4 Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Used Car
Last updated on July 19th, 2024 at 09:26 am
In recent years, purchasing a used car has become more popular than it has ever been; this could be due to the fact that the cost of living is now so high that very few households are in a position to be able to afford to purchase brand-new cars.
This being said, you still have to understand certain factors when purchasing a used car in today’s market.
#1 Is the Mileage Genuine?
It is important that you check that the mileage is genuine. This is because the more mileage a vehicle has done, the more likely parts will break or the sooner the vehicle will come to the end of its usable life. It is essential to have an experienced mechanic working on your vehicle – and that is going to cost money, as will buying any parts; the more times your car breaks down or doesn’t pass necessary safety checks, the more you will be paying. This can make a cheap purchase exceedingly expensive over a short period of time.
#2 Are Previous Repair Records and Other Documents Up to Date?
Buying a used car can be very stressful, so as one check to relieve your mind, you should make sure that the necessary documents are up to date and that there are previous repair records. Even if the repair history isn’t all present, it will provide you with a window into how the vehicle has been looked after, as well as if any major work has been carried out in the last few years.
Cambelts, for instance, are likely to need replacing when a vehicle reaches a certain age or mileage (depending on which comes first). Seeing from the records that this has been done can put your mind at ease as it can be an expensive job on certain models of car.
At Classic Elite, we can help you with all of your car maintenance needs. We have a team of experienced and qualified mechanics who can replace your cambelt quickly and efficiently.
#3 Are They a Bona Fide Seller?
Although you may think that you will get a better deal buying from a private seller, it is also more likely that you will be ripped off or be a victim of fraud. This is because a private seller could just vanish with your cash – especially if trying to sell something that isn’t rightfully theirs. In contrast, a reputable sales dealer is looking after the reputation of their business and is seeking return customers as well as word-of-mouth recommendations.
Of course, when choosing a car dealer, it is a good idea to use one that has a glowing reputation and is well established, such as Houseofcars.com, which has been voted the #1 dealer five years in a row.
#4 Is it a Bargain or a Money Pit
You should also be aware of the difference between a bargain and a money pit. A bargain is what you will get if you pay a good price for the vehicle, drive it away, and have very little by way of issues, repair bills, or additional costs. However, a money pit is something that you think you have paid a good price for but seems to be constantly going wrong, and it spends more time with your local mechanic than on your drive. Unfortunately, there are a lot of these types around, especially if you find that you are purchasing vehicles of a certain age. The best thing that you can do is either move it on or scrap it and see if you can land yourself with a bargain instead.
