5 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Used Car

You’re looking for a used car. You’ve hopped around different used car dealerships in Greenville, SC, and other locations. You’ve even got your heart set on a model you saw at a dealership.

But before you buy it, there are some things to consider. We’ve put together a list of questions that should help inform your decision and keep you from getting ripped off.

How many miles does the car have on it?

You should be wary of any car with more than 100,000 miles. Even if it’s well-maintained and you trust the seller, many things can go wrong at high mileage beyond the owner’s control. When researching the average mileage for a specific model and age of the car, consider whether or not people who drive in your area tend to have higher or lower average mileage than the national average.

Most used car dealers in Greenville county, including Family Auto in Taylors, SC, don’t hesitate to divulge details about a vehicle’s mileage. However, if you feel that a seller is trying to keep things from you, it’s a good idea to steer clear of them.

What does the vehicle history report show?

A vehicle history report will tell you whether the vehicle has been in an accident, and, if so, how severe it was. It can also tell if the car was ever stolen or declared a lemon by its former owners. A report will also tell you whether or not the vehicle has been flooded. If so, it can affect the vehicle’s performance and value in the future.

Can I have a mechanic inspect the car?

When buying a used car, it’s a good idea to have a mechanic inspect it before you finalize the purchase. If not, there’s always the possibility that something could be wrong with it. You can have a mechanic inspect the car at a local garage or dealership.

Any used car dealer worth its salt, such as Family Auto, will have no trouble letting a third-party mechanic inspect a car of your choice. Since Family Auto maintain their inventory in top condition, you can rest assured that the inspection won’t reveal any fatal flaws.

Can I take this car for a test drive?

Before deciding whether a used car is for you, it’s important to take it for a test drive. The good news is that Family Auto and other respected dealers encourage you to opt for a test drive. However, make sure you have a plan to make the most of your time during the test drive.

Test the brakes. If there’s anything that’ll make or break your day, it’s stopping in time to prevent an accident. Make sure the brakes are working properly before you buy by driving around and applying them slowly at first and then gradually increasing speed until you feel them lock up when coming to a stop. You should also listen carefully for any grinding noises. It could indicate something isn’t right with your brake pads or rotors.

Next, test acceleration by taking things up a notch from zero miles per hour to 60 mph as quickly as possible while keeping both feet planted firmly on the floorboard. If this seems like too much fun already, try doing this while simultaneously braking hard on one side of the car using only one foot (this will help simulate emergency scenarios).

Do you offer financing?

Established used car dealerships often provide in-house financing. That means you can opt for buy here, pay here loans with no credit check in Taylor, SC, or any other location where you’re based.

Opting for in-house financing is faster and more convenient. It’ll save you the hassle of going through a credit check and getting your loan approved. While some dealers accept a $1000 down payment for cars in Taylors, SC, the more reputed ones ask for a higher down payment.

However, when you’re taking a buy here, pay here loan, it’s always wiser to choose a trustworthy seller like Family Auto, even if that means a slightly higher down payment or interest rates.

Conclusion

The used car market is a great place to find a bargain, but it’s also full of scams and other pitfalls. By asking the right questions, you can make sure that you’re getting into something that will last for years, not just until the warranty expires.