale price, and are quick fixes that you can achieve in an afternoon.

Buying a lightly aged car is the best way to take advantage of the modern interior features, safety standards, and high quality fuel economy of a new vehicle, while locking in the price of an older one that has seen its fair share of time on the road. This way, you can rest assured that your new car will get you where you want to go for years to come, without any threat of a breakdown.