TIPS FOR BUYING A USED VEHICLE

Many drivers choose to purchase a used vehicle to save money on the overall cost of the vehicle, including the purchase price and the insurance premium.  However, you must be careful when purchasing a used vehicle. You may have heard the warning, “Buying a used car is just buying someone else’s problem.” In some cases, this may be true. However, if you take your time, do your research, and follow the tips below, you can reduce the risk of purchasing a “lemon.”

Buying a Used Vehicle

You need to decide how much you can afford to spend on a new-to-you vehicle because this will give you an idea of the type of vehicle you can purchase. Overspending on a vehicle can cause your budget to become too tight. If something goes wrong, you are unable to pay for repairs. Remember, a used vehicle usually does not have a warranty, so you need to be prepared for repairs.

After deciding how much you can spend on a used vehicle, make a list of the vehicles you would like to purchase based on your target price. If you prefer a Honda over a Toyota, list the Honda models within your price range. It is good to have several manufacturers and models on your target list because you may not find your first choice or even our second choice when you begin shopping.

Locate cars in your area by shopping around for the best price based on your list. Keep in mind that the cheapest model may have problems that could become costly in the future.

Checking a Used Vehicle for Safety

You must carefully check any vehicle before you purchase it. For example, when you find a potential vehicle you want to purchase you should:

• Check the Vehicle History Report. You need to look for any accidents or signs of problems, including whether the odometer has been rolled One or two-owner vehicles are usually safer compared to vehicles that have changed hands many times. Carfax and AutoCheck are two of the most popular websites to check a vehicle’s history.
• Check for recalls. You need to make sure that all recalls have been performed on the vehicle. A vehicle with open recalls may not be safe.
• Take the car for a test drive. You need to test drive the vehicle on both city streets and the highway to see how it performs at different speeds.
• Have a mechanic check the vehicle. Unless you are a trained mechanic, you should have a mechanic you trust inspect the vehicle from top to bottom to identify any potential issues. You will pay for the inspection, but it is worth it considering the investment you are making.

Most used vehicles are sold “as is” so do your homework before you pay for a vehicle. You don’t want to throw your money away on a used vehicle that is unsafe or will cost you money in repairs.

Call a Sacramento Car Accident Attorney for Help

If you are involved in a car accident, call Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000 or visit our website to schedule a free consultation with a Sacramento car accident attorney.  Our law firm serves clients in Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, El Dorado Hills and other communities in the greater Sacramento area.