Buying a Used Car Checklist
While new vehicles provide plenty of advantages for many Mesa drivers, others may find that pre-owned vehicles are a better fit for their needs. If you’ve been considering a pre-owned vehicle, it’s likely because you appreciate the lower price and wider selection that pre-owned vehicles typically offer.
However, you’ll want to know what to look for when buying a used car to ensure that the pre-owned vehicle you’re choosing is a good fit for your Surprise lifestyle. Explore the buying a used car checklist today with our experts at Cactus Jack's Auto!
What To Look for When Buying a Used Car
Not all pre-owned vehicles are created equal so you’ll want to ensure the one you’re looking at is in good enough condition for your Glendale commute. While we do our best to help you find the right vehicle for your adventures and provide you with professional car-buying advice, you’ll still want to keep some things in mind during your search. Here’s what to look for when buying a used car:
- Consider Monthly Expenses: In addition to the vehicle’s monthly payment, you’ll want to consider other expenses as well. This can include anything from maintenance to insurance costs and more. Make sure the vehicle you’re considering fits your budget.
- Research Reviews: From real-world owners to critics, ensure that you read up on some reviews on the vehicle you’re interested in.
- Overall Inspection: Check for leaks, damages, and other hidden issues that could come up during your ownership. Inspect the vehicle and make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into.
- Test Drive: If possible, start the vehicle and take it out on a test drive. Doing so will help you make sure that all the lights work and the vehicle drivers smoothly. Make sure to listen for noises and drive at various speeds to ensure the vehicle is working as intended.
Buying a Used Car Checklist – Things To Inspect
While we try to ensure that the pre-owned vehicles we’re offering are of the highest quality, we recommend that you still bring your vehicle to a trusted service center so that you can have it inspected. When you’re getting the vehicle inspected, here are some things to look out for:
- Exterior: From your windshield to your body panels, ensure that there are no cracks, dents, or any signs of an accident that have been repaired.
- Tires: Make sure that all tires are from the same brand and that every tire, including the spare, is in good condition.
- Engine: Listen for any unusual noises and ensure that your engine oil and other fluids are clean.
- Suspension: Ensure that the suspension is in good working order and the vehicle drives straight. You’ll want to ensure that the vehicle is stable at all times when you’re behind the wheel.
- Brakes: Does the vehicle stop smoothly without any noises? Ensure the parking brake works and there are no clunking or clicking noises when you’re stopping and accelerating.
- Interior: You’ll want to make sure that every door closes, the upholstery is in good condition, and all the interior features work. From the AC system to your windshield wipers, make sure that everything is in working order.
- Miscellaneous: An added bonus is when the vehicle you’re purchasing has an owner’s manual or repair records you can review.
Find a High-Quality Vehicle at Cactus Jack's Auto!
With your buying a used car checklist in hand, you’re ready to find the perfect vehicle for your Phoenix travels. Work with Cactus Jack's Auto today! All you have to do to get started is reach out to our team online.
