With the recent vehicle shortages, finding a new vehicle is not easy. Some dealerships have long waitlists for new vehicles, because of the ongoing supply chain issues. Rather than waiting for an expensive, new vehicle to make it onto the lot, many people are opting to purchase a used vehicle instead. While used vehicles can get you more car for your buck, there are several items you should check prior to making the purchase. Catlett’s Service Center & Towing is also available to perform an auto inspection on any used car. We are an automotive shop in Davidsonville, Maryland that can save you the hassle of inspecting the car yourself.
Review the Vehicle’s History Report
The vehicle history report will give information on any regular maintenance performed on the vehicle, as well as ownership history and previous accidents. Some websites will provide a short version of the vehicle history report for free, while the full version can be obtained by paying a small fee. A dealership will usually provide a free copy of the vehicle’s history report if they are selling the used car.
Review the Fair Purchase Value
Although the value of cars has increased exponentially within the past several years, you should still have an idea of how much the vehicle is worth. Avoid overpaying for a vehicle by checking its fair purchase value. Several online tools, such as the Kelley Blue Book website, allow you to see how much the vehicle is worth for private sale in various conditions.
Identify Leaks
When purchasing a new vehicle, identifying leaks is easy because it is a visual process. Look underneath the car to see if there are any puddles left on the asphalt. A car with a oil, coolant, or transmission fluid leak should be considered carefully prior to making a purchase. Catlett’s Service Center & Towing can perform a full vehicle inspection to give you peace of mind prior to making your purchase.
Take the Vehicle for a Test Drive
A parked car can only tell you so much. Taking a car for a test drive can quickly tell you about the health of the car. Listen for any unusual sounds or smells and take note if the vehicle runs roughly. Any suspicious sounds or smells need to be checked out by a reputable mechanic.
Purchasing a used car is not something to jump into quickly, because you will be paying for this vehicle for several years. Please call Catlett’s at 410-798-5446 to schedule a used car exam. Our technicians will perform a full point inspection on the used car before you commit to a purchase.