Dealers Dealers Dealers Dealers Dealers Dealers Dealers Dealers Dealers
 

Searching for a Used Car

1. Know Your Budget. Be Realistic!

The monthly payment should never be more than 20% of your take-home pay.

2. Make Two Lists

This way you can make smart trade-off decisions.

3. Does the Used Car Pass Required Smog or Emissions Tests?

Understand the smog or emissions restrictions where you live to make sure the vehicle fits the requirements.

4. What to Look for Under the Hood

An important tip to buy a used car is to make sure the vehicle has been taken care of properly.

5. Check Hoses and Belts

The radiator hoses should not be soft or cracked. A bad radiator hose could burst, causing extensive damage to your vehicle.

6. Are there any Warning Lights When You Turn on the Car?

Do any lights stay lit on the dashboard? A lit “check engine” light doesn’t always mean a serious problem. It could be due to a temporary condition such as a change in humidity or an unsecured gas cap.

Ask the seller how long it has been on, and note if the “check engine” light is solid or blinking. Generally, the latter is much more serious. A mechanic can tell you the cause by running a simple diagnostic test.

7. Listen for Vehicle Noises

Listen for clunks or other strange noises when you idle or accelerate. There should be no pings, pops, knocks, or backfires. If something doesn’t sound right, it probably isn’t.

8. Run the Heater / Air Conditioner / CD Player / Radio

This is a surprising, yet important tip when buying a used car. Make sure the amenities such as heat, air, radio, CD player work to your liking.

9. Find a Vehicle History Report

History reports are inexpensive and provide valuable information for purchasing decisions. Reports include details on accidents, flood damage, number of previous owners, VIN verification, actual mileage, and recall checks. If you are considering buying a used car from a dealer, ask to see a vehicle history report from CARFAX or similar service.

10. KISS: Keep It Simple Silly

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Buying from a dealer you can trust will help you avoid the lemons and find a quality vehicle you can enjoy for many years to come!

 

Used Car Lot


Proud Member
of the
Trusted Used Car Dealers Network

LocalUsedCars.netUsedCarLot.orgBuyHerePayHereUsedCars.comUsedCarsIn.netUsedCarDealerNews.com
LocalUsedCars.org UsedCarDealerReviews.comBuyHerePayHereCars.orgWeFinanceCars.org


Now Streaming
The Used Car Dealers Network On ROKU
Cars • Used Car LotLocal Used Cars • Used Cars


Co Sponsors

9thIslandKitchin.comLasVegasGrapevine.comDigitalDrivein.tvCommunityBlackjack.netddmPromo.com
ddmPromotions.comDriveinMovies.orgiMoviesOnDemand.comRetroMovieClub.comPhoenixEntertainment.org
ThreePayAuto.com3PayAuto.comTriplePayAuto.comWesternHelp.com