Purchasing a used vehicle can be fun and stressful at the same time.  You don’t know if the person is legit or they are trying to dump something off on you that’s not working properly.  With so many tricks out there that can fool you when it comes to buying a new car, there are some things you should look for when looking to purchase a used car.

Always test drive the car

The first thing you always want to do before buying a used car is to test drive it.  This alone will allow you to get a good feel for the car.  Listen for any odd noises and try to take it on side streets, main streets and the highway.  This way, you’ll be able to test it at all the different speeds.  If the seller won’t allow you to test drive it, you’re already looking red flags and you’ll want to avoid this seller asap!

Get a mechanic to look at it

If by any chance you can get a mechanic to look at it, that’s great.  Take it in for a checkup and the mechanic will be able to tell you everything that looks good and what could possibly go wrong.  I would advise you find someone that you may know so you can get a honest reviews.  Dealerships or some garages will tell you just about anything negative to get your car in the shop so that they can do work on it.  Most sellers will allow you to take the car to a garage for a few hours.

Ask questions about the car

The more questions you can ask, the better.  Ask them how often the oil was changed.  Ask how it was driven.  Did they drive it work via the highways?  Did they take it on a lot of dirt or rough roads?  Even though the driver could be a great driver, he/she can’t control the roads and how it beats up the car.

Know the price

Before you go out and check the car, make sure you know the car’s value.  Go to KBB.com.  This is Kelley Blue Book’s official website.  This website will allow you to input all the information for free and you’ll get a quick estimate on the car’s value.  If the seller is selling above this value, bring it up to them.  If they aren’t, it could be a great buy.  Generally, you can get pretty close to the KBB value when it comes to selling.

Check the history of the vehicle

Another thing you’re going to want to check out before you test drive the vehicle or meet with the owner is by getting a car history report.  Places like AutoCheck will allow you to see how many people have owned it, if it’s been in an accident or flood or if the mileage is trustworthy and more.  A history check is always important when purchasing a used car.

By now, these are some tips you can follow when looking to buy a used car.  Remember, a used car is a big purchase and shouldn’t be done in ten minutes.  Instead, take your time and find the perfect car.