Buying a used car can be a daunting prospect. There are more risks associated with buying a used car than a brand new auto but, if you avoid the following mistakes, you can minimise the possibility of being ripped off and ensure that your purchase is in good condition and will last you a long time. Before you even set food on the forecourt of a garage, make sure you’ve done your homework about the make and model of car you are interested in purchasing. You need to make sure the car is what you are looking for in terms of features, petrol consumption and specification. There are a myriad of online resources as well as magazines that can help you. Never, ever, ever make a decision about a car on how it looks aesthetically. Some people will do almost anything to make their car appear more attractive to potential buyers in the hope that they won’t notice that the exhaust pipe is about to drop off! In fact, how your car looks from the outside should be the least of your considerations. You need to be concerned with what’s underneath the bonnet. Ask if you can get the car onto a ramp so that you can see underneath the vehicle – if the seller isn’t keen to let you do that then the alarm bells should be ringing. If you’re looking to buy a used car with a warranty then you need to buy from an auto dealership. A private seller isn’t going to guarantee the car you’re buying from them. You should also make enquiries as to the history of the vehicle. Check the service records to make sure the car has been serviced regularly, although these may be a bit erratic if the vehicle has had several owners. The biggest mistake you could make when buying a used car is not to test-drive it. Before you even get in the vehicle, however, you should take a walk around the car and check it over visually. Once you’re behind the wheel then you need to ask yourself how the car feels to drive. Do you feel comfortable in the car? If you can, start the engine when it’s cold to see if that’s going to pose a problem. And don’t whatever you do test drive the car with the radio on – you need to be able to hear the sound of the engine. When it comes to the bodywork make sure that there are no ‘ripples’ in any of the door panels as this is a sure sign that the car has been in an accident. Open and close all the doors – and the trunk. Check the heating, the air conditioning, the radio and electric windows. Lastly, don’t go alone. If you know an expert or a mechanic (that you trust!) then take them along so that they can inspect the vehicle – they will see things that you won’t and know what questions to ask. Category:Home › Autos • Will the trend toward economy-size car models lead Americans back to buying smaller-sized cars? — part 2 • You should never use after-market auto parts when maintaining or fixing your car • Should a new car be rust-proofed? • Will the trend toward economy-size car models lead Americans back to buying smaller-sized cars? — part 1 • Five safest cars in North America • How to ensure your teen drives safely after getting a license • Pros and cons of using an hydrogen generator for your car • DIY automotive maintenance: How to change the oil
