A car is a big financial investment. When searching for a used car, you need to do a lot of research in order to ensure that you make the best purchase decision. Here are some things you need to do research before you buy a used car.
Accident History
Even if you don’t see any visible damage, you still need to stay away from a car that’s been in an accident that resulted in internal damage. There could be issues down the road that you will be responsible to repair if you buy the car. You can find out the history of a vehicle by doing a search using it’s vehicle identification number (VIN). The VIN will display the accident history, air bag deployment information, and whether or not there are currently any liens on it.
Prices of Similar Pre-Owned Vehicles
If you don’t want to overpay for a car, it’s imperative that you know how much similar vehicles are selling for. You will need to do a thorough research of selling prices of pre-owned vehicles in your area that are the same make, model, and year. Make sure you pay attention to things like the condition, mileage, and added features.
Recall Information
It’s not uncommon for a car to need a part replaced because it has been recalled by the manufacturer. If these parts aren’t replaced, the vehicle could break down. Before purchasing a used car, you need to research whether or not it has a recall that hasn’t been taken care of. If you do buy a car with a recall, you need to get this part replaced right away so that further damage isn’t done to the car.
Cost of Common Repairs
All cars need to have repairs done at some point. Because of this, you need to be aware of how much it will likely cost to make some of these repairs. Research common issues in the type of car you’re looking at and the cost of their repairs. You can research this online, or you can also call local mechanics to find out this information. Some cars do cost more to fix than others, and you might want to stay away from makes or models that have notoriously high repair bills.
There are plenty of things that you should research before going out and buying a used car. This will ensure that you purchase the best car that you can financially afford, and you won’t be stuck with a car that breaks down on you all of the time.
Anita is a freelance writer from Denver, CO. She studied at Colorado State University and now enjoys writing about health, business, and family. A mother of two wonderful children, she loves traveling with her family whenever she isn’t writing. She recommends that you do your research when you’re purchasing pre-owned Ford vehicles and other pre-owned vehicles. You can find her on Twitter @anitaginsburg.