Buying a used vehicle is a great way to get around without spending an arm and a leg. Many used vehicles on the market are of high quality and will perform well for many years to come. Here are a few things you should do when buying a used car.
Request a History Report
The first thing you should do before even thinking about buying a used vehicle of any kind is request a history report for the vehicle. A history report will give you all of the information you need to know exactly who has owned the vehicle before and whether it has been in any accidents.
If the vehicle has been severely damaged and then repaired or has a salvage title in place, a history report will alert you of these issues. And a history report will give you peace of mind in knowing that you won't end up facing any unwanted surprises about the vehicle's history later down the line after you've already bought the car.
Take Multiple Test Drives
Taking one test drive isn't enough to get a true feel for how a vehicle handles. In order to make sure that a vehicle you are interested in will meet your needs and expectations in the long term, it's a good idea to take two or three test drives. Take the test drives at different times of the day so you can see how the vehicle runs first thing in the morning, in the middle of a hot day, and in the evening.
And make sure that you drive the vehicle on city streets, back roads, and the highway to get a feel for how it performs under a variety of different conditions. By the time you decide to buy the vehicle and take it home, you will already be comfortable driving it.
Purchase an Extended Warranty
One of the most important things you can do to protect yourself when purchasing a used vehicle is purchase an extended warranty for it. The car you buy may or may not come with a manufacturer's warranty depending on its age, but even if it does, you won't get to take advantage of the full warranty because it will have been active since it was first purchased and driven off the lot.
But an extended warranty will provide you with years of financial protection by covering the cost of repairs and replacements for many components in the vehicle should something go wrong with it at some point. Instead of having to pay for a full repair yourself, you will be responsible for just a deductible as long as the repair is covered under the warranty. Ask your dealer to outline all of the warranty options that are available to you before buying your used car.