When buying a used car, there are several factors to consider. Make sure you know the basics before making your purchase.
Consult the owner’s manual to check your make and model’s specific year of manufacture. Manufacturers typically make changes at the beginning or end of each model year, so if you can’t find an exact match, this will help you narrow down your choices. If it doesn’t have an owner’s manual or you can’t find it, visit Kelley Blue Book for information on specific vehicle years.
If you’re buying from a private party that does not have receipts, research best sale prices by year online and then look up the asking price compared to that number based on condition and features. If you’re buying from a dealer, walk away if they won’t give you an out-of-door price.
Check what type of fluid is used in your honda Fresno model by looking up your make and model online. For example, check the vehicle manual for most standard features such as power locks, power windows, air conditioning, and heating capabilities. Once you have these facts down, shop around to find cars with those features before moving to color preference or other details.
Inspect the car physically for any damage. If the car has been in an accident, it’s best not to purchase it unless you can verify that structural damage wasn’t caused during impact. Remember that a specific area of the body will show wear and tear more quickly than others, so scrutinize these sections before making your decision.
Check under the hood and underneath the car for signs of rust or corrosion on alloy wheels, brake lines, or suspension parts. This could indicate serious mechanical problems within the car, so investigate further.
Establish that the car has had proper care and maintenance by looking through repair invoices, checking for fluid leaks, or finding records of oil changes. A clean bill of health will give you more confidence in your purchase decision.
If possible, test drives the car for at least 15 minutes on various roads to ensure it is comfortable to drive and accelerates appropriately. Even if you’ve gone through similar models before, never assume automatic functions are standard on all makes and models.
Research recalls before buying the vehicle because not all recall notices are sent out immediately after an issue arises with a vehicle. This could cause severe problems down the road, so always check into this information thoroughly before signing any paperwork.