5 Things You Need to Know & Do before Buying a Used Car

Michigan Auto Pros - Buying a Used Cars

There is nothing wrong with buying a used car in Downriver MI. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind before you make this purchase. Many people buy used cars and many people end up being ripped off. The main reason for that is they don’t know what they are looking for and what to research before they buy used cars. That’s why I am going to share a few things you need to know before you buy a used car.

Michigan Auto Pros - Buy Used Cars

5 Things You Need to Know & Do before Buying a Used Car

Run a Complete Carfax Report

Carfax is at your fingertips and you definitely need to take advantage of it if you are planning to buy a used car. The Carfax report will give you a complete history of the car. If it’s been in an accident, the Carfax will tell you. If there has been other problems with the car you are looking at, Carfax will let you know. Although some car dealers will run this report, many will not. If you are buying from a private seller in Downriver, Michigan, you will need to run the Carfax yourself. So, use this important tool before buying that used car.

Have the Car Inspected by a Mechanic

Another thing you need to do before buying a used car in Downriver, Michigan, is have it inspected. The car should be inspected by a trust-worthy mechanic. If the person selling the car won’t allow you to have it inspected by a mechanic, walk away. You can inspect the car with a visual eye, but some things need to be inspected by a mechanic.

Test Drive the Car before Buying It

It is very important that you test drive the used car before you buy it. By test driving it, you can see how it runs, if it runs hot, and if there are any problems with it. You also need to check things such as the heater, wipers, headlights, and other things like that. If the person you are buying the used car from won’t let you test drive it, walk away. That tells you something is wrong with it.

Research the Car You are Looking to Buy

It is important that you research the car you are looking to buy. You can visit sites such as Kelly’s Blue Book and NADA to do your research. You can also type the car’s name along with “Review” in the search engine of your choice and research it that way as well.

Set a Budget & Stick to It

When buying a used car, you also need to set yourself a budget for the car and stick to it. When you visit car lots, some salesman will be really pushy on certain cars and you surely don’t need to go there without a budget and end up buying a car you can’t afford. That’s why it’s important to set your budget before you go and stick to it.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with buying a used car as long as you do your homework before you buy it. There are many used cars that are great and then there are some people that will simply rip you off to make a buck. As the old saying goes, have your ducks in a row first. For more tips and information on cars, check out our other posts on Michigan Auto Pros.

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