Important Things to Look for when Buying a Used Car

Buying a used car is both exciting and overwhelming. This is a big decision. In this guide, our team at U.S. Auto Insurance has something to look for when buying a used car. We will help you find good deals, avoid lemons, and drive to be happy with your purchase.

Understand the benefits and risks of buying a used car

The biggest attraction of used cars is that they are cheaper than new cars. With a pre-owned car, you will get more huge huge huge huge wins and avoid the first-year value drop. Plus, for used cars, your insurance will usually be cheaper and there are more options in the price range than when shopping.

But buyers need to be careful. The problem may lurk under that shiny paint job. The used car market is huge, with about 36.2 million cars sold in the United States in 2024. With so many cars changing hands, your job is important.

Conduct basic research

Before you start shopping, set your budget and stick with it like glue. Most buyers lower the purchase price by about 16%, so keep this figure in mind for budget. Study which models are often reliable and which models often have problems. Read reviews from actual owners, not just premium car websites. Some cars look great on paper, but quickly turn into money pits.

Use tools like Kelley Blue Book to determine what you should pay and consider whether you buy the tool from a dealer or a private seller. Private sellers usually offer better prices but less guaranteed, while buying a used car at a dealer often costs more, but may offer some protection. Remember that on average, most cars have speeds of 10,000 to 12,000 miles per year. So a 5-year-old car drove 80,000 miles on the clock. However, someone who only completed 25,000 miles may indicate that it is either unused (not ideal) or someone hides something.

Basic questions to ask the seller

Always ask the seller why he wants to sell. This simple question reveals a lot. Also, ask how many people have owned the car before, as usually fewer owners mean it has been better cared for. Do not tip the foot to ask about the accident history of the vehicle; ask directly and pay attention to any signs of hesitation. Don’t forget to ask any current questions, either. A good seller mentioned a small problem. Disheartened people often claim perfection.

Request service records as they tell the true story of how the car is handled and make sure to check any loans for vehicles that may affect your ownership. Always insist on independent inspections, as the seller’s reaction to the request can be spoken out. If the seller becomes evasive when he is questioned, use it as a warning sign and walk away.

Thoroughly inspect used cars

By checking the rusty bubbles under the paint and feeling the edges of the body panel, you can start the inspection from repainting and feel the edges of the body panel. If different colors are visible between panels, it may indicate that the car has a collision history. Pay attention to the tires, too. Good tread depth is 6/32 to 8/32 inches.

Inside, inspections may mark a moldy odor that damages water. Test all controls and view under the hood to check for fluid leakage and corrosion terminals. Below, look for curved parts or fresh paint. Then, make sure to test all the lights, as small electrical problems can quickly develop into big problems.

Test the drive

When testing the drive, start the engine from Cold and listen to any rattle that disappears after the warm-up, which may indicate a problem. Test the car on various roads and observe how it handles bumps and pulls it to one side. Make sure the brakes work smoothly, straight and without any pulsation. It also hits the highway to ensure the car accelerates smoothly and cruises stably.

Pay attention to transmitting warning signs. If there is no clumsy or asshole, the shift should feel smooth. If you notice a burning odor, it’s best to walk away. Also, be aware of sounds made during shifts, sliding gears on the hills, red liquid leaking or trembling as these sounds may indicate expensive repairs in the future. And never ignore the dashboard warning light.

Professional inspection and evaluation

Your eyes miss something that the mechanic won’t, so it’s worth checking out your vehicle before buying. Excellent mechanics will check systems you cannot see or cannot test correctly, such as computers and sensors, and they will also look for hidden structural damage. Expect to pay $100 to $150 for this service. Some dealerships may charge more four-hour checks, but for most cars, standard checks are enough.

Don’t skip getting vehicle history reports. Reports from Carfax and other similar services will show any history of accidents, flood losses, odometer rollbacks and ownership changes. Although these extra checks involve spending money on a car you haven’t purchased yet, it’s now shelling $150 and now beating the $2,500 gearbox issue.

Achieve the best negotiation strategy

Before you start negotiations, make sure you know the market value of the car. If possible, let the seller name its price first. If that is not the case, start below market value, but not too low – we recommend about 10%. If you have a mechanic report showing a problem, use it to negotiate a higher price. Always be willing to walk away if necessary.

Understanding Legality: Guarantees and Contracts

Always know what you want to sign and read every line of the contract. Warranty for used cars varies greatly, and certified pre-owned cars usually offer the best coverage. Different warranty types cover different parts of the car. For example, the powertrain warranty covers only the engine and transmission, while the bumper warranty protects most components. Be sure to be cautious when you take all risks. Some states even prohibit sales at prices above a certain price.

Post-purchase list for used car buyers

Once the key is obtained, it is time to handle the paperwork. Make sure you transfer the title in a timely manner – each state has different rules for this, so check the local guide for more information. Also, make sure to organize your insurance immediately. Most companies will give you a shorter grace period and your new ride is the same as your old one. However, it is best to call your insurance company the same day you purchase.

Shortly after purchase, book a maintenance check even if you have a pre-order inspection. It is now important to solve any small problems before getting bigger. Familiar with all the features of the car and make sure you keep all the documents related to the safety of your purchase in case you need it. If you plan to save your car for a long time, consider extending your warranty options, but always weigh the cost rather than the possibility of repairs for your specific model.

Protect your used car investment with US auto insurance

Successful used car purchases involve research, inspection and patience. Don’t go through this process. Take the time to test different vehicles and ask tough questions.

Once you find the right car, don’t forget to protect it with proper insurance. In U.S. Auto Insurance, we offer policies specifically for people like you. We offer personalized coverage to suit your needs and budget, including SR-22 quotes and comprehensive coverage options that go beyond basic protection. A quick quote takes several minutes – call 773-286-3500 now.

Gustavo Fring’s friendly car dealer showing contracts to customers has obtained PEXELS license