When we purchase anything, we want to make sure that it works – even if it’s a second-hand model. The same is true if you’re on the lookout for a used vehicle – you’d want to be doubly assured that it’s in relatively good condition, and its value and the price you pay for it are worth what it is on the market. But after doing a careful visual inspection of the vehicle and doing a test drive, there are some other things you can do to make your car purchase worthwhile – such as having the vehicle checked and evaluated by a mechanic and learning the balance between its age and its mileage. So on top of checking what needs checking, what else is there to consider? Here are the main things you should remember when buying a used car today.
1. Get it inspected and looked at by a mechanic
The thing with buying a car is that it not only has to undergo a visual inspection but also a mechanical inspection from a certified individual – such as a mechanic. The assessment by a mechanic could tell you a lot of things about the vehicle – things you would never have thought of yourself. It is often referred to as a pre-purchase inspection, and the pre-purchase inspection can cost upwards of a hundred dollars – and it’s completely worth it. It can prevent you from buying a vehicle with serious issues. Whatever happens, remember this – it’s best not to rely on the seller’s mechanic or any other representative. In short, trust no one – but trust your independent source.
2. Check out the vehicle’s history
Another thing you have to do is check out the vehicle’s history – this can be quickly done by ordering the history through Carfax. You would need the vehicle’s VIN (vehicle identification number) and license plate – but once again, it’s well worth it. If you see a pattern of repairs and maintenance, this is a good sign – as it tells you that a vehicle is well-maintained and the owner followed the recommendations for a check-up. But on the other hand, repairs that may be too frequent or malfunctions of the same issue could indicate a chronic or recurring problem – which may be the actual reason why the seller wants to get rid of their car, as a trusted used car Utah company like Young Automotive will tell you!
3. Think about the relationship between mileage and age
Consider this – what is more important, the mileage or the age? There has been a lot of debate over the years, and until now, no one can agree. When it comes to age, a vehicle can depreciate by as much as 60 percent in the first five years alone, and after that, it declines more gradually. But when it comes to mileage, an average vehicle will be driven around 10k to 15k a year. The thing is, mileage and age go hand in hand, and one cannot exist without the other. So you are looking at a balance between the two. For example, if a vehicle is about five years of age and it’s got 60k miles on the odometer, the value is dependent on age because the miles driven are consistent with a car that is five years old. But when a car is the same age but the odometer reads 80k, it will be excessive – which can lower the car’s value.