Do you remember the last time you went to go look for a “newish” car also known as a used car but it’s new to us? There are so many things to look for when it comes to this process! How do you know what to look for? I’m no expert mechanic, and I don’t want to be buying some clunker and have to drop thousands of dollars into it.
With the places, you can purchase a vehicle growing by the day how do I know the right one for me? So I did some research and with that and the things I have learned from flipping cars myself the things that we need to look for when purchasing a new, used car.
So read through it all and with this list, it should give you an easier time to find that vehicle you are looking to find.
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Interior
The interior is a significant point for me when I am looking for a vehicle for myself the interior. It is the place you are going to be when driving this vehicle, so you got to love it. When looking for that new, used car, I do not want a lot of upholstery work that needs to be done to have the vehicle pass as an adequate interior. I want a vehicle that I am not ashamed of others riding with me.
Now, this could be a personal opinion, but upholstery work can cost a pretty penny. To fix a cut in a leather car seat can cost you on average $150-$200 which if the seat is in bad shape it might be easier to buy new seats, depending on the car.
Exterior
I know that many vehicles have dents and scratches on them but who wants to buy a car with it already showing signs of wear? Purchasing a vehicle is investing in yourself, and with that investment, you want to see something that takes you to a whole new level. No one ever buys a car saying I want to be worse with this car. They say I will better myself with
this vehicle.
So if you see dents and scratches it is up to you, but when I see body damage on a vehicle I am buying I look at it from a business point of view, think about it in this context, how much is it going to cost to fix this? Not, I can’t wait to drive this I don’t care what’s wrong with it.
Because thoughts like that cost money. If it is a “major” scratch in the eyes if a professional body shop, they will charge up to $500 to fix that scratch, so choose wisely it is an investment in you.
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Tires
Tires are a big thing for me when I am looking at a vehicle to purchase. Even though I am looking at the vehicle for reselling purposes, the idea is still the same. If the tires are bad, that means you are going to purchase new tires to have the vehicle running safely for you when you are driving it.
For a small coupe or sedan, you can find tires as low as $60 apiece. But if you are looking for an SUV, truck, or van, these tires can run as low as $90 apiece. So tires can become quite pricey if you are purchasing new tires.
In the case you are okay with used tires, just Google used tires in your area and see if there are any good ones out there. Remember when it comes to your tires need to be no less than 4/32″, this is the measurement that the Department of Transportation and tire shops say it is time to change your tires.
Suspension
Have you ever had a vehicle that the suspension was broken in? Have you ever hit a bump and half a mile later your car is still bouncing? No one wants to put extra money in their vehicle if they do not have to.
In this case that your vehicle is just bouncing all over the place, you will need to replace your suspension. Suspension entirely depends on what you need and what brand you select. Remember that quality is shown in the price. But that doesn’t mean you do not shop for the best price though.
Leaks
No one wants to buy a car that already has problems, so leaks are something you desperately have to look for. Leaks could mean a whole list of bad stuff, so make sure you look under the vehicle to see if you see anything.
Test drive always
Never buy a vehicle that you have not driven, unless you already know the car doesn’t run already. A test drive puts you in control of the vehicle, and this gives you more time to think about your decision. Make sure you work all the switches while you are in the vehicle.
Make sure the windows, mirrors, AC, and seats all work. An engine problem is one thing but a messed up interior that I have to stare at every day that is 
not going to fly. So make sure you check out the entire vehicle and be sure to ask questions; this is a business transaction, so do not be afraid to speak up.
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Sound System
Picture this, you just bought a new, used vehicle and you love it. So you are cruising to show off your new ride, then you turn on the radio, and the speakers are crackling and sound very distorted, would this mess up your mood? I know I would be aggravated that the speakers are blows, so now I make sure I test the radio, and it’s speakers, because who wants to listen to distortion?
Price
This is a problem you will have with the seller of the vehicle. They will want more money then the vehicle is even worth. Make sure you check Kelley Blue Book for the up to date price for the car.
You want to make sure you are not overpaying because there are sellers out there that will sell vehicles that don’t work right. That is why you have already tested everything, but now the owner wants more because it was their Great Aunt Loo’s and it has a history with the family.
I do not care when it comes to the seller’s charge tactics, pretend like you didn’t hear it and keep looking and asking about the vehicle.
The selective hearing also works in the mall when the kiosk salespeople try calling for you, keep walking until you don’t hear anyone. Find out the price of the vehicle, so you know a base point to start at for negotiations.
Carfax
A Carfax is a must for vehicles if you are selling one. People want to see there wasn’t a crazy, horrific accident that the car was in, and now you are hiding it from them. This is that time you can take the Carfax out and talk to the buyer about the car, or you can speak to the seller about the vehicle. If you are buying or selling, make sure you get a Carfax and keep this process simple.
Clear Title
There are quite a few different titles that you can have, but when someone asks do you have a clean title, it means do you have a lien on the vehicle or do you own the car. Asking this is an essential question because, in every state, it can be different if you do not know the proper route to take. To get a new title is very difficult for the typical car buyer, and that is why no title vehicles are treated very differently.
Engine
Never forget to check the motor, missing this one will cost you an arm and a leg. Trust me on this one, the Ford Taurus project alone has cost me $500 in parts alone. I believe I am down to the last two problems on it but to solve one of the issues the engine has to be pulled.
It was the saddest thing ever to hear; even though I am doing the work myself, it still takes the time that you would rather be doing something else. So you need to check the engine, look for anything wet, a dirt spot that looks wet, check your oil, and check your transmission fluid. With checking your engine oil, you want to look for white on the dipstick.
This means that there is water in your engine, so this could have been a flood vehicle. If this is the case and you are looking for a vehicle that is in good running condition, you need to walk away from this one. Water in your engine can cause hydrolock, which means your engine will lock up and cease to run.
This usually happens when a person drives their vehicle through flood water. Also with your checking your transmission fluid, you need to have the car running and in the neutral position. If you are purchasing a newer vehicle from 2010 and later, you might not have a transmission fluid dipstick.
Automotive companies started to phase out transmission fluid dipsticks to provide their “maintenance-free transmissions.” Automotive manufacturers state that the new transmission can last upward to 150,000 miles without an issue. To even check this transmission you need special hose fittings, so they want you to go to their repair shops pretty much.
So make sure when you look at the vehicle you check hoses, leaks, engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid (if applicable), and once you do this, then you can take it on the test drive and see if you love the vehicle.
In Review
Buying your new, used vehicle can be difficult at times and confusing if you don’t know what you are doing. The best way that I have found when buying a new car is to think about it from a money or business point of view. If the vehicle is in great shape and runs smoothly, then this would be a good purchase.
In the case that there are a lot of things wrong with it, then that wouldn’t be a good purchase. Think about it from a money and business perspective and if you do then you will make the best financial decision for you and your family and who knows you might grow to like the vehicle I know I did with our Chrysler Town and Country so its possible.
Thank you for reading my article! I hope you enjoyed it and found it to be helpful to your problem. Check out my YouTube channel for up to date how-to video guides! Thank you again, and I hope you enjoy my next piece!
