When purchasing used cars Amherst residents should make sure that they get them from reputable and trustworthy dealerships. The dealer will have had their experienced mechanics inspect the vehicles and undertake any necessary repairs and part replacements before including them in their inventory. So, when you buy from them, you can be sure that you will get a reliable vehicle that is durable and safe to drive on public roads. However, to put all concerns to rest, you should also check the vehicle yourself and get an independent inspection done too by a mechanic of your choice.
Here are four things you should always inspect when buying a used car.
1. The vehicle history report of the used car
Ask the dealer to provide you with a detailed vehicle history report of the used car that you are interested in buying. Run a check on the vehicle identification number to get information about the car manufacturer, model year, and place of manufacture. You can find out about the vehicle’s past ownership, if there are any liens on it, if there are issues with the title registration, and if it has been in any accidents or suffered any damage in the past.
Additionally, you can discover if it has undergone maintenance work if the odometer settings are accurate and if the airbags and other safety features work.
2. The condition of the used car
A used car may look as good as new with a fresh coat of paint, but you need to check that there are no hidden problems with the exterior, interior, and engine. Examine the body closely for signs of rust, scratches, and dents. Make sure that the tires are well-aligned and in reasonably good condition. Test the car’s suspension and shock absorbers by bouncing each corner to get a decent rebound. Check that the headlights, brake lights, and signals work well. Inspect the interior for tears, stains, chipped mirrors, cracked glass, smoke burns, and musty smells. Try out the instruments, controls, and electronics.
Get a mechanic to inspect the engine for leaks of engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant and the exhaust for signs of cracking. You should also take the car for a test drive and make sure that it is easy to handle, with a smooth transmission, and all its electronics work. Additionally, you want to check that there are no rattling noises, signifying engine problems, and no issues with accelerating and braking the vehicle.
3. The current mileage of the used car
When purchasing used cars Amherst residents should look for ones that have an average annual mileage of 12,000 miles or less. So, if you are buying a five-year-old model, it ought to have around 60,000 miles on it. If the mileage exceeds this, you may want to consider looking for a different model. Low mileage generally means less wear and tear, and the car components will be likely to last longer, saving you on maintenance expenses.
On the other hand, low mileage can also mean the car hasn’t seen much action and has been sitting in a lot or a garage for a long time. That might have had a negative impact on its plastic and rubber components, making them brittle and unreliable. You might have to spend a lot on replacing them, and the car might not run satisfactorily even then. It will be a good idea to test low mileage old cars and high mileage new used cars and pick the one with better maintenance and operational capability.
4. The warranty on the used car
When the used car requires any repairs down the line, the warranty will cover them. If you buy a certified pre-owned vehicle, you will have less to worry about regarding warranties. The preselected vehicles that car manufacturers and dealers offer are generally late-model vehicles with low mileage. They have undergone rigorous inspection before being offered for sale.
Hopefully, when it comes to purchasing used cars Amherst residents will find these four tips useful. Buy a used car only after you have undertaken a thorough inspection. Otherwise, there will be higher maintenance expenses or you could end up with an unreliable vehicle with little resale value.
