Precautions to Take while Buying a Used Car

Avoid the big mistake of searching for used cars for sale in Clovis and making the purchase without taking a test drive.

Buying your first car seems like a dream, and it is now a lot easier and more affordable with used cars. Just the thought of a used car here can definitely raise your eyebrows. But you are not the only one; millions of people are now opting for used cars, and even if you look at the statistics of the last two years, then there has been a huge surge in the used car market. Irrespective of the reason, you must know getting a used car is absolutely worth it. But before you move ahead with it, there are certain things you need to know. Let’s check out the precautions you need to take while buying a used car.

Take a car mechanic with you

First things first, unless you are an expert in evaluating the car yourself, it would be a wise decision to take an experienced car mechanic with you as it will help check the nitty-gritty details of the vehicle. No doubt you will have to pay him for his services, but it would be better than buying the wrong car and then feeling remorse afterward.

Check the car thoroughly

Stay alert, and do not get into small talk about the vehicle. You need to check the car for yourself. You can let go of minor scratches and dents, but you need to be wary of the bigger issues, like vehicles with body rust, which can be a significant red flag. Also, you need to check for paint texture differences. This will help you understand the situation the car might have been in.

Moving on, you need to keep an eye out for the electricals. Everything should be in a good working condition. In case anything is out of place, make sure to bargain. Additionally, the tire should be in good condition. If you see they are balding, you should be able to save more money on the purchase.

Take a test drive

Avoid the big mistake of searching for used cars for sale in Clovis and making the purchase without taking a test drive. It can be a huge red flag and can cost you a significant amount. A test drive is a crucial step for assessing the car’s condition. Remember, starting the car should be a smooth process. There must not be any untoward noises. If you identify anything, make sure you open the bonnet to check for any weird noises. 

Besides this, gear shifting must also be effortless, and you should not be applying any extra pressure on the stick. Take the car out for a ride to feel the suspension and see if there are any odd vibrations. Another way to tell the suspension is to tackle corners. Taking sharp turns will put the suspension into action and will help you know if anything is out of place.

Document verification

So you found the car in a good condition. But wait, you should not move ahead until you have verified the documents and the information on them. There are certain things to pay attention to.

• Registration certificate is a must as it confirms the legality of the ownership. Make sure the certificate is original and not a duplicate one.
• Engine number and VIN should be the same everywhere, on the registration certificate and in the car.
• Insurance documents are another essential to check. Make sure that the insurance is transferred in your name and has a validity of at least 3 weeks post purchase. If it is not possible then you can bargain to get more financial benefits.
• The vehicle service book is a must check. It will help you know this consistency of the servicing and if the car was well maintained. But keep in mind it can be forged as well. So make sure you ask multiple questions to ensure it is all true.
• Check the road tax certificate to know there are no taxes due.
• A loan NOC is something to be aware of in case the vehicle was purchased on a loan. This will confirm that all loans are paid off, and you do not have to worry about it.

Odometer tampering

Odometer tampering is something to be wary of. Be it analog or digital, both odometers can be tampered with and made to look like the car has run fewer kilometers than in reality. In the case of an analog meter, look for scratches or marks on digits, alignments, etc. In the case of digital meters, things can be tough. But you can still look for fingerprints on the inside of the plastic. You can also call the service center to get the details of the last service and look for the details easily.

Conclusion

Buying a used car, no doubt, can be an overwhelming process. But it also offers you financial advantages. So, if you are ready to make your purchase, you can consider checking out the options available with Clovis Autoplex. As a trusted name in the industry, they will guarantee you have a hassle-free and safe process of picking the best used car for yourself.