Checklist before Purchasing Used Cars

Used cars are the cheaper alternative to owning a car. These cars may come at a bargain’s price, but purchasing used cars can also be a gamble. If you don’t look closely enough and actually do a thorough check on the car before making the purchase official, you can end up driving away with a used car that will cost you an arm and a leg in future repairs.

Body Check: The Used Car Exteriors

Faded paint and small scratches on the car’s body are easily remedied with a paint job. What buyers should be looking out for are the bigger and major types of damage. Such examples are as follows:

• Rust Damage. Rusting on the car’s body isn’t that much of a big deal, but when it starts to spread, it will be difficult to fix. Check under the wheel wells and hood to assess the extent of the damage. Be wary of rust on the engine though, this will pose as a challenge to fix.
• Frame Damage. The frame is the foundation of the car. Everything from the doors, the engine, to the wheels relies on the frame for support. The best way to determine the state of the frame it to get in inspected by a trained mechanic. 

Deeper Digging: Checking the Interiors

If the used car has passed the exterior inspection, it’s time to dive deeper. Checking that the interior workings of the car are working properly, or are only mildly damaged can save you money. You can either walk away from the purchase and go for another car or speak to the dealer for a price reduction. Here are the important interior parts to check:

• Hose and Belt Damage. Check to make sure that hoses and belts are free of cracks.
• AC and Heater Problems. Sit in the car with the air turned on to see if there is a change in temperature.
• Alignment. The best way to check a used car’s alignment is to take it out for a test drive. If the wheel seems to shake or jump while on the drive, this could indicate an alignment problem.
• Electrical Systems. Although easy to check, the electrical system is also often overlooked. Double check if the radio, headlight, interior lights, etc. are in good working conditions.

 Deciding on purchasing a used car can save you money, but only if you purchase one from a trusted and reliable car dealership.

Safety First: Simple Road Emergency Tips

It happens to the best of us. New cars and used cars alike can sometimes break down in the middle of the road. It can put a damper on plans and become a major inconvenience for the driver and other motorists on the road. During circumstances like these, it is best to be informed and ready on how to deal with the situation. There’s no need to panic or get frustrated, if you take the necessary precautions and avoid certain situations, you and your car will be off to a repair shop in no time.

What to Do During a Road Emergency

Keeping a cool head and having grace under pressure is the number 1 priority when your car has unexpectedly broken down. Take a deep breath and follow these following steps:

1. Locate the origin of the problem. Knowing where the problem lies in will make it easier for you to explain the problem to your mechanic. 
2. Take note of noticeable landmarks within the area. This is important when you are giving directions to a tow truck or your local car dealership who offers repair services. 
3. Make your location known to other motorist. Using reflectors or a bright colored piece of clothing can alter incoming vehicles to watch out. By doing this, you will lessen the chances of collisions and accidents. 
4. Move your vehicle. If it is possible for you to move your car out of the main road, do so. 
5. Contact help as soon as possible. Get in touch with a mechanic or a towing service immediately and stay with your vehicle until help arrives.

Questions to Ask the Dealer When Buying a Used Car

Are you thinking about getting a used car instead of a new one? Used cars aren’t bad at all. In fact, they will save you a lot of money without sacrificing quality. Getting a good deal is more than just about price. But before you buy, there are questions that are needed to be ask to the dealer. Here are some.

1. Who was the previous owner of this vehicle? It doesn’t seem like it’s going to help but questioning who’s the previous owner can get some uncertainty out of the way. If you can get straight answer from the dealer, knowing the previous owner can be as informative as a full service history.

 

2. Can I take this car to my mechanic? Seeing a mechanic is an important part of buying a used car. This is how you’ll be able to find out what’s right or wrong with your chosen vehicle. If a used car dealer or seller won’t let you get the car looked at, drop it.


3. Can I take it for a test drive? Test driving a used car is finding out if the synchromesh is already worn out in second gear or if the engine sounds like there’s a coin bouncing around in there.

4. What’s your cash price for this preowned vehicle? Make your money work for you towards a possible lower purchase price.

 

5. Do you take trade-ins? This can make your life a lot easier if the dealer will handle it for you when you want to sell your own used car.

Try not to feel intimidated when buying a used car from a dealer. Ask all you need to know so you get what you paid for and your expectations are met. Visit Fletcher Chrysler, a car dealership you can trust and count on.

Dodge in Indianapolis: About the 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack

Back in the day, Dodge came late into the muscle car scene with its 1970 Challenger coupe, complete with Chrysler’s famous 425 horsepower “Hemi” V8. Jump to the present, and Dodge has the 2015 Challenger R/T Scat Pack. Neal White of the Mail Tribune had this to say about the vehicle: “When it comes to muscle cars, it is absolutely perfect. Carefully blending the styling of the iconic 1971 Challenger and the best of modern technology, the 485 horsepower Challenger R/T Scat Pack is absolutely perfect.” This superb muscle car can be seen (and bought) at leading Dodge Indianapolis dealerships today. The new Challenger boasts a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine pumping the previously mentioned 485 horsepower, updated suspension, and Brembo brakes. The moment a driver presses the start button, the vehicle roars to life and reminds the driver of the power it contains. The Challenger continues its roars when hard on the throttle, but settles to a pleasant thrum when cruising.
http://www.fletcherchrysler.com/blog/2015/february/20/dodge-in-indianapolis-about-the-2015-dodge-challenger-rt-scat-pack.htm

Shopping for Indianapolis Used Cars: Be Wary of Possible Flood Damage

Hurricanes like Ike (2008) and Sandy (2012) leave behind a trail of destruction in their wake, mostly in the form of dilapidated homes and buildings, uprooted trees, and flooded roads. Among those, however, one remnant has the potential to linger for much longer than others—flood-damaged cars, which tend to still find their way into the used car market. Flood damage ruins any vehicle in several ways. It can eat away at the car’s electrical wiring and seize up the mechanical systems, all while staying under the radar for months or even years. Corrosion and rust are two of the most potent effects of flood damage in a car, as the two often eat away at the vehicle’s overall structure from the inside and out.
http://www.fletcherchrysler.com/blog/2015/february/19/shopping-for-indianapolis-used-cars-wary-of-possible-flood-damage.htm

Why Buy the Winning 2015 Dodge Dart from Indianapolis Car Dealerships?

Among the many vehicles to choose from in the booming new and used car market, you might be looking for one that’s both stylish and gives you your money’s worth from car dealerships in Indianapolis. Fortunately, the 2015 Dodge Dart offers style, comfort, and safety for a reasonable price, and it definitely should be at the top of your car wish list. Although at first glance, the Dodge Dart might not seem much, its features and sports car-like exterior definitely warrants a second, closer look.
http://www.fletcherchrysler.com/blog/2015/february/18/why-buy-the-winning-2015-dodge-dart-from-indianapolis-car-dealerships.htm

Used Cars in Indianapolis: Now is the Best Time to Buy a Used Vehicle

The past year saw an increase of new car sales nationwide, and this growth is expected to continue all throughout the year. In fact, new car sales in January of this year was reported to be 14 percent higher than the previous year, with manufacturers rolling out more than a million units in the market. While this is indicative of further growth for the new cars industry, this also spells an opportunity for prospective buyers of used cars this year. According to Jamie Page Deaton’s report for the U.S. News & World Reports, a booming sales for new cars would mean lower prices for used cars and the possibility of getting great deals from auto dealers. This is good news if you’re looking for quality used cars for sale in Indianapolis, for while new car shoppers might be battling increased demand and equally increasing prices, used car shoppers can get a good deal for less.
http://www.fletcherchrysler.com/blog/2015/february/17/used-cars-in-indianapolis-now-is-the-best-time-to-buy-a-used-vehicle.htm