Buying a used car is a good way to save money and often the only option for those on a tight budget. What do you need to pay attention to before deciding on a particular aftermarket vehicle?
A car is one of the basic means of transportation, but its purchase involves a huge expense. Hence, aftermarket cars are very popular. Not everyone is familiar with automobiles and does not always know how to choose a used car to serve them for at least the next few years. We have prepared a handful of tips that should make the decision easier.
Anything can look nice in pictures, especially if someone takes care to set up the car and lighting properly. Never buy a used car blindly, even if its pictures on popular classifieds sites resemble catalog photos. If you are interested in a particular model, first contact the advertiser, ask about the technical condition, accident history, recent repairs and replacement of parts or fluids. Later, make an appointment to see the car in person.
Once you have met with the seller, seen the car and found that it looks no worse in person than in the photos, you should check its technical condition. If you are not a very experienced driver, take someone with you who is more familiar with automobiles. Look under the hood, check the condition of the steering wheel and shift knob, pay attention to the running parts and take a look at the seats and upholstery. There is no shortage of electronic conveniences in modern cars – sometimes it only takes the failure of one to immobilize the entire vehicle, so check them carefully as well.
Make sure still if the car is actually accident-free or has only been involved in the collisions mentioned by the seller. Look to see if there are any scuffs on the paint and check the gaps between the various body parts. The moldings on the doors and fenders should coincide and be parallel – if this is not the case, it could mean that one of the components has not been properly aligned. Also, don’t skip checking for corrosion points and rust spots on the car – they are bound to get bigger over time, so you need to take care of repairs quickly.
A test drive is a must before you decide to buy a used vehicle. It’s the best way to see if the engine works as it should. Besides, it’s only during the drive that a potential driver can determine whether he or she is comfortable enough in a particular car to want to drive it for years to come.
Have you checked the technical condition, driven around and found that you have just found the perfect vehicle for you? Then now you can take care of the formal issues. Together with the seller, draw up a purchase and sale agreement. Suitable templates can be found on the Internet. Remember that a properly drafted contract should include details that identify the car, the details of the seller and the buyer, and the price.
You need to register the purchased vehicle with the communications department of the city or county government office. You have 30 days from the purchase to do so. Registration involves additional fees, such as for license plates.
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