Sometimes getting a used car is a better decision than getting a brand new one. This can be because of the price, or because you like a certain model that’s no longer being supported. No matter your reasoning, purchasing a used car shouldn’t be a hassle. Although there are more factors to consider than when you’re buying a new car, this shouldn’t derail you as with a little bit of research you can know exactly what to look for. Most people already know about the standard things such as mileage, recent maintenance or lubing, and a record of any damages the car has suffered, but there are a few other things that can help you make you final decision. When you’re looking at pre-owned cars in Palos Hills, here are a few things to pay attention to that can ultimately help you get the best car possible.
Bumper Check
While it’s difficult to determine the state of the engine if you’re not a mechanic, you don’t need to be a mechanic to determine the shape of the body. Things such as dents or scratches should reduce the price of the vehicle or make you avoid the purchase altogether. However, one part that many buyers don’t look at too closely is the bumper. Checking to see if the bumper panels line up is very important as uneven bumper panels can result in your lower body kit falling apart. Always make sure that the bumper panels line up with the other paneling of the car and you can avoid a nasty body repair job in your near future.
Test Drive
Obviously one of the most important factors in deciding on a car is the test drive. If the seller of the car refuses to let you test drive it this should be a huge red flag. However, once you’re driving the car there are a few things you should pay attention to. Look on the dashboard for any indicator lights that stay on and ask what they mean. Sometimes these can let you know about potential damaged components. Also pay attention to the sounds the car makes. It’s usually easy to tell bad sounds from good sounds, so this part doesn’t require very much expertise. At the end of the day, if you make sure to do a comprehensive checkup on the car before buying it, you’ll likely be far more satisfied with your purchase.
