Your Best Step-by-Step Guide to Selecting the Ideal Used Car

You may already be aware of the benefits of buying a used vehicle – one, it’s more economical than buying new, and it is also a better deal if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of depreciation. But while buying used has its proven merits, how you choose your used car will make a significant impact on whether or not it’s worth it. When you choose right, you can save a lot – and benefit from a car that still works great. On the other hand, choosing wrong can negatively impact your life in the next few years. So how can you make sure that your used car choice is worthwhile? Here’s your best step-by-step guide to selecting the ideal used car.

Step 1: find out the vehicle’s value on the market

Once you have decided to go for a used vehicle, your first and most crucial step is to check out the vehicle’s value. It would be good to have an idea of the car’s estimated value, and for this, you can turn to Edmunds and Kelly Blue Book. You will have to find out the car’s details, like its make and model, mileage, year, and condition. Knowing the value of the car can help you with negotiations, and you will know if the seller is selling it too high or at a reasonable market price.

Step 2: do the inspection

When you have found a car you like, it’s time to inspect it. Its condition will indicate its value, and a well-maintained car will have better value than a run-down car. When you do your inspection, pay attention to the seats (front and rear), the interior, exterior, and smell. For the interior, don’t forget to check the flooring, ceiling, and doors. For the exterior, check the bumpers, trim, and paint. Make sure you inspect the car’s muffler, tires, and lights as well. Do an engine check too – if you find oil on the car’s engine, this could be a sign of leaking (or worse). Cracked hoses may not be a good sign, either, as used car Utah specialists like Young Automotive will confirm.

Step 3: take it for a test drive

Doing a test drive is another necessity, but don’t just drive it for driving’s sake – evaluate various small elements, like the amenities (steering, power seating, windows), the sound system, and the AC and heating. If there are warning lights, ask the dealer or owner about them. When you drive, it also pays to see how the car does in different situations, such as sudden braking or stopping, high and low speeds, and hard turning.

Step 4: have it checked by an experienced mechanic

Once you have done the test drive and are satisfied, you may want to have it checked by an experienced mechanic. Although it may cost you around $100, it’s worth spending this money to be doubly sure. You should also get the history of the vehicle, and you can do this through Carfax. It will tell you if the car is well-maintained, especially if there are regular repairs. But repairs done too often for the same issue could be a bad sign.

When you have assessed all the above and have a better understanding of what to expect, you can begin your negotiations and soon enough, you can drive away with the right used vehicle.