Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Used Car

We all know about the horror stories of people who end up paying a lot of money for a heap of junk; there is an element of risk when buying a second-hand car and unless you know a lot about cars, you could end up with a dud.

Here are a few mistakes to avoid when buying a used car.

• Buying from a private seller – This can be costly if the vehicle develops a serious problem after you take possession, as most sellers will trade on a ‘sold as seen’ basis. The seller might have concealed evidence of a previous accident or is less than honest about the car’s history, which is why you should approach an established used car dealer who offers a warranty on all of their vehicles. There are some great car dealerships in Fredericton and they also offer low-interest finance to spread the payment over a couple of years.
• Let your heart rule your head – That prestige sports car that you dream about, might not be the ideal choice for someone with a family, or you might have a passion for an expensive model, which you really can’t afford. One must be realistic and make sure not to exceed the agreed monthly payment, as this could lead to debt and no one wants to be in debt.
• Buying the first car you see – This is rarely a good idea and there are lots of used cars for sale; a Google search will help you locate a nearby used car dealership and you can book an appointment to see and maybe test drive a car. It might be a good deal and just the vehicle you are looking for, but there might be one that is cheaper, so you should always compare prices and the condition of the used car.
• Failing to inspect the car – We shouldn’t take the salesperson’s word for everything and prior to making any decision, you should fully inspect the exterior and interior, while also looking underneath for signs of rust or corrosion. A test drive is another must; which gives you a chance to get the feel of the car and if you don’t know much about automobiles, hire a mechanic to give the car a once-over. This would only cost a few dollars, yet it will give you peace of mind. The engine needs to be looked at while running and, of course, check the car’s servicing record, which is contained in the owner’s manual.

If you follow the above advice, the car should be everything you expect and more and give you many years of trouble-free service.