checking the car before buying

Exterior

1. Body condition. Check each body panel and the roof, looking for scratches, dents, and rust. ...
2. Glass. Look carefully at the vehicle glass to make sure there are no cracks or large, pocked areas. ...
3. Suspension. Walk around the car to see if it's standing level. ...
4. Lights and lenses. ...
5. Tires.

1. How do you check a car before you buy it?
2. How many cars should you look at before buying?
3. When buying a used car you should pay to have the car inspected before buying?
4. What mileage is good when buying a used car?
5. What to do after you buy a car from someone?
6. Why you should never pay cash for a car?
7. What should you not say when buying a car?
8. Can you go to a car dealership just to look?
9. Do dealerships register cars for you?
10. What should you avoid when buying a used car?
11. How many days after you buy a car can you return it?
12. Is it worth buying a car with 100K miles?
13. How do you outsmart a car salesman?
14. Is CarMax cheaper than a dealer?

How do you check a car before you buy it?

Get the car inspected by a mechanic

If possible, get someone to inspect the car before you buy it. Preferably, make sure it's a mechanic that you trust . If you're buying from a dealership and they won't let you take the car to a tech, you can find a mobile diagnostic service that will come to you for the inspection.

How many cars should you look at before buying?

If you've just started looking for a car, there's no maximum number of dealerships you should visit because you'll want to test drive as many of your options as you can. If your shopping list contains 12 different vehicles, it's completely within reason to visit 12 different dealerships to test drive them all.

When buying a used car you should pay to have the car inspected before buying?

It's best to have any used car inspected by an independent mechanic before you buy it. For about $100, you'll get a general indication of the mechanical condition of the vehicle.

What mileage is good when buying a used car?

Really, it depends on a lot of factors but, if in doubt, shoot for the 12,000-mile/year average. Even so, don't be afraid of cars that are outside of this range, provided the used car in question has been well maintained and there are records to show that.

What to do after you buy a car from someone?

What to Do After You Buy a Car

1. Insure the Car.
2. Register the Car and Transfer the Title.
3. Familiarize Yourself With the Owner's Manual.
4. Take Care of Routine Maintenance.
5. Make Necessary Repairs.
6. Get Acquainted With the Car's Features.
7. Take It for a Drive in the City and on the Highway.

Why you should never pay cash for a car?

NEVER tell them you're paying cash!

If they keep hounding you, tell them you're interested in financing but that you want to agree on the price of the car first. If you tell them you're paying cash, they will automatically calculate a lower profit and thus will be less likely to negotiate a lower price for you.

What should you not say when buying a car?

5 Things Not to Say When You're Buying a Car

1. 'I love this car! '
2. 'I've got to have a monthly payment of $350. '
3. 'My lease is up next week. '
4. 'I want $10,000 for my trade-in, and I won't take a penny less. '
5. 'I've been looking all over for this color. '
6. Information is power.

Can you go to a car dealership just to look?

It is quite acceptable. If you aren't planning to buy, it isn't quite so acceptable to test drive. Do all the looking you want, collect any information the dealer may have on any vehicle that interests you, and don't be bashful about letting people know you are just looking for now.

Do dealerships register cars for you?

If you are buying a from a dealership, they will usually handle the registration process for you. If it's a private sale, you will need to visit a registry agent to complete the transfer of ownership and registration.

What should you avoid when buying a used car?

If you don't like the deal, there is nothing wrong with walking away.

• Failing to Line up Financing Before Shopping.
• Shopping Based on Monthly Payments Alone.
• Foregoing the Test Drive.
• Not Having the Car Checked by a Mechanic.
• Making Initial Negotiations in Person.
• Buying Based on Looks.
• Not Running a Vehicle History Report.

How many days after you buy a car can you return it?

Virtually every car sale contract in California includes fine print that allows a dealer to demand return of the vehicle within 10 days.

Is it worth buying a car with 100K miles?

No, in most cases, buying a car with 100K miles is not a bad idea. In fact, there are a number of benefits to buying a high-mileage car. For example, cars with 100K miles cost less to purchase, register, and insure, all while depreciating slower than low-mileage cars.

How do you outsmart a car salesman?

20 Ways Every American Can Outsmart Their Car Salesman

1. 1 Show up with a good attitude.
2. 2 Don't engage in the waiting game. ...
3. 3 Consider leasing before you buy. ...
4. 4 Shop for a less popular model. ...
5. 5 Try to use your banking rewards programs. ...
6. 6 Be sure to check the manufacturer's website. ...
7. 7 It's better to pay in cash. ...

Is CarMax cheaper than a dealer?

CarMax's business models take the user-friendly approach to buying a used car. ... One drawback is that CarMax offers a “no-haggle” buying experience, which means that the price is the price. And most of the time, the price is $1,000-$2,000 over the retail value. This is how they make a profit.