There are many advantages to buying a used automobile, including lower upfront costs, slower vehicle depreciation, and lower insurance rates. The last reason is supported by the current status of the new car market: prices for new cars reached all-time highs in late summer, making this an excellent time to think about purchasing a used automobile.While buying used comes with a lower out-the-door price, it can carry additional fear that comes with an unknown vehicle’s past. To mitigate these feelings, ask the right questions to understand the history of your potential new set of wheels.
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What is the car’s ownership history?
A automobile with numerous owners is not automatically a bad thing, but it may indicate that the car had serious issues that the owners were attempting to delay correcting or were unable to fix. Find out from the dealer how many owners the car has had, along with how long each owner possessed it. There should be concern if there are several owners in a short period of time.
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Has the car ever been in a collision?
Although websites like Carfax or AutoCheck make it simple to examine a vehicle’s accident history, it is advisable to ask the dealer up front. It’s crucial to understand how the damage was handled and whether you will have to cope with any consequences while owning the vehicle, even if the accident was minor.
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Am I permitted to review the maintenance logs?
Asking directly can be a smart technique to assess the care given to the vehicle because most approved vehicle dealerships will have records of the maintenance performed on a vehicle. Avoid purchasing a car that hasn’t had regular maintenance because it can cost more in the long run.
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Does the car have a clear title?
A clean vehicle title verifies that there are no outstanding ownership problems regarding the car, indicating that there are no restrictions that prevent the car from being sold. Take this as a warning sign and walk away from the sale if the vendor is unable to produce a clear title for the vehicle.
Buying used is a great way to get behind the wheel of a fairly new vehicle while still saving money. And while yes, prices today may be higher, buying used is still cheaper than a brand new option. The key to getting the best used car comes down to asking the right questions and shopping around for the best financing deal.
