What to watch out for in a used car
According to Consumer Affairs Editor of Cars.com, Kelsey Mays, several cars that were involved in a recall have not yet been fixed. Kays used the Takata faulty airbag recall as one example of a recall that when not addressed can pose a significant threat to safety. Be careful and make sure that the used car you’re purchasing is not among these vehicles being recalled. If it was involved in a recall, make sure the car has been repaired before you buy it.
Related: Takata, Honda: Two Lawsuits Over Airbag Recall
Tips for buying a used car
Along with looking out for cars involved in recalls, there are other things you want to know before buying a used car. You want to look beyond the price of a car. Here are few more tips when buying a used car:
- Start by searching for used cars online. The Internet is a comprehensive resource of used car classifieds. Filter your list of car dealerships by checking out those located near you and that have models you like.
- Check cost and reviews. Get a gauge of the average price buyers pay for that car you’re interested in. Also, spend time reading reviews about the car’s standard features. Apart from the car’s price, remember that you also will have to incur ownership expenses. These can add up quickly. In the long run, it could cost you more than the amount you saved from buying a used vehicle.
- Review the car’s history. As advised by Mays of Cars.com, make sure that you have verified the history of the car you’re looking to purchase. There are buyers that found out too late that the car they bought had been wrecked. Even if the seller was referred to you by a friend or relative, request the car’s history report. If the seller is confident of the car they’re selling, chances are you will not have to beg for history report.
- Test-drive the car. This is a great way to check the car’s condition. It’s also a good way to let you know whether it is the right one for you. Make sure to ask the dealer or owner about the car’s maintenance.
Related: What To Consider When Choosing A Car For Your Kentucky Teen
As a Kentucky Accident Attorney, I know everyone likes to save money. I also know that cars, especially new cars, are a big investment. That’s why we need to do our research before we buy a new or used car. Doing research takes time, but it could save you money in the long run. It will also give you the knowledge you will need to know what the going rate is for a given car, what other people had to say about the car and what problems people who owned the car had. Please don’t buy a car just because it fits your budget. While being in your price range is very important, it could cost you more if the car wasn’t properly cared for by the previous owner. Always do your research and don’t hesitate to ask questions about the car’s history report.