Some Tips to Buying a Used Car

By Ryan Frank

Buying a used car can save you a lot of money, and if you know how to shop around for a used car, you can get a great vehicle that will last you a while. The trick is to take as many precautions as you can to make sure you're not getting a faulty car. Here are some tips that should help you out.

Read the Reviews

Checking online for car reviews will let you know what car publications and car owners think of the make and model of car you're thinking of buying. Keep a special eye out for a car's crash test rating and economy rating.

Check the History

There are many companies that can provide you with the history of a car if you give them the VIN number. Always ask for the VIN number of a car your seriously considering buying and get a history report before you make the offer. A history report will let you know if the car has been stolen, repossessed or been in any major accidents in the past that could signal that it's a potentially bad buy.

Check the Blue Book

The Kelly Blue Book will let you know what the average price of any make and model is. This is useful to know when you're shopping around and bartering. You'll know when the seller is asking too much or too little, which makes it easier to get a fair deal.

Test Drive

Test drive the car before you buy it. Take it to various different kinds of roads to see how it feels. Pay attention to the noises and check that all features work well. To test the breaks and handling, go to an empty parking lot, if one is available.

Get it Inspected

Even if the car seems fine and you've looked it over and test driven it, it's always a good idea to get it inspected by a professional mechanic. If you offer to pay for the inspection, no reasonable seller should refuse. It's not that expensive to get it checked and it could save you a lot of dough in the long run

Don't Shop Alone

Bringing someone along with you when you go car shopping is always a good idea. It will give you a second perspective and help keep you level-headed.

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