Have you been looking for a new car but the prices are too high? Well, you may have considered purchasing a used car. They’re typically a lot cheaper than their new counter-parts and have not depreciated in value as much. There is one key tip to buying a used car, though: make sure it looks good.
Pre-Purchase Exterior Inspection
It’s important to inspect the exterior of used cars in hesperia before purchase. A car that is in great condition with a clean exterior could be worth $500 more than a busted up one with a lot of wear and tear. Look for dents, scratches, and rust.
A car with a dent can lose up to $250 from its value, while a car with rust could lose up to $500 from its value. A lot of times dealers will fix these damages before selling used cars so be sure to do your research.
Estimate the Car’s Value
You can estimate the value of a used car by using the Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, or NADA. These resources will give you information on what the car is worth, its trend in value over time and its trade-in value. The value of a used car will steadily decrease as it ages and is driven more. Gaining knowledge on how much it should be worth before purchase will allow you to know if you’re getting a good deal.
Spot Inspections
If you’ve found a car that you like, you want to make sure they haven’t been damaged. You can spot check the exterior by looking under the bonnet and behind the wheels. Check for dents, frosting, and leaks. Use your judgement when inspecting a used car’s interior and under the bonnet. If you think anything might have been incorrectly fixed, inspect it again.
Inspect the Car’s History
A lot of people find out their used car has been stolen when they are driving it. To prevent this, make sure you know all the information about the past owners, accident history and so forth. You don’t want to accidentally buy a stolen car because it is worth more money than you think.
Look for a Warranty
A lot of dealers will offer a warranty on used cars. Make sure that the car you’re buying has one or make sure you ask about it. A warranty will protect your car from major issues such as major engine damage, frame damage and more.
