Since the chip shortage is driving down the production of new cars and increasing demand for used cars, you may be considering the purchase of a new-to-you used vehicle. If this is the case, there are a lot of things you should watch out for when purchasing a used vehicle. With hundreds of cars on the market with a variety of features, how can you ensure that you’re getting a good deal? How do you know you’re not getting a lemon? Before you hit the used car market, consider following these tips for buying a used car.
5 Tips for Buying a Used Car
Sound research is the best way to ensure that you know what you’re paying for. This means looking in a variety of places to determine what the car is worth, so you can know if you’re getting a good deal. When buying a used car, follow these tips:
- Check the Vehicle History Report. This report will tell you everything you need to know about this specific vehicle. This includes the number of accidents, any repairs or recalls, and previous owners.
- Inspect the Car Thoroughly. Check the car thoroughly for missing features or broken parts. This includes looking inside the vehicle as well as over the body of the car for dings, scratches, or major blemishes.
- Examine Mileage. In general, higher mileage signals more wear and tear. This can impact the car’s value significantly. Look for a vehicle with lower mileage and a possible extended warranty.
- Check Under the Hood. Have a service shop check under the hood for any major issues. This means looking at the engine to identify cracks, rust, smoke, or other issues.
- Check KBB Value. Check the value of other vehicles in the area and compare them. KBB will tell you the range of value for most vehicles, including used ones. You can use this to help you determine if you’re getting a good deal or not!
Contact Our Car Repair Shop in Sacramento
The trained car service technicians at Silver Star Motors have years of experience maintaining and servicing all varieties of cars, including German cars like Mercedes and BMW. We take pride in helping our customers keep their vehicles running smoothly and efficiently. Call us at (916) 269-1522 or fill out our contact form for more information.
