Most new cars lose up to 40% of their value in the first year. Choosing to buy a used car – ideally one between three and five years old – is, therefore, a great way to save not only on the purchase price, but also on the vehicle’s insurance.
There are obviously risks inherent in the buying of any used cars – whether privately or from a dealer – so it’s important that you don’t rush into anything, but rather take the time to do some research. And try to buy with your head, not your heart!
Useful Tips for Buying a Used Car
You don’t have to be a mechanic in order to inspect a used car. But there are some hard and fast rules to stick to if you want to avoid being taken for a ride:
* Don’t assume that a car has a certain feature that you want. For example, if you test drive the vehicle and the driver’s seat can be adjusted electronically, don’t simply assume the passenger seat has the same feature. There is no clause in a sales contract that allows a buyer to return a car because it’s missing a feature he assumed was there.
* Check that the car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the bottom of the windscreen tallies with the VIN under the hood and the one stamped into the chassis under the carpet beside the driver’s seat.
* Check all the documentation – logbook, service history and previous MOT certificates.
* Look for rust, uneven gaps between body panels and mismatched paint.
Before choosing which used cars you want to test drive, spend some time working out exactly what you want from your car. What will it be used for, how many people will regularly be transported in it, and how much will it cost to service, repair and insure, are all good questions to ask yourself.
You are actually many choices when it comes to buying used cars. Sacramento and the surrounding areas have lots of dealers and private sellers all wanting to offer you the “best deal.” Don’t be pressured into buying, and if something feels off to you, walk away. There are plenty more used vehicles to browse.
At Autogator, we have the largest selection of used cars for sale in Sacramento area. Check us out at website.
