7 Tips for Buying a Reliable Used Car

Buying a used car is a great way to save money when you need to upgrade your old vehicle. However, many people shy away from used cars because they aren't sure how reliable they will be. While it's true that some used cars are less than trustworthy, there are plenty of pre-owned car dealers in Anchorage that offer reliable used vehicles. Here's how you can tell the good from the bad.

Get the Vehicle's History

If you find a vehicle that you're interested in, it's usually pretty easy to tell where it's been. Companies like Carfax give you the ability to look up a used car by its VIN and find out important details in the vehicle's history. The report should include information like how many owners it has had and whether it has ever been in an accident. You can also find out if the car has needed major repairs in the past.

Get the Service Records

If you're buying from a private seller, ask if they have the vehicle's service records available. This is the best way for you to make sure the owner has kept up on all the necessary maintenance. As long as they have regular service records, there's a very good chance that the car is reliable and in good condition.

Check for Vehicle Recalls

It's important to find out if the used car has had any manufacturer recalls, which might indicate a defective product. Some recalls are relatively minor, while others can make the vehicle unsafe to drive. Look for recalls online with the vehicle's VIN or its make and model.

Take a Test-Drive

Even if you're not a "car-savvy" person, taking a test-drive is often a good way to spot potential problems with your vehicle. Take it on a variety of roads to see how it handles at high and low speeds. Pay attention to any strange vibrations or noises that might indicate a problem. Make sure it brakes smoothly, even when stopping quickly.

Have It Inspected

A trusted mechanic can give you a good idea of the shape the vehicle is in and how well it will hold up over time. Most dealerships and private owners will allow you to bring the vehicle to a mechanic for a quick inspection to make sure there aren't any hidden problems. This inspection usually costs less than $100 and can give you a wealth of knowledge about the condition of the vehicle.

Look at Reviews

One way to find out how well your car will hold up over time is by talking with people who have owned the same car. See if they are happy with how their car has lasted over the years, or if they have any concerns with the vehicle. If you don't know anyone who owns the same kind of vehicle, check for reviews online. It may be harder to get a completely unbiased opinion, but you should notice if any complaints pop up in multiple reviews.

You can even look at reviews for different car dealership, as well as the vehicles themselves. If reviews about the dealership are mostly positive, there's a good chance that they take good care of their vehicles and pride themselves on quality work.

Buy Certified

Many pre-owned car dealers in Anchorage offer certified pre-owned vehicles as a compromise between buying new and used. These vehicles are less than 3 years old and often look completely new. They are fully inspected and come with a warranty, just like a new vehicle. They are more expensive than other used vehicles, but still significantly less than a new vehicle, so you can enjoy peace of mind without having to pay as much.

Source : articlesbase.com