Three Things to Look for when Purchasing a Used Car

 

Here’s the thing, most used cars have had an average of three owners. Used cars make up 75% of car sales in the United States. Buy Here Pay Here Car lots specializes in used car sales.

When you purchase a new car, it costs (on average) $35,000. That value of a new car drops over $1,000 just for driving it home that day. Used cars retain their value much better, and at Buy Here Pay Here Car Lots, you can find top quality used cars that will fit your budget at any credit score.

However when you are looking at buying or financing a pre owned vehicle, there are some important things to look out for. Here are a few of the most important things that anyone can inspect.

 

Visually Inspect the Exterior and Interior of the Car

While many people will take time to visually inspect the exterior for scratches, dents and other aesthetic deformities, not as many take the time to inspect inside. The interior inspection is just as important. Take note of any odors you notice while in the car, if the carpeting is in good condition, and how the vinyl is holding up. These are all factors that should go into a quality car inspection. Buy Here Pay Here Car Lots does a thorough inspection of the interior and exterior of used cars to ensure that all used auto sales look as good as possible.

 

Review the Vehicle History Report

Any used car dealership is required to show you a used vehicle report of any pre owned car you are looking to purchase. A vehicle history report will give you information about previous owners, any accidents the car has been in, and any other problems with the title. There are plenty of used cars at great prices (typically under $5,000) that have only been in minor fender benders. While shopping at Buy Here Pay Here Car Lots, be sure to ask our auto salespeople for the vehicle history report of any used car you would like to test drive.

 

Perform a Leak Test

One of the worst things that happens when purchasing a used car is driving it home only to find a leak in the engine coolant or an oil leak. Ask the used car dealer to perform a leak test while you are inspecting used vehicles (or perform one yourself). Performing a leak test is relatively simple. Take the vehicle for a drive for about 10-15 minutes and park it in a clear, dry area. Once parked, leave the vehicle running for 30-60 seconds, then cut the engine.

Get out of the car and look underneath for any dripping fluids. Dark spots may indicate an oil leak. Green fluid can indicate a leak in anti-freeze. Pink fluid is likely a transmission leak. Regardless of the color of leak, all leaks are indicative that the car is in need of repair, avoid any used vehicle that has a fluid leak.

 

Buy Here Pay Here Car Lots are proud to supply Indianapolis with fantastic used cars and help you get approved for financing regardless of your credit situation. Whether you are looking for a used SUV, used trucks, or any other used vehicle, stop on by and let us get you test driving some cars. Then you will be one step closer to owning a great automobile.

What NOT to Do When Buying a Used Car

Buying a vehicle is a big financial commitment — fortunately, used vehicles can run just as well at a much lower cost. But buying a used car isn’t always easy and the process can be pretty complex. So to help ensure you find the right used car for you, let’s take a look at a few important things you should not do when car shopping.

Don’t start looking for a car until you know what you want. One of the biggest mistakes people make is looking for a car without knowing what they really want. Doing this can make the search for pre owned cars long and difficult. So before you start talking to local used car dealers, take a minute to think about what you really need. You need to figure out what size vehicle you want, what kind of gas mileage you’re looking for, and additional features you’re interested in so you can find the right car for your needs.

Don’t buy a car without knowing its history. With most used vehicles having an average of three previous owners, it’s important to know what kind of history the car has. While the test drive and the mechanic inspection may go great, it’s still essential to know the vehicle’s history report. This will tell you if there were any accidents, how many owners the car has had, and even any previous problems that you should know about. Knowing a vehicle’s history can help give you peace of mind knowing the car is worth the cost.

Don’t work with someone you don’t trust. Because used cars may have potential problems should be aware of, it’s important to buy a vehicle from someone you trust. So when you’re looking into local used car dealers, consider reviews, ratings, and even references. A used car dealer should be very upfront with all of the information regarding their vehicles and should never pressure you into making a purchase. So make sure you choose a dealer you feel comfortable with.

Hopefully, these few tips will help make car shopping easier. If you keep this information in mind, you’re sure to find a great new-to-you car in no time.

Get a Car Without Breaking the Bank Using These 3 Strategies

Purchasing a car can be a daunting task. However, investing in one’s own personal mobility is an absolute necessity for many people. The freedom and independence cars provide are impossible to put a price on. Nevertheless, these vehicles do have a price, and it can be an intimidating one. With the right approach, though, people can find it surprisingly manageable in the end — regardless of their credit. These three tips make for a much more financially attainable car buying experience.

  1. Go to used car dealers
    There is a reason that for the past seven years used vehicle sales have been steadily on the rise. According to a calculation by Nerdwallet, based on the average lifetime ownership of 13 total cars, a person who purchased cars which were only three years old would save about $130,000. This is an absolutely massive difference compared to buying new cars which will perform very similarly to their briefly-used counterparts.
  2. Take measures to maximize your credit score
    Here at Auto Sales and Service, we are happy to work with individuals who have struggled with their credit. Improving your score in the months leading up to your purchase can never hurt, though. To achieve the best credit score possible in your time frame, make sure to make payments on time and to use no more than 30% of your available credit, if possible. This will help you to get the lowest possible APR if you choose financing options for your car.
  3. Consider trying to pre-qualify for a loan
    Scheduling a meeting with your credit union or bank prior to visiting the used car dealer can give you extra peace of mind regarding how you will finance your vehicle. If you are a member of a credit union, or if you have had a relationship with your bank for a long time, it is likely that you will be able to pre-qualify for the loan you need.

For a dealership that offers pre owned cars at competitive prices regardless of credit history, visit Auto Sales and Service in Indianapolis, Indiana. There, you can find everything from service and repairs to help with financing, as well as an impressive array of vehicles to try out. Read the rest of this entry >>