The purchase of a used car can prove to be a costly transaction if not well handled. In some circumstances, you could end up with a used car that is a lemon, which is a pre-owned vehicle that is problematic for some reason. Such cars are usually misrepresented so you eventually pay significantly more than the actual worth of the car. Following are some things that make a used car a lemon.
1. Absence of Repair Records
A genuine seller of a used car should provide a detailed record of the work completed on the automobile. Otherwise, the seller might be trying to hide something about the vehicle.
2. Evident Issues During the Test Drive
Always make sure you take a vehicle for a test drive before making a purchase. A test drive is one of the best ways to determine whether a vehicle is a lemon. If you’re not well acquainted with cars, get a test driver or a mechanic to drive with you. You should lookout for telltale signs like engine noise or strange vibrations when driving at high speeds because they indicate potential or existing problems.
3. Signs of Neglect and Abuse
You need a used car inspection to notice signs of neglect and abuse if you don’t want to end up buying a lemon. A well-maintained car is less likely to have significant problems. Look for signs of neglect like dents, dings, or odors. Although these signs do not necessarily mean the car is a lemon, it’s more likely a person who has neglected the appearance of his or her car has neglected the engine as well.
4. Involvement in an Accident
Although a used car might appear spotless and well maintained, you should try to determine whether the vehicle was involved in an accident. If you find out a used car you intend to purchase was involved in an accident, you may want to take your search elsewhere.
5. Performance Level
If you intend to purchase a high-performance vehicle, the best alternative is a new car because people who purchase high-performance vehicles often do so to utilize the capacity of the car. Consequently, these vehicles tend to have been subjected to high stress and performance that might make them underperform.
6. A Bargain Too Good to Be True
The saying “you get what you pay for” is true when it comes to used cars. If the deal is too good, take a closer inspection of the car. The seller might be anxious to get rid of a lemon.
7. Lack of Adequate warranty
The warranty offered for a used car should be adequate to cover you if the vehicle is a lemon. Although this factor is relative to others like the outcome of an inspection, don’t rush to purchase a used car without an adequate warranty. You might be purchasing a lemon.
If you’re considering buying a used car, make sure to get a professional pre-purchase auto inspection by Lemon Squad, one of the leading used car inspection providers. Call 888-231-7965 to schedule an appointment today.