How to Spot-Check a Used Car

Practicality is now the priority when it comes to purchasing necessities. People these days prefer to buy pre-owned products because they’ve realized that they can get the same value for a more reasonable price. It’s not only limited to pre-owned clothes and gadgets such phones and laptops; people also pick used cars over brand new ones. There are endless reasons why they do, and they are very promising. If you’re planning to do the same thing, here are some tips on how to avoid buying a lemon.

Know what you want then research

The first step is to know what you want. If you’re single, you might be looking for a classic sedan; if you’re not, perhaps you want an SUV for a family of five. Determine your needs so you can choose the perfect car. Ask your friends and family for their opinion and go online to find articles on the specifications and features of the vehicle. You can also read customer reviews that discuss the strong and weak points of the car. Make time to do this because sufficient background information about your preferred vehicle will be very helpful in the next step.

Find a reputable car dealer

Buying a car isn’t like grocery shopping. You need more than just a cart and a grocery list. To get your money’s worth, you have to contact a car dealer. There are lots of car dealers in Indianapolis, but there’s no match for the reliability of Fletcher Chrysler. For 25 years, they have been providing clients the top-notch accommodation, honest service, and the reasonable price that they deserve. With a reputable car dealer, you don’t only get the assistance that you need, but you also become open to a wide range of financing options.

Do a quick overview

Once you’ve found your ideal car, the next step to do is to have a quick overview from the interiors to the exteriors to the legalities. If you’ve contacted a car dealer, they will take care of this as this part requires a mechanic. It includes checking the paint, windshield, tires, body panels, locks, and air conditioners. The mechanic should also do a thorough inspection of hoses, repaired parts, battery terminals, cables, engine oil level, and transmission fluid. Last but not the least, the mileage, car service history, licenses, and insurance should be checked too.

Go on a test drive

The last step is to get a feel for the car. Adjust the seat, familiarize yourself with the controls, and look at the mirrors. This will confirm if the car truly fits you and your needs. Take a 20-30 minute drive so that the vehicle is fully warmed up. Within this period, problems become more noticeable. Spot-checking a used car can be quite a hassle--that is, when you do it on your own. When you’re with a great car dealer, it will definitely be a breeze. Before you know it, you’re out on the streets, rolling your windows down, and breathing a sigh of relief knowing that you’ve made the right decision.