Top 5 Things to Look at When Shopping for a Used Car

Car shopping can be a lot of work and stress, especially when you’re not sure what exactly you’re looking for or where to go. Fortunately, the expert team at Auto Now in Independence are professionals at navigating the car buying process. The members of our team are also members of your communities. We’re your neighbors and your friends and our customers are often friends and family. For over twenty years throughout Missouri and Kansas communities, we’re committed to helping people find cars they love and can afford while helping their credit. Whether it’s your first time purchasing a vehicle or you’re seeking to rebuild your credit through our buy here, pay here program, our Independence Auto Now vehicle dealership has a car for you.

If you’re reading this article, it probably means you’re interested in learning the benefits of buying a used vehicle. Maybe you’re on the fence between new and used or you’re looking for reassurance for the vehicle type you can afford. Educating yourself is one of the most important steps in the car buying process, whether you’re looking for a new or used vehicle. There are a few key points to check off your list when shopping for a used car.

Check the vehicle history report for:

A vehicle’s history report is like its medical record. Through sites like CarFax, you should be able to trace the car’s history back to its production location and date. Furthermore, you’ll want to keep a close eye on the line items and exactly what the entries say. Some red flags to look out for in a vehicle history report include:

1. Frequent ownership changes

If there’s frequent buying and selling activity on a vehicle within a short period of time, you’ve got to wonder why? In the industry, it’s often called a ‘hot potato’ which refers to a vehicle that could have an expensive repair issue.

2. Has it passed all its emissions testing?

If you see multiple failed emissions tests on a report, be sure to check more into the reasons behind this. Check online and research the vehicle to see if there’s a consistent problem. While some counties and locations don’t require emissions inspections, buying a vehicle with multiple failed emissions may be a greater problem than being able to register your vehicle. Additionally, it is illegal for a dealer to sell a vehicle that does not have a current emissions record.

3. Location

It’s easy to overlook, but a car that has driven and parked in a place like Independence, Missouri versus a New England coastal state is going to see slower and different wear and tear. For example, harsh winters in the northeast contribute to poor roads and salting. What that means for a vehicle that frequents those conditions is more wear and tear on the axles and under side of the vehicle including an environment for rust to form. Additionally, a vehicle that was driven near the coast will be affected by salt on the roads and in the air which can lead to faster rusting and deterioration due to corrosion if not regularly maintained and cleaned.

4. Check under the hood and regularly scheduled maintenance

Based on mileage and time, cars should be routinely and regularly brought in for preventative maintenance. If a spark plug should have been changed at 60,000 miles and the vehicle has 90,000 miles without any record of prior maintenance, be sure to ask about the discrepancy when on the lot. Checking under the hood is as important as checking the history report on the car because it will show visual and physical signs of wear and tear as well as whether the vehicle has been sitting for a while (flat spots on tires) and maintenance proof. When looking under the hood, check:

• The oil
• The transmission fluid
• The tires
• Signs of rust
• Signs of dry rot or cracking in the hoses and belts
• Replacement dates or aftermarket parts

5. Confirm VIN number

Checking the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) information seems basic, but be sure not to overlook this step. It’s important to make sure the VIN matches the title information and the information found on the Carfax vehicle history report. A decoder chart will information which should match the vehicle’s records.

While there’s an extensive list of things to check when looking for a used vehicle, this list of important basics is a good start to get your thoughts flowing and establish confidence in your car buying experience. Browsing Auto Now’s dealership inventory throughout Kansas and Missouri to find the car that best suits your needs is a great way to get a leg up on the process and begin this research. Reading reviews, researching issues with vehicles as well as learning what people love about certain makes and models will only set you up for success when you visit our Independence car dealership and begin the buy here, pay here process.

Swing by our Independence, Missouri location to talk with a team of specialists who will work with you from start to finish in the used vehicle purchasing process.