5 Things To Look For When Buying A Used Car

With the high price tag of new cars, and the quick depreciation rate of new vehicles, many Malagan consumers look for used cars for sale instead. And while investing in a semi-used vehicle may seem like a savvy option, buyers still need to be smart in their choices. Here’s a couple of killer tips from the Europa Auto team on how to make sure you get the best buy possible.

1. The Test Drive

It’s always best to take the car on a test drive on both local roads and highways. In different environments, you can get a good feel for how the car responds and performs. On local roads, you can feel how the car shifts and responds to sharp turns. You’ll also get a good idea on the condition of the brakes with stop-and-go. With a trip on the highway, you can note if the engine runs smoothly or not. While on a test drive, keep your eyes and ears open. Make sure to note any unusual engine noises and whether or not all of the electronics in the car are working properly. When you take a ride at Europa Autos, we will give you a selection of both local Malaga streets as well as a trip on the autovia so you can get a true sense of the car and how it drives.

2. The Aesthetics: Inside and Out

Both the inside and outside condition of the car play a large factor in value. Make sure to check the interior upholstery carefully, along with any repairs to the exterior of the car. That’s not to say you shouldn’t purchase a car that has been in a minor fender-bender, but you’ll want to make sure the exterior was repaired professionally and that the results are barely visible to the eye. Always open the hood and take a good look at the engine and parts. Dirty and rusted parts can be a strong indication that there may be trouble down the road.

3. The Leak Test

Any car that is leaking fluids is a red flag for a needed repair. While you’re on a test drive, take a moment to park in a clean area on the road, and let the car run for at least 30 seconds. Then, move the car and do a visible inspection for any leaking substances. Black fluid might be an indicator of leaking oil, green fluid may indicate a leak in anti-freeze, and pink fluid may indicate a leak in the transmission.

4. Research Reviews on the Make and Model

Do a bit of detective work on industry and consumer reviews on the make and model to uncover possible defects or even common problems. You can easily do a check by doing a search on Google.

5. Check the VIN

Checking a VIN decoder chart is a quick, easy, and free way to check a used car’s VIN info matches up with what’s in the vehicle title and records. VIN cloning is a scam where sellers replace the VIN of a stolen car with one that is legally registered. This type of fraud can easily be avoided by decoding the VIN of the vehicle in question.

Following these 5 points can be a surefire way to ensure you have all the information needed to make an informed decision. Happy driving!