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Is there such a thing as quality used cars for sale?

Buying a used car can be a risky proposition. You can never trust what the buyer says about the car. Even getting an inspection done on the car won’t tell you everything you want to know. Test driving a car only means that the car drove well for one short trip. However, it is certainly possible to buy a quality used car. It is also easy to find great auto insurance options with our FREE comparison tool above. Simply enter your ZIP code and start comparing!

Buy From a Dealer

Getting a quality used car is a lot easier when you buy from a dealer. This is because they will inspect the car before they try and sell it again. All the proper repairs will be made if necessary. No dealer wants to be known as the one that sells shoddy used cars. A partial warranty may also be available if you buy it from the dealer.

Look for Signs of Damage

There are some signs of damage that you can spot just by looking at the car. Any fluid that you see dripping from the car could represent an oil leak. Paint that does not match the rest of the car could signify a recent repair job. Rust on the body of the car is another warning sign that it is worse for the wear. You may want to reconsider purchasing any car that has such obvious problems with it.

Check the Maintenance Records

The previous owner should have kept good records regarding any work done to the car. Failure to do so could mean that the owner has something to hide. Be wary of any car that does not have proper maintenance records available to inspect. A car that has all of its maintenance records is a good indication that the owner has kept up with a solid maintenance schedule.

Look Under the Hood

Taking a look at the engine is another good indicator of how well the car has been taken care of. All fluids should be at sufficient levels. Low fluid levels could signal oil leaks that can lead to your engine seizing up unless you fix it. Sludge in the engine could mean that the oil has not been changed in awhile. Not changing the oil in a car can seriously damage the engine.

Drive the Vehicle

Always drive a car before you buy it. You may decide that you don’t like the car even if it runs well. Listen carefully for any strange noises that are coming from the car. Squeaky brakes, a knock in the engine or grinding gears are all signs of repairs that need to be made as soon as possible. Anything that restricts the flow of air could hinder the heating and air conditioning in the car. These are all repairs that could cost you hundreds of dollars at a minimum.

Get a Vehicle History Report

The best way to know that a car has not been damaged in the past is to get a vehicle history report. These are generally easier to get when you buy a used car from a dealer. Getting this report will show you everything that has been reported on the car. Information included in these reports are a list of previous owners, prior accidents and an official odometer reading on the car. You never want to buy a car that has had its odometer rolled back.

Consider a Newer Vehicle

Used cars are typically more reliable the younger they are. Purchasing a 2011 model year car does not pose you a serious risk of buying a lemon. Newer cars can also qualify you for car insurance discounts. Go to any insurance site to get a quote on your used vehicle. All you have to do is enter your ZIP code to get started. Consider a newer car if you need something reliable that will last awhile.

Concluding Thoughts

It is quite easy to purchase a quality used car. All you have to do is know what you are looking for. Read online car reviews about the make and model of the car you are considering. Make sure you test drive any car before you purchase it. Having access to prior maintenance records is another plus. Bringing a friend to help you identify any issues with a used car can never hurt. The biggest goal is to buy a car that you are going to be happy with. Too much of your hard earned money is on the line to make a poor choice.

Simply enter your ZIP code into the FREE auto insurance comparison tool below for multiple policy options!