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There are a lot of differences between old cars and new cars. The main difference is the price, but there are other things that need to be considered when a used car is being purchased.
1. Check the Mileage
If you have the desire to look at a used car it is going to be in your best interest to consider the mileage of this vehicle. A car with high miles is going to need a lot of maintenance. You may have to do a lot more if you are planning to for scheduled repairs if you are considering a used car with high miles. You are simply going to need to expect that there will be issues like shocks, brakes and alternators that may need to be replaced.
2. Compare The Insurance Rates
People that are trying to compare new and used cars will find out that there are major differences here. One of the big differences in the cost of car insurance. New cars are you are going to require a lot more coverage and higher rates because these are vehicles that have not depreciated in value yet. The used cars, however, can sometimes be purchased in cash. When a car is paid in full the owner does not have to get comprehensive coverage. They can simply get liability and get a much cheaper rate.
3. Research The Vehicle/ Recalls
It is a smart idea to research the vehicle and look at how much will be spent on any possible repairs for the type of vehicle that you are purchasing. Some cars are limited editions. Others may be older models with parts that are hard to find. It is good to consider all of these things when a purchase is being made.
Sometimes owners of vehicles take their cars in for recall issues, but there are some cars that may have recall issues where the vehicles have not been serviced. It is good to inquire about this if there were any recalls on the particular model that you are trying to acquire.
4. Ask About The Warranty
When you are buying from a dealership it’s good to ask if there is a warranty on this used car. Many car dealerships that sell used cars will get these cars inspected by the mechanics that work for the service department. Cars that are in good condition will be often placed on a warranty for people that are getting a used car from a dealership. This is what separates the dealers from car owners that are selling cars themselves.
When you are buying from someone that owns the car you are buying it in an “as-is” condition. When you acquire a used car from a dealership you have a 90-day warranty in most cases. Some cars that have been leased by the dealership will actually come with a warranty that is similar to a new vehicle. It is good to get all of this information upfront.
It is never wise to assume that this is the case just because the car has low mileage. There are cars that have low mileage that is still older cars that may not be covered by the same warranty as other used cars that are being sold.
5. Inquire About Number of Owners / Vehicle History
When you acquire a used vehicle it is a good idea to take a look at the vehicle history. There are reports that can tell you how many owners have possessed this car. It is good to look at cars that have one owner because this means that the car has not been driven by multiple people that have different styles of driving. Multiple drivers tend to put more wear-and-tear on a car than one that is driven by a single owner.
6. Search For The Best Deal
A wide range of consumers that are in the market for a car will automatically assume that they are getting the best deal because they are avoiding a new car and getting a used one. This is not always the case. It is still good to compare prices and make sure that you are getting the best deal for the used car that you are trying to obtain.
Sometimes it may work better if you consider a similar car that may have higher miles. There are cars that have basic features that are going to be less than used cars that you are looking at that may have a deluxe package with a number of add-ons. It is good to look at all the things that can help reduce the price of the used car. You do not want to find yourself with a used car that is going to cost you almost as much as a new car could have cost once you start the financing process.
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