Tips for buying a used car
Svilen Trifonov
Issue date: 2/3/10 Section: Opinion
This brings us to the most important thing to look for in a used car - service history. A vehicle with a complete service history ensures that you won't be surprised by major breakdowns, caused by improper maintenance. Many young people make the mistake of buying a car based on misconceptions and myths. They would buy cars with reputation for being reliable - Toyota, Honda etc. Little do they know that an improperly maintained Toyota is going to cost them more in the long run, compared to any other car that has been regularly maintained by the previous owners.
The ideal option is to buy a car you already know. Buying from a relative or a close friend is beneficial, because there is less chance they would lie to you.
On the opposite side of the scale is buying a car from eBay. People who are not being careful can easily get tricked into buying a car with serious issues. The benefits of buying online are lower prices and wider choices.
Once you have selected a vehicle you are interested in, it is a good idea to have a certified mechanic check the car. Most repair garages offer this service for about $50, and it can save you from buying a car with a serious problem, sneakily disguised by the seller.
Let's review the steps once again:
- research vehicles online to find their real value and reliability reputation
- avoid local used car dealerships; look at out-of-state dealerships and cars on eBay.
- look for vehicles with complete service history; remember - every old car has some mechanical problems
- don't get fooled by myths and misconceptions about certain vehicles; a properly maintained car is reliable regardless of its make
- have the car checked by a certified mechanic, prior to purchasing it
Buying a first car is a pivotal moment in a person's life. You can't find a perfect car that won't require any repairs, but at least you can spare yourself some trouble by following the steps in this article. Good luck and drive safely!
The ideal option is to buy a car you already know. Buying from a relative or a close friend is beneficial, because there is less chance they would lie to you.
On the opposite side of the scale is buying a car from eBay. People who are not being careful can easily get tricked into buying a car with serious issues. The benefits of buying online are lower prices and wider choices.
Once you have selected a vehicle you are interested in, it is a good idea to have a certified mechanic check the car. Most repair garages offer this service for about $50, and it can save you from buying a car with a serious problem, sneakily disguised by the seller.
Let's review the steps once again:
- research vehicles online to find their real value and reliability reputation
- avoid local used car dealerships; look at out-of-state dealerships and cars on eBay.
- look for vehicles with complete service history; remember - every old car has some mechanical problems
- don't get fooled by myths and misconceptions about certain vehicles; a properly maintained car is reliable regardless of its make
- have the car checked by a certified mechanic, prior to purchasing it
Buying a first car is a pivotal moment in a person's life. You can't find a perfect car that won't require any repairs, but at least you can spare yourself some trouble by following the steps in this article. Good luck and drive safely!
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
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posted 2/05/10 @ 12:27 PM EST
Thanks a lot for that tips, but the main problem is often connected with the amount of cash. But remember, the car - it's not the luxury, it's just a vehicle. (Continued…)
Svilen Trifonov
posted 2/05/10 @ 10:57 PM EST
You are correct, money is often the main problem. However, I disagree that a car is just a vehicle. People buy cars for different reasons. Some use them as daily drivers to go to work, others buy a car for sheer pleasure and entertainment. (Continued…)
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