What to Look for When Buying a Used Car

Buying a used car can be a daunting experience for a lot of Mesa drivers. But it doesn’t have to be stressful when you’re armed with the right information. Here’s what to ask when buying a used car and what to look for when buying a used car.

What To Look for When Buying a Used Car – The Process

The secret to getting a good deal on a used car at a Tempe dealership is just to do a little homework beforehand. Make a list of things to look for. Better yet, use our list below:

What To Look for When Buying a Used Car

• Exterior: Check for dents, scratches, and rust on the car’s body. Inspect the glass of the windows, mirrors, and windshield for cracks. Test the doors, windows, trunk, and hood to ensure they open and close properly. Check that all lights on the car are working correctly.
• Maintenance Record: Check the vehicle’s maintenance record to see if it has been well taken care of.
• Mileage History Report: Look at the mileage history report to see how much the car has been driven.
• Interior: Test for any musty odor on the inside of the car, which could be a sign of water damage or mold. Check the condition of the hoses and belts under the hood. Inspect the engine fluids like oil and transmission fluid. Look for any black or greasy residue on the tailpipe.
• Test Drive: Take the car for a test drive. Pay attention to any strange noises, vibrations, or smells.

What To Ask When Buying a Used Car

Don’t be shy about asking questions to the dealer or seller. Any honest Glendale dealer should be more than happy to answer any questions about the car that they know the answer to. Here are some crucial questions to ask:

What To Ask When Buying a Used Car

• Regular Maintenance: Has the car undergone regular maintenance?
• Vehicle History Report: Is the vehicle history report available?
• Features and Amenities: Do all the features and amenities work correctly?
• Ownership History: What is the ownership history?
• Odometer Reading: Is the odometer reading accurate?
• Current Recalls: Are there any current recalls on the vehicle? You can check with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to see if there are any open recalls.
• Pricing: Is the price in line with the market value?
• Mechanic Inspection: Can you take the car to a mechanic for an inspection?
• Title: Do you have the title on hand? Make sure the seller has the title and that it’s clear.
• Warranty: Is the car sold as-is, or is it under warranty?
• Out-the-Door Price: What is the “out-the-door” price, including taxes and dealer fees?

Check Out the Reliable Used Cars at Rocky’s Auto Credit

We’re transparent about our used cars and encourage you to ask as many questions as you need. We have a wide selection of quality used cars for sale, so come take one or more for a test drive. And if you’ve found this guide to be helpful, check out our 5 tips for financing a used car, as well as our other car buying tips. We have a couple of convenient locations, like our one near Phoenix, so drop by or contact us today.