Buying a new car is expensive and is one of the most important purchases in your life. While most drivers want a car that has updated safety features, many look for a safe and reliable vehicle with reasonable miles and is priced within their budget.
Whether you buy from a private seller on Craigslist or for a local used car dealership, it can be difficult to know if you’re buying a chronically problematic vehicle, also known as a lemon. While buying a previously owned vehicle is somewhat of a gamble, there are ways to detect a potential lemon and decrease your chances of buying a bad car.
What to know how to avoid buying a lemon? Consider the following tips:
Give The Car A Thorough Inspection
Many people looking for a used car often rush through inspecting and test driving the car, especially if there are other potential buyers looking at the same car or if they feel pressured by the seller.
Always take the time to look over the exterior and interior of the car. If you see something suspicious like water damage or dents, ask the seller about them. Be wary of buying from someone who can’t give you the full history or answer the questions.
Even if you think you know quite a bit about cars, have a trusted and certified mechanic give it a quick inspection. Remember, this is a financial investment; you have the right to know what you’re buying.
Always Check The VIN
Sometimes sellers have limited knowledge of the car, especially if they weren’t the original owner. Even if the car seems to be in good condition, and you get an “all clear” from your mechanic, always check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN is a 17-digit number that is located on your car and gives you a complete history of the car, such as a salvaged title or flood damage.
Check For Problematic Cars
One of the first steps you should take when trying to avoid a lemon is to check online to see if there are any common lemon cars or if there are some that are frequently problematic. If there’s a make or model of a vehicle that has multiple recalls or is notorious for having problems, it’s best to avoid purchasing that car.
A Great Price But A So-So Warranty
When you find a safe and reliable car, has all the features you’re looking for and is priced below your budget, you might feel like you hit the jackpot. In some cases, a price that seems too reasonable to be true might just be a stroke of good luck, but if the car has a great price and a not-so-great warranty, you may want to think twice.
The seller might be pricing the car low to move the car, and a limited warranty may indicate that the vehicle is problematic (and the seller knows it).
Always Do Your Research
One of the best ways to avoid buying a car that’s a lemon is to take the time to do your research, read reviews, and scour the Internet for recalls and other information that will help you make a well-informed decision. When buying a car, especially a used one, your choice should rarely be impulsive.
