All posts tagged used auto buying

5 Things to Check Before Buying a Used Family Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2020/05/28 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off on 5 Things to Check Before Buying a Used Family Car
used autos

New cars have some glamour, but can be extremely expensive. If you can find a used car that’s been well-cared for, you can save a lot and enjoy worry-free travel. However, there are things you need to carefully check out before buying a used car.

Do A Walk Around

Walk around the car and look to make sure it is level. Problems with leveling can be an indicator of bad shocks or struts. These crucial tools can lead to a lot of bouncing, a pull on the steering wheel as you try to drive straight, and can wear out your tires quickly. You need all four tires on the road and for shock absorbers to move freely to avoid the risk of a wreck.

Review the Service Records

The glove box should contain the manual. Review this book for any service records logged in the back. If you’re buying your car from the selection of used cars in Gillette Wyoming or your particular locale, check in with the facility mechanic to determine what they found when they checked out the car.

If the dealership doesn’t have a mechanic, or if you’re buying from a private seller, take it to a mechanic for a thorough assessment. Be ready to pay for this checkup, as it could be the best money you spend on a car you choose not to buy. Finally, if the private seller won’t let you take the car to be checked out, walk away.

Get Under the Hood

When checking the car for level, you might as well get on the ground and look for fluid. Green fluid is a radiator leak, while red fluid is usually engine oil. Open the hood and check the radiator fluid level. Pull the engine dipstick and check to make sure the oil is clean. Take a look at the brake fluid level. Finally, sniff. Cars that have been run too hot due to thermostat problems or just because the oil was allowed to run too dirty for too long can have a burned or smoky odor. It’s not a sign to walk away, but you’ll want to get it checked out.

Check the Tire Tread

Take apenny out of your pocket and put Mr. Lincoln upside down in the tire tread. If you can see the top of his head, the tires are too worn to be safe. Tire tread is critically important. Bald tires can’t clear rainwater, so your risk of a skid can get very dangerous, very quickly. You need tires with some grab to be safe.

Test Drive

When you take the car for a test drive, go easy and let the car warm up. Once it’s running smoothly, hit the brakes hard. If you hear a squeak, whistle or clunk, the brakes will need work. Punch the gas pedal to check acceleration. If there’s delay, the injectors may need attention, or the timing of the engine may be off.

If it’s a standard transmission, work carefully through the gears. Make sure you can easily get into reverse from a stopped position. Slip your shoes off and check the friction point on the clutch. You want the clutch to engage at the top of the pedal, not by the carpet. If the clutch engagement point is low, a novice may have worn it excessively or damaged the transmission. Downshift through the gears to check for slop or misalignment.

Conclusion

A good used car can be a great investment, but you need to do your homework. Visit a lot to get a good sampling of what’s available in your price range and seek the help of a qualified mechanic for a final check.

image credit: envato.com

Old Buys: How to Find the Perfect Used Car Just for You

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/12/01 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off on Old Buys: How to Find the Perfect Used Car Just for You

Even a used car can be a major investment, and your next vehicle is sure to be a vital component of your daily life. Unfortunately, it is all too easy to end up with a lemon that requires new parts and expensive repairs. Here are a few steps you can take to find the perfect used vehicle at a great price.

Look Beyond the Initial Costs

One of the most common mistakes that buyers make is neglecting the maintenance costs. This is especially common among those who are buying slightly older vehicles that often have a lower sticker price. Before making an offer, you should take some time to research each model and consider how much you are willing to spend on oil changes, new parts, gas, and all other upcoming expenses.

Speak With an Experienced Mechanic

If you do not have a family member or close friend who knows quite a bit about cars, then you should consider speaking with a local mechanic. A friendly and reputable mechanic will be able to give you basic information on what you should look for and what to avoid. Once you have narrowed your choices, you can then ask them to look over the vehicle before you make an offer.

Consider Your Must-Have Features

When buying a used vehicle, there is a very good chance that you will have to make at least a few sacrifices. While it might be ideal to have every upgrade, you should take some time to consider what features you absolutely need. That might include options such as a Bluetooth connection, great gas mileage, GPS, seat warmers, or an extended warranty.

Research Recalls

Unfortunately, many car dealers and private sellers try to get rid of vehicles immediately following a major recall. No matter how good the deal might seem, you should never choose a model that might not be safe or mechanically sound. If there does happen to be a recall on a car you like, then you should make sure it is still under warranty and the part in question can be replaced.

Narrow Your Choices with a Listing Company

If you are still having a tough time finding the right car or truck, then you might want to consider using a vehicle listing website or service like Alaska Dispatch News. These listings generally allow you to narrow your search by year, make, model, and location before being presented with results. You can then bid on the car immediately or contact the seller to learn more about the vehicle.

Millions of used cars are on the market, and it can be very difficult for the average driver to wade through the money traps. Hopefully, these few tips will help you narrow your choices while avoiding unscrupulous dealers and sellers.

Five Of The Best Cars You Can Buy Used

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/12/11 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off on Five Of The Best Cars You Can Buy Used

Although new cars can be very tempting, pre-owned vehicles are a lot more affordable. Most of today’s consumers understand the importance of saving their hard-earned money. Here are five of the best cars that you can buy used.

2009-2014 Honda Accord

For more than three decades, the Honda Accord has remained one of the most dependable family sedans. Due to its low-maintenance design, the Accord is perfect for the drivers who are on a budget. Models equipped with a four-cylinder engine are especially fuel efficient. If you want a sportier look, the Accord is also available as a two-door coupe.

2004-2011 Mazda 3 Hatchback

The Mazda 3 is a versatile ride that offers an abundance of cargo space. While the regular version will save fuel, the high-performance MazdaSpeed edition delivers a thrilling performance on the road. The hatchback’s refined styling helps it to age like fine wine. In terms of reliability, the Mazda 3 is a well-built car that requires very few repairs.

2012-2014 Buick Verano

If you are looking for a compact luxury sedan, the Buick Verano is a solid choice. Its four-cylinder engine is responsive and efficient. When traveling on the highway, the car’s well-insulated cabin keeps road noise to a minimum. Meanwhile, the Verano’s athletic handling makes a joy to drive on a daily basis. Some of the available features include a touch-screen display, a USB port, and Bluetooth technology.

2004-2008 Nissan 350Z

If you have a need for speed, the Nissan 350Z is an excellent option. The Japanese sports car is fun and reliable. With a total output of nearly 300 horsepower, the award-winning V-6 delivers a great deal of excitement. The 350Z is especially fun to drive on the open road. Due to its limited production, the track-tuned Nismo model could be a future collectible.

2005-2011 Toyota Corolla

It is not uncommon for a Toyota Corolla to rack up more than 350,000 miles. The compact car’s legendary reliability makes it a top pick. It is definitely a good option for the drivers who need to commute to work or school. Equipped with a high-revving engine, the sporty XRS model is truly exciting. The Corolla’s gas mileage is also very good.

All five of these used cars are great alternatives to a brand new ride. Drivers can ride in style without getting into financial bind. With the proper maintenance, you will have a dependable ride that will last for many years. To find the best deals on used vehicles, check out Quebedeaux Buick GMC.

Factors Which You Need To Take Into Consideration When Buying A Used Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/05/20 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off on Factors Which You Need To Take Into Consideration When Buying A Used Car

Buying a car is a daunting task. A used car is comparatively cheaper than a new car. You can save a great deal of money if you opt for a used car. An HPI report will inform you about the car’s history and the repairs which have been done on the vehicle. At a lower price you will be able to buy a nicer model. Registration fee for a used car is lower than that of a new car. Insurance for a used car is cheaper than insuring anew and expensive vehicle.

In this primer some vital tips are shared which will help you to buy a used car.

  • If the car which you intend to buy has run for 15,000kilometerrs to 50,000 kilometers it is a good buy. Check the car for signs of accident. A reliable dealer will conduct tests which will help you to ascertain the history of the car. Door panels can show signs of accident.
  • It is important that you check the engine. Check the petrol consumption and air conditioning of the car. Check the exterior of the car for scratches and damage. Make sure that the model year mention in the registration papers matches the year of manufacturing. You can use a second hand car for at least 3 to 4 years.
  • When you buy a used car you can maximize your savings. If you have set your mind on buying a used car make sure that you opt for a popular model which is in presently in production. A popular model will be easy to sell and depreciate much lesser over the years. Buy a used car from a large manufacturer who provides strong back-end service.
  • Do your homework well before buying a used car. Before you make the purchase read on the recent trends in the auto industry. Plan a budget and figure out how much you want to spend on the car. It is a wise idea to survey the market before buying a used car. This will give you an idea of which vehicle you will be able to afford within your budget.
  • It is essential to check the history report of the car. Conducting an HPI check is very important. It will provide you information on the correct mileage and background of the car. Make sure that the paperwork of the car is up-to-date and complete. This will be of great help when the car is transferred to your name.
  • Conduct a test drive is very important. You can learn about the used car by carrying out a test drive. Check out for unusual vibrations in the car. Ensure that the brakes are smooth. Go for a drive on a bumpy road to make sure that there are no unusual vibrations and noise in the car. Take the car to a mechanics and inspect the underbody of the car.
  • Check all pros and cons before finalizing the deal. If you are not happy with the price you can walk out. Do not fall into traps of a Teflon coating or purchase accessories which the dealer may try to sell to you. After the deal is closed drive away with a car which is insured. All repair work must be carried out before the car is delivered to you.

When buying a used car your goal should be to find a well-maintained car which is in good condition. Value of a used car will depend on its condition and certain other factors. A car with strong reputation and reliability will not lose its value quickly. You must check the mileage and safety ratings before purchase.

Author Bio: Camille Gomez works in a private bank and wants to buy a used car. She has contacted a dealer who is offering an HPI check free. Before buying a used car she has decided to survey the market and check the trends.

New Or Used? What To Know When Shopping For Your Next Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/03/24 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on New Or Used? What To Know When Shopping For Your Next Car

Many states now have a lemon law in effect, which means that you have a certain amount of time after buying a used car before you can return it. The law ensures that you don’t find yourself stuck with some old beater or junker because an unscrupulous seller wanted to take advantage of you. While the lemon law might protect you when it comes to buying a used car, you can save yourself some time and money when you know what to look for when buying a new or used car.

Resale Value

Did you know that a car depreciates with each mile placed on the engine? This means even though you just dropped $25,000 on a new car, the car is no longer worth $25,000. The resale value refers to how much you can sell that car for after you buy it. When looking at a new car, you want to consider how much it depreciates in the first few years of ownership, and with a used car, you need to look at the fair market value of the vehicle and decide if the selling price is a good one.

Cost of Ownership

The money that you spend upfront is only a drop in the bucket compared to the total amount that you’ll spend on that car. Most experts refer to the cost of ownership as the total amount you payout in the first five years after you bring home that car. This includes maintenance, gas, repairs and insurance. The cost of ownership can reach more than $30,000. Before you take your dream car off the lot, consider whether or not you can afford to pay an extra $5,000 to $6,000 or more every year.

Sticker Price is for Suckers

The only people who pay sticker price for a car are the ones who think the dealer is their best friend. A car dealer only makes money when people buy cars, and the more you pay, the more the dealer earns. You can’t even rely on the "invoice price" on the car either. Some dealers will tell you that this figure refers to how much the dealer pays for that car, but it’s usually just another markup. Let the dealer or seller know exactly how much you can afford, and if the seller balks, walk away. No matter how much you love one specific car, you won’t love it if you pay too much.

Tricia is a mom and a blogger from Beverly Hills. She recommends Diamond Honda of Puente Hills for your used or new car needs.