Buying a used car is stressful enough, but with shady salesmen and misinformation everywhere, the task can seem downright impossible.
How can you make sure you aren't buying a lemon? Keep these five tips in mind when purchasing a used car.
5: Look Under The Hood Even if you aren't mechanically inclined, it isn't hard to spot rusty parts or something leaking where it shouldn't.
You'd be surprised how many dealers manage to completely hoodwink their hapless buyers simply because the buyer never popped the hood and noticed an obvious problem.
4: Check Everything Check the locks, windows, blinkers, even the seating adjustments if that's important to you.
Ask about any problems the previous owners had with the vehicle.
Why did they sell it in the first place? This is especially important if you're buying straight off the lot without the guarantee of a Certified, Pre-Owned (CPO) Vehicle.
Test every feature and every latch.
Make sure there are no unpleasant surprises lying in wait for when you get the car home.
3: Know Your Figures This requires a bit of research before you go shopping, but it's worth the effort for both your wallet and your peace of mind.
Know what questions to ask before you step on the lot.
Know the value of your desired car, and make a list if you're considering more than one.
Understand mileage and how it affects price.
2: Read The Fine Print Better yet, read everything.
Look for loopholes and vague wording that may come back to haunt you later.
When did the car have its last inspection? Is it still covered by the manufacturer's warranty? Make your dealer clarify anything you don't understand.
Don't be afraid to hound an issue until you're completely satisfied - buying a car is a big deal, and it's worth being persistent and annoying the salesman until you're 100% confident in your decision.
1: Take It For A Test Drive At the end of the day, the only way to truly know a car is drive it.
Get behind the wheel and feel it out.
Are there any jerks or unusual vibrations? How are the brakes? Did the seatbelt light come on properly? Don't be fooled just because it drives smoothly.
Problems don't always make loud noise or emit smoke, so caution and common sense are key.
Stay vigilant, and if the car doesn't feel right - for any reason - then thank the dealer and move on.