Most people are a bit intimidated when it comes to purchasing a used car. They worry they’ll be talked into a car or a price they don’t want or they’ll make some mistake that will end up costing them a lot of money in the long run. These worries are especially an issue with people who aren’t necessarily automotive experts and who feel it might be easy for a seller to take advantage of them. Here is a list of suggestions that can help you negotiate when you’re buying your next used car.

Do Your Research 

The internet is filled with information about whatever vehicle you’re interested in purchasing. You’ll be able to find average sale prices, plusses and minuses of the vehicle written by actual owners, maintenance issues to watch out for, and little quirks you might not notice until after you’ve purchased the vehicle. Armed with this information, you’ll have a much clearer idea of what a fair price is for the vehicle as well as any potential problems you need to get examined. You’re a lot less likely to get talked into something you don’t want when you come to the dealer prepared.

Get the Vehicle Inspected

You wouldn’t buy a house without getting it inspected first, so why should you purchase a car without having someone look at it? Inspectors have mobile diagnostic tools they can use to examine the vehicle on the dealer’s lot. These tests can highlight major concerns such as costly engine and transmission issues. The peace of mind of opting for a used car inspection is well worth the money you’ll spend. If a dealer won’t let you bring in a car inspector before you sign the papers, consider it a red flag they might be hiding something.

Don’t Get Talked into Extras You Don’t Need 

Dealers make money a couple of different ways. The most obvious way is by selling the car for more money than they paid. They can also make money on the financing of the vehicle. However, dealers can also make a lot of profit on all of the add-ons, including extended warranties and rust protection. Don’t get talked into things you don’t need.

Get the CarFax 

One of the biggest changes in recent years for the used car industry is the rise of CarFax. With a VIN number and $35, you can obtain the entire ownership history of any car. You’ll know if it was originally a rental vehicle or whether it was owned by one person. If you’re purchasing your vehicle from a dealer, they might provide you with the CarFax report for free. Even if you end up paying for it, the information will give you a better sense of what the vehicle is worth and any issues the dealer might have forgotten to mention.

If you’re interested in a used vehicle and need an auto inspection, get in touch with Lemon Squad, the leading nationwide used car inspectors. From exotic cars to RVs, we can provide a detailed inspection on the vehicle you’re thinking about purchasing. To schedule an appointment, call 1-888-231-7965 today.

Buying a used car can be an effective way to acquire reliable transportation at an affordable cost. In many cases, used cars come with whatever portion of the manufacturer warranty remains when they are purchased. A dealer may also offer its own warranty or guarantee to help you get the most for your money. Here are a few reasons buying a used car might be a good idea.

Used Cars Aren’t Necessarily Old Cars 

The difference between a new car and a used car is how it is titled. Technically, a car is considered used after it is first driven off the dealer lot by its first owner, which means you can acquire a vehicle that is only weeks or months old on the day you buy it. If you do decide to buy a used car, make sure to ask for a car history report to ensure damage or a defect wasn’t the reason it was returned to a dealer. You’ll also want to get a used car inspection.

Used Cars Almost Always Cost Less 

When a car leaves the dealer lot for the first time, it can lose up to 20 percent of its value. Therefore, you can almost always get a used car for less than what you would pay for a brand new one. This is generally true even if the vehicle was made during the current model year. Having the chance to save thousands of dollars on a vehicle with its original warranty can make buying a used car the smart choice compared to buying new.

Buying Used Can Be Better Than Leasing 

As the cost of buying new cars continues to increase, some have chosen to lease new cars instead of buying either new or used vehicles. However, leasing can be problematic if you drive a lot or use your vehicle to haul instruments, sporting equipment, or other large objects. Typically, leased vehicles can be driven 10,000 miles a year, and leasing companies often charge up to 25 cents per mile once the mileage limit is surpassed. Buying a used car gives you the freedom to use the vehicle as you see fit without the need to pay the full retail price.

Lower Prices Require Borrowing Less Money 

One of the benefits of paying less for a used car is that you don’t have to borrow as much to finance the purchase. You can potentially pay off the loan in three years as opposed to five or seven years, which means less interest paid to a lender. If you have questionable credit, it may be easier to get a loan for a less expensive vehicle. Repaying a car loan on time can help you rebuild your credit without putting too much of a burden on your finances.

When you’ve found the perfect used vehicle to purchase, get in touch with Lemon Squad to schedule an auto inspection. We’ll find out if anything is wrong with the car that might make you decide against buying it, or ensure it’s in good shape so you can purchase it with peace of mind. Call 1-888-231-7965 today to schedule an appointment.

Shopping for a used vehicle can be a difficult process, filled with uncertainty about whether you’ve made the best decision on a purchase. It is important to inform yourself on what to look out for as far as issues you might encounter while looking at and test driving a vehicle. To alleviate some of the stress deciding on whether to make a purchase or not, here is a list of 7 issues you are likely to come across when having a car inspection performed on a used vehicle.

1. Gearbox

The gearbox is one of the most expensive systems in a vehicle to have work done on, so it’s important to be aware of common problems.

What to look for:

• Transmission fluid leaks
• Slipping gears
• Difficulty shifting

2. Clutch

Issues with the clutch are especially common in areas where a lot of city driving is done.

What to look for:

• A burning smell
• A soft or spongy feeling while depressing the clutch
• Shaking while shifting

3. Brakes

Issues with a vehicle’s brakes are common, and it’s important they are addressed as soon as possible to prevent a possible safety concern.

What to look for:

• Shaking while braking
• Soft or slow responding brake pedal
• Vehicle moving to the side when applying the brake pedal

4. Electrical System

Though issues with the electrical system in a vehicle are fairly common, they can be quite difficult to pinpoint.

What to look for:

• Engine slow or unable to start
• Corrosion buildup on the battery terminal or cables
• Lights don’t work at all or are dim

5. Rust

Rust often occurs in older vehicles. When left untreated, it can cause a lot of damage. If you live in an area where the roads are salted in the winter, the risk of rust damage doubles.

Where to look:

• Frame rails
• Wheel wells
• Exhaust system

6. Leaking Fluids

Fluid leaks are a common occurrence with used vehicles. There are many fluids running through the different systems of a vehicle, and it’s important to identify the source of a leak to get an idea of the seriousness of the issue.

What to look for:

• Brown or black fluid – When located toward the front of a vehicle, it indicates a potential engine issue.
• Red or brown fluid – If located toward the middle of the vehicle, this can indicate an issue with the transmission. If toward the front, it is likely an issue with the power steering
• Slimy green or yellow fluid – This is likely due to a coolant leak.

7.Alternator

If you’ve already ruled out the battery as the cause of an electrical issue, the alternator is the likely culprit. On most newer vehicles there is an indicator light that will let you know if there is an issue with the alternator.

What to look for:

• Dim lights
• Other electrical systems only working intermittently
• Noises similar to a growl or a whine

If you are interested in a used vehicle and need an auto inspection before buying it, get in touch with the used vehicle inspection experts at Lemon Squad. We have the best turnaround time in the industry and can send an inspector to you. Call 1-888-231-7965 today.