Most people choose to buy used cars because a new car is a waste of money. As soon as you drive a new car off the dealer’s lot, it has lost a lot of its value. However, when you buy a used car, you need to make sure you don’t get a lemon or a car that has serious problems and can’t function. There are four things you can do when shopping for used cars.
Check the Title History
You need the VIN number of the car to obtain a title history report from private companies like CarFax. This will help show the history of the car and set off warning signs about possible problems. Lemon Laws protect you if the title reveals nothing suspicious yet your car has defects.
Dealers are required to give you a written warranty, promising to repair defects for free. Each state has its own rules for cars covered under the Lemon Law. You can look up your state and if your car qualifies. Ultimately, it’s important to note there are some differences to the law based on your location.
Tempted to find out more, but not sure where to begin? If you are reading from North Carolina, researching North Carolina Lemon Law could be beneficial.
Get an Inspection and Look at Service Receipts
Even if you’re just considering a car, pay for a complete mechanical inspection. Make sure the dealer knows up front during your negotiations. If they try to refuse, this could be a warning sign about the car. The inspection will show how well the car has been maintained, checking for any obvious signs of repaired body damage that can create a lemon car. Also ask for service receipts to make sure the car has had regular oil changes and maintenance.
Look for Flood and Water Damage
Sometimes cars have been auctioned off as salvage parts because of flood damage, but then moved to several different states so the title history has been washed. This means the title will show no record of flood damage. This damage can cause electrical failures or a failed transmission. Look for water lines in the trunk or engine, silt in the headlamps or under carpets, and a strange smell in the car.
To avoid cars with water damage, you can use the True Car service to find the right car at an excellent price. All you do is select your car and print the savings before taking it to a dealer. Using its services will help you avoid hassles that come with buying a lemon car.
Take It on a Test Drive
This is the best way to find out if there’s something wrong with the car. Drive the car at highway speed and cruise on city streets. Test out the acceleration ability and how well the brakes respond. If you feel vibrations in the steering, notice brake pulsing, or hear clanking sounds, get an inspection or walk away from the car. After you’re done driving, look under the hood to see if there’s smoke, steam, a strong gas odor, or leaking fluids.
Avoiding a lemon car isn’t difficult when you know what to look for when shopping for a used car. Always go to a reputable dealer to start with to make sure better service in case things go wrong.
Shift Frequency © 2020 – Used Cars And Lemon Laws:
Things To Look Out For