Secrets to Smart Used Car Buying

If you’re a first-time car buyer, shopping for a new or used car can be overwhelming. While you may have a certain car style in mind, there are four other criteria to consider before you finalize your decision.

Safety

Used cars offer consumers a better chance at selecting a vehicle than new ones. When new vehicles pass crash tests, the evaluations do not always reveal other safety hazards. It is often the new vehicle owners, who detect the perils of a new car models.

Fortunately, used car consumers may do the due diligence to determine if a car has been recalled. Additionally, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) maintains vehicle safety reports and trends. The federally funded website NHSTA.gov serves as a great resource for testing vehicle safety.

Gas Mileage

When shopping for a used car, gas mileage is subjective. For instance, a car with a V6 engine requires less fuel. It does not have the same pick up speed as a V-8 engine, which consumes more gas. Also, the style of a car influences its gas mileage. If you spend more than 10 hours travelling to work or school, fuel efficiency is key priority, than it is for the person, who commutes less than five hours a week.

Budget

The price listed on the windshield is not the only financial factor. The auto buying budget also includes car insurance, repairs, monthly fuels costs, parking and tolls as well as the monthly car note. Remember to calculate these other expenses to determine how much your monthly income can afford.

Test driving

How a vehicle handles on the road during the test drive illustrates a telltale sign of car’s performance.

Evaluate the following aspects:

• How does the car accelerate? Is it smooth or hesitant?
• Doe the vehicle hug the road on turns?
• Are there any blind-spots?
• Are there any peculiar noises?

Don’t forget to test the air conditioner. Remember to inquire about the car’s history. Check the vehicle history for regular oil changes. Also, make sure the car was not involved in a major accident, portending potential problems.

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