Tips for Buying a Used Car

While there are many different reasons to buy a used car, one of the most popular is the amount of money you’ll save. As soon as a new vehicle is driven off the lot, it begins to lose value. Luckily, when you choose to buy used, you’ve skipped the depreciation period and in the process, you score a sweet deal on a used car for a fraction of the cost. Here at Tri-County Truck & Equipment, we know how important it is to find the right car for your needs. We’ve gathered some essential tips to help you get started.

Think About Your Needs

When you start shopping, you might not be able to hit every bullet on your list of preferences, but you can usually find quite a few of them in a decent used car. Once you have a solid idea of what exactly you want from your car, it’ll be easier to find the right vehicle. Form a clear idea in your head of what your perfect car will look like as far as features and capabilities go. This will prevent you from straying from your checklist once you’re at the dealership browsing your options.

What to Know Before You Buy

As you start finding potential used cars that you’re interested in, you’ll want to perform a proper inspection. Look for any signs of rust, dings, or other damage. Check and be sure that all the lights and controls work properly. Use caution when buying a vehicle that is already in need of repairs. If it’s a small cosmetic repair that won’t break the bank, then you should be fine.

After you’ve completed your visual inspection, take the used car for a test drive. Some vehicles look perfectly fine from the outside but with a simple test drive, you can discover underlying issues. Does it start immediately? Are there signs of smoke billowing from the exhaust pipe? Does the vehicle veer to one side as you steer it? Keep a lookout for all these warning signs.

When you begin shopping for a used car, you’ll have access to a wide range of vehicles to choose from. Stop by Tri-County Truck & Equipment in Pompano Beach, FL, to get started. Our knowledgeable staff will be happy to help you find what you’re looking for. We welcome all those coming from the Tri-County area, including Fort Lauderdale.