Across the United States, the rate of used car sales are rising. There are a number of reasons for this: for example, used cars prices are usually much more affordable than new vehicles, and the number of used cars for sale trumps new car dealerships with their wide array of options. This makes the value of used cars something worth checking out. However, not all affordable used cars are a smart purchase. Keep an eye out for these five warning signs of a risky used car.
It Lacks Repair Records
There may be a good reason for this, but if a dealer can’t show you accurate repair records, assume that the vehicle hasn’t gotten the care and maintenance it needed. If you love the car, you can take it to a mechanic to have it thoroughly checked, but just remember that the best used cars will have detailed documentation of their past repairs.
It Has Some Noticeable Damage
Ruling out a car because of some dings, dents, odors and stains may seem superficial, but these obvious signs of abuse and neglect could mean that the previous owner put the vehicle through a lot of potentially damaging situations that could cause problems later. The value of used cars with these signs is also likely be pretty low, a factor that could hurt you when you try to sell the car in a few years.
There Has Been Some Recent Detailing
Typically, this is a perfectly fine choice the owner has made to increase the chances of a sale. However, detail work like a recently cleaned engine compartment could mean that the car has a tendency to leak oil. Make sure to have a mechanic check over a vehicle that has seen some recent TLC.
It’s a High Performance Car
Most people who buy high performance vehicles aren’t planning to treat their new car gently, which puts significant stress on the engine, suspension and other systems. This can mean a number of expensive repairs later on, which might make it smarter to buy a new vehicle. After all, you probably aren’t interested in the vehicle’s number of cupholders or comfort either; you’re looking for a thrilling drive.
Your Mechanic Isn’t Happy
Before you buy a used car, you should always take it to a mechanic you trust to make sure your intended purchase is a good investment. More importantly, you should listen to what they have to say: if they tell you that the oil is black and gritty, the transmission fluid is dark brown and smells burnt, or the vehicle has a seen a lot of accident repair work, trust them. Their analysis could save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
Typically, the value of used cars is much better than that of new cars, making them a preferable choice for many. Unfortunately, however, the best used cars require time and effort to search out. For this reason, keep the tips above in mind as you start your search for a used vehicle! Read this website for more information.
