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Used car buying guide

Buying used cars have always proved beneficial for many people looking to buy cars. There are quite a large number of used car dealers across United States and outside luring potential buyers and crack a deal. As buyers we all look to eliminate all the possible problems that we might come across when going for pre-owned cars. But even after a good inspection of the vehicle, it is possible to miss a few points here and there in the heat of the moment. After all we're excited about being able to own that car and drive it away. But carelessness might sometime prove to be very costly in some cases. So it is better to have a detailed inspection and check the car's each and every detail & history before we finalize the deal.

Look for what's wrong before buying

It is better if some qualified and experienced mechanic accompanies you for the inspection. They have an eye to look for those details that we might otherwise miss when we're on our own. It is advisable to lift the car and inspect it from below for any damages from previous accidents or corrosion or fluid leaks that might indicate any scratch or minor damage. But there are some things that even the mechanic might not be able to identify. Things like the number of previous owners, whether the car is stolen or has been flood-affected, rebuilt, junked or salvaged. In such cases it is advisable to get an AutoCheck Vehicle History Report, wherein you'll get the data from a substantial number of reliable sources.

Get an extended warranty for the used car

Used car dealers have now started offering extended warranty and it is advised to go for the same. When you buy a car that is 3-4 years old or older, the manufacturers warranty expires and you never know when problems suddenly start creeping up and you might end up spending several hundreds of dollars. Having an extended warranty makes sure that the losses that you might incur are potentially lower.

Car rental agencies

Buying used cars from car rental agencies has quite a few benefits. They might have external scratches and minor dents here an there, but those can be taken care of as long as the engine of the car is good. It has been observed that these agencies maintain the engines better than any individual. They have constant inspections happening that keeps the car in good shape. Most of the cars from these agencies, in our opinion, seldom break down and the agencies discontinue them after 2-3 years of service. So it is a possibility of you getting a great deal as 3 years in, the agency has already negated the large sum of depreciation. They are also looking to sell the car sooner than most owners would, so be patient and negotiate; you might get a steal.

Car title search

Car title search ensures quite a lot of facts that you might never have known. You can find out stuff that the dealer never told you about. You can check whether that odometer has been rolled back or it is showing the actual reading. The car title search will reveal whether the car has ever been involved in an accident. Things like insurance claims, car being subjected to flood or having a salvage title. You can determine the number of owners of that car, whether it belonged to some rental agency or whether it is fleet or a government car. Also, you stand a chance of negotiation by determining the date on which the car was delivered to the dealer and come to know how long the car has been idle with him.

Common problems to be aware of

Be critical of anything that you come across while inspecting the car. Don't overlook the things that your mechanic might not be able to spot. It is in your best interest to prepare a check-list of the things you need to inspect as and when they come to your mind.

Be sure whether the car has been involved in any accident or the odometer is rolled back. Look for the missing airbags if any, mismatched VINs. These things need to be checked by you. Reliance on some one else - like your mechanic, is not advisable in such cases.

Search online classifieds, newspapers and magazines

Newspapers will help you find car dealers in your local area. If you're looking for extending the search areas and expect good variety, it is best to look for online car portals and research. Thousands of cars are listed online and hundreds being added every other day. You can expect great deals out of it as you have hundreds of options available. You can negotiate better as you will get an idea of the pricing, the warranty details and other goodies while researching for the used car.

Take a test drive

Take the seller or the dealer with you at the time of test driving and ask every question that pops in your mind. Observe the crank time, the engine noise and other sounds that might be heard.Check the air-conditioning and the heater. Check whether the cd player is functional, the wipers are responsive, the car batteries charged and the wiring is perfect.

Take sharp turns around the corners, test the brakes by sudden braking. Make sure the seat belts work and also all the lights and the indicators. Look for jerks at the time of driving and also check whether the engine pickup well as per the specifications.

Considering all of the above points will certainly put you in a great position to decide on which car to buy and which one to skip. Go for the best deal and make the most out of the used car that you buy. Enjoy used car shopping at shopcheapcars.com.

Other things to consider

Most of the portals list VINs of the cars put up on sale and you can run a VIN search and come to know about the authenticity of the car that interests you. If the VINs mismatch, then the car is not worth considering for buying.

Look for car maintenance records, ask a lot of questions to the dealer or the owner selling you the car. You should go through the maintenance documents and look for the frequency of oil changes, tune ups. Carefully inspect the interiors of the car and make sure that the dashboard is not cracked or bruised. Check the air-conditioning and its functioning.

It is advised to take an appointment prior to visiting the car dealer or the owner selling it. Prefer to go during the day. You might miss out on some minor things at night time or late evenings.

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