If you have never bought a used car before, there are some things you should know. Buying a used car is an excellent way to save money on the vehicle you need – after all, good quality vehicles are built to last. However, there’s a big difference between used car and one fresh from the parking area. On this blog you’ll find tips on how to analyze the state of a used car, to determine if it’s worth the money and fits your lifestyle. Let’s start!
What’s the mileage?
The age of a car in years does not tell you much about its condition. A car can be ten years old and only driven ten times in those years – in essence, it is going to be like new. On the other hand, a three-year-old car can be driven long distances every week of its life, meaning it can cover thousands of miles in a brief amount of time. Why is mileage important, and how do you know if a used car has been driven too far?
The general rule of thumb for mileage is that a car is not worth buying if it has driven more than 100,000 miles. The average car drives about 8,000-9,000 miles per year – more, less, obviously – so if a car is more than ten years old and has been driven above average, it will possibly exceed the recommended mileage.
Was the car ever “total”, or “written off”?
One of the important pieces of information to find out a few used car before buying it’s whether the car has ever been towed. If a car is totaled, it means that it’s badly damaged so that it’s stated as a “total loss”, and not fit to be driven again. Once a car is totaled, the owner can eliminate it, or they can rebuild the car and reassess it. This will require extensive bodywork. If a used car has been totaled before, it doesn’t suggest it is not safe to drive; it does, however, shorten the life of the car.
Is there a guarantee?
If a respectable dealer sells used cars, there should be a guaranty on the car. It will not be as extensive as if the car were new, but it should last at least twelve months. Before a dealer sells a used car, they will assess the security of the vehicle and make the required repairs to make it fit for sale. Therefore, there should be at least a twelve-month warranty that will let you return the car to the dealer or repair it freed from charge, if something goes wrong that was not caused by driver damage.
Conclusion
Overall, buying a used car can be a cost-efficient alternative to purchasing a new car. Make sure you check these three main factors before proceeding with your used car purchase!
