The US used car market sold more than 40.9 million units in 2021. That’s a lot of used cars for sale.
That’s also a lot of wasted money.
If you don’t know what to look for when test driving a car, it’s easy to buy the wrong vehicle. But with just a bit of knowledge, the chances of buying a broken car are significantly reduced.
This car buying guide explains what to look for in your next vehicle purchase. So read on below to find out how to keep your money safe.
When Looking at Used Cars for Sale – Research the Vehicle
Before seeing the car, do some research. Ask yourself, what do you need the car for? If it’s a general runaround vehicle, look up the model online. Reviews tell you the miles per gallon and the vehicle’s strengths and weaknesses.
If the vehicle looks good from general reviews, it’s time to concentrate on the specific car you’ve seen in the pre-owned advertisements. Compare the price, mileage, and condition (from what you can see in the photos) to similar vehicles online.
If the price is similar to others, you can assume it’s fair. If the vehicle is significantly under average price, proceed with caution before thinking you’ve got a great deal.
As part of your research, also find out common issues. For instance, does the fuel pump break on these vehicles around 120,000 miles? If that is the case and the car advertises 115,000 miles without a new fuel pump, there might be room for negotiation on price.
Visually Inspect the Car
When you see the car, spend some time inspecting every element. Are there any dents, cracks, rust, or scratches? Underneath, are any components hanging off? Look at the tires, if the tread’s uneven, it’s a sign of wheel misalignment.
Start the Car
Don’t hop in the car straight away and drive. Start the engine and let it tick over for a few minutes. In this time, test all the lights and radio. Look for warning lights on the dash and that gauges read correctly.
Open the car bonnet and inspect the engine. Look for smoke, fluid leaks, and burning smells. Also, examine the exhaust fumes. If fumes are black or grey, it could signify mechanical issues.
Begin the Test Drive
Start the test drive in a safe location. Check that the clutch, brake, and accelerator pedals aren’t stiff or spongy. Test the breaks before pulling off onto a road. Drive around in a place where you must stop and start regularly and listen for rattles and squeaks.
Move Onto a Highway
You want to check the vehicle’s performance at higher speeds on a highway. Gently accelerate and check for judders, jolts, and loss of power. You need to ensure the vehicle handles safely at this speed.
Maneuver the Vehicle
Check the vehicle’s handling in a car park, put the car in reverse and parallel or reverse park. Ensure the handbrake works and the seatbelts disengage correctly.
Buy a Safe Car From a Reputable Dealer
We all hear horror stories about people getting ripped off by car salesman. Going to a reputable dealer can put your worries aside, so you can concentrate on finding the right used cars for sale. At Ed Morse Automotive, we have vehicles of all shapes and sizes.
Contact us today to find your new car.
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