Used car shopping can be overwhelming, especially when you’ve had little to no preparation. With so much new information being processed at once, it can be easy to lose focus of the most important details.
No two vehicles are alike, and when you peruse Dells Auto's inventory of cars, trucks, and SUVs, you'll be presented with a multitude of unique choices. Here are five tips to help you identify exactly what you should be looking for in a used vehicle to ensure you’re driving off our lot with a reliable ride:
Just as we all have personal records documenting our lifetimes of accomplishments and misdeeds, every vehicle has its own recorded history. It's important to research a car’s track record prior to making a purchase, as it allows you to see all previous ownership and any accidents the vehicle may have been involved in.
When a professional athlete has a history of recurring injuries, smart teams are hesitant to offer a long-term contract. Likewise, if the vehicle you're interested in reveals a history of excessive baggage, you should pause before signing the dotted line. Use CARFAX, AutoCheck, or a similar VIN history service to get the dirt on your potential next vehicle before you commit to it.
While a vehicle’s history gives you its comprehensive life’s tale, its odometer is often enough to give you a general outline of its story. Traditionally, the more mileage a vehicle accrues, the more likely it is to require service. A car's longevity also often depends on its brand, so make sure to research which auto makers have the strongest reputation when it comes to manufacturing durable vehicles.
The ideal used vehicle either a.) has a reasonably low odometer reading, or b.) comes from a reliable brand. Compare any potential vehicle’s odometer reading with its age to determine how much wear and tear it’s already endured under previous ownership.
Leave no space unturned when surveying both the interior and exterior of the vehicle. Some surface blemishes will be obvious, such as dents, scrapes, and frayed paint. But you’ll also want to closely inspect the tread of its tires and the condition of everything under the hood. Check the under-body for signs of rust and leaking fluids. In doing so, you should be able to confirm the information purported in the vehicle’s history.
Don’t neglect the interior of the car either. We recommend a test drive (see below), but at the very least, turn the car on to make sure electronics and other features are starting properly. Make sure every button on the dashboard is intact and functional, and be aware of any unusual odors or tarnishes to the upholstery. Even if these issues don’t affect the overall performance of the car, they may help you negotiate down to your preferred price range.
There’s no better way to get a feel for a used car than by taking the wheel for yourself. Ask for a test drive before making any decision. Put the car through its paces: test the acceleration and brakes, make turns both sharp and wide, and drive it on a variety of surfaces, from highways to off-road terrain.
Your car is responsible for keeping you on the road regardless of the season or situation; make sure you test out as many scenarios as possible before you finalize your purchase.
As with making any major life decision, it never hurts to have a second pair of eyes watching your back. Prioritize getting an expert to act as consultant if you're able to do so; making an appointment with an independent mechanic, though time-consuming, will alleviate much of your car-buying anxiety.
At the very least, bring a friend or family member with you to the dealership - ideally one with automotive knowledge. Share with them your checklist of priorities you want detailed, in case you get sidetracked while dealing with the salesperson.
If you’ve followed all these steps and you’re satisfied with your findings, you should be good to go! You’ve researched the car, taken its odometer reading, inspected it inside and out, driven it for yourself, and gotten a secondary opinion. If you're on the opposite end of the spectrum and looking to sell, we've got you covered there too!
Here at Dells Auto, we're confident our collection of used vehicles will live up to your car-buying criteria. The biggest dilemma you'll be faced with is choosing which one to take off our lot.