The purchase of a spot-free used car has a lot to do with applying investigative skills and proper research. As a buyer, you need to have the ability to detect possible issues and find out how reliable a used vehicle is, so that high automotive expenses can be avoided in the months to come. These are some of the top tips to help you make sure whether the used vehicle that you are considering purchase is a lemon or free of troubles.
Look or the Car’s History
You have to check the vehicle history report for the car from a reputed provider, given that it will notify you about every potential problem – such as damage by fire, flood etc or odometer fraud - in an accident. It would also inform you whether a rebuilt title has been issued for the car. You may access the details through the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) which is generally given close to the roof pillar at the driver's side or at the dashboard top. You can also carry out a PPSR Check to get more details about the car.
Check the reliability record of the vehicle
Once you start shopping for a car, pick models that have a proper reliability record. It can help you to avoid the purchase of cars with possible issues. You may get assistance from the annual subscriber survey of Consumer Reports, so as to narrow down your options to a few of the most trustworthy models. You can also check out the reliability-history charts coming with many of the automobiles profile of Consumer Reports, in order to have a more elaborate view of the models’ performance.
Know about the recalls and TSBs
Look for issues associated to recalls service. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) prepares a list of every official recall. You should also ask the seller to show you documents related to the recall service. In case you are thinking about any recall job and find that it has not been carried out, focus on doing it as fast as you can. When a car manufacturer notifies dealers about common or recurring issues associated to a car model and how to get it fixed, it does that with the aid of reports called “TSBs” or “Technical Service Bulletins”. Thus, before the purchase of any car, look at the issue of the TSB related to it. Also check whether the seller has carried out the necessary repairs already. It is important to find that out.
Check the window sticker
You should not ignore the car’s window sticker. It has been made compulsory by the Federal Trade Commission that every auto dealer or seller needs to offer a buyer’s guide along with each car that is listed for sale. The sticker is generally fixed to the window of the car, and needs to comprise of particular information such as the repair cost percentage that the dealer has the obligation to pay, and whether or not a warranty accompanies the car.