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Used Car Buying: Make It Easy on Yourself

It's easy to give in to temptation and buy a car just because it looks nice, but do you know what you should REALLY look for in a used car? Used car buying is full of pitfalls if you don't take the time to do your research. Unless you're a smart consumer, you can end up with a bomb that a salesperson assured you was the deal of a lifetime. In this article, we'll reveal used car buying tips that will save you a ton of money and headaches.

The key to successful used car buying is spotting hidden damage. Before you take a vehicle to a mechanic for an inspection, there are a few things you can look for yourself. Go over the body and examine it for rust, holes and paint damage. Rust is very expensive to get rid of, so it's best to walk away from a rusty car. Check the tailpipe for oil because this could indicate a problem with the motor. Check all fluids to make sure that they're at adequate levels and test the brakes to make sure that they stop smoothly without pulsating, squeaking or grinding.

Many people overlook the quality of the tires when used car buying. Uneven tread wear could indicate alignment or suspension problems. If the tires are bald, you should ask for the cost of new tires to be deducted from the asking price. Make sure you test all lights and the turn signals. Check the fan, windshield wipers, horn, radio and other electrical components to make sure that they all work properly. Electrical problems are a huge expense to diagnose and repair, so make sure the system is thoroughly inspected on a used vehicle for sale.

Perhaps the biggest selling point in used car buying is the condition of the interior. Many used car dealers have the car cleaned and detailed before they put it on the lot. Look carefully for torn, burned or stained upholstery and carpeting. If the vehicle was previously owned by a smoker, there may be smoke residue on the windows or the upholstery may stink. Safe seatbelts are a must, so make sure all the seatbelts are in good working order. Don't forget to check the windshield for cracks or chips!

The most important thing to remember in used car buying is not to act on emotion. Be very particular about the vehicle you buy and have it inspected . If you are buying from a used car dealer ask if the car comes with a warranty. If they do warranty the car, make sure it's in writing and read all the fine print. Be wary of the words "As Is". That usually means the vehicle requires costly repair work that the dealer didn't want to do. Don't trust everything that used car salespeople say because they are trying to seal the deal. Never make a decision based on how attractive a vehicle looks. When it comes to used car buying, there's always more than meets the eye!