When shopping for a new vehicle, it can be overwhelming to know exactly what to look for and which model will meet your needs. Many factors go into selecting the ideal vehicle; however, there are a few key items you should look out for when browsing used cars in san diego:
- Check the VIN
Make sure you inspect the Vehicle Identification Number of a car to ensure it has not been involved in any serious accidents or is not stolen. This way, you can be certain it’s genuine.
- Check the Carfax
If you don’t mind, some dealers will provide you with a copy of a vehicle’s carfax report to take with you when looking at cars. Check it for any major damage done to the vehicle or indications that it has been stolen in the past. If this makes you uncomfortable and would rather keep this information private, do not look into automobiles that contain such records.
- Check the History
If you were shopping for a great used car and the dealer offered you to view their reservation list, print those lists out and look closely at any information that strikes you as particularly alarming.
- Ask Important Questions
Whether purchasing a new or pre-owned car, make sure to ask about maintenance of the vehicle. Dealers typically maintain records of every service done to a car so you can make an informed decision as to what kind of upkeep needs to be done yourself.
- Request Service History
It is wise to inquire about the service history of a car before purchase in order to identify any problems with it and estimate how much repair work may cost.
- Take It for a Test Drive
The best way to really get acquainted with how a car operates is taking it out for a drive. If you are buying new, take the car for its initial trial drive while still new and then keep an eye on it after that point in time.
- Verify the Car’s Mileage
You might think you can tell a car’s age by its mileage, but this may not always be the case. On average, cars cover around 400 miles annually so longer-distance drivers tend to get more out of a given vehicle than those who only drive 15 miles daily.
- Check the Car’s History
Additionally, look into any consumer complaints associated with the vehicle you’re considering. Remember that less than 5% of consumer complaints are ever resolved, so it’s wise to find out about this before getting into a dispute with the dealer.
