When it comes to shopping for a used car, one consumer’s needs may be drastically different than another. If you are looking for affordable cars in Western Washington, you will see that having a checklist handy will help you to make sure that you get the most out of your shopping experience.
If you take the time to check out each used car that you are interested in, it could be a real deal-breaker and the different between being carefree behind the wheel or having your vehicle in the repair shop most of the time. Because the purchase of a vehicle is such a major investment and an event that will change your life, you want to be sure that you can save money whenever possible. However, you never want to compromise when it comes to features, safety, and performance. These are some of the things that should be on your checklist:
Proper Research – Before you even visit the used car dealership, take your time to look at some of the makes and models that you are interested in. Once you narrow that down, you can educate yourself on customer reviews and common issues for that particular model so that you can go into the test drive informed.
Exterior Checks – Walk around the vehicle and look to see if there is any rust, dents or scratches. Larger problem areas may be an indication that the vehicle has been through some major damage. While looking at the exterior, you should also be checking the condition of the tires, making sure there is enough tread and even wear and tear.
Interior Checks – Upon opening the door for the test drive, smell the interior to make sure that there is no hint of mildew or mold, which could be an indication of flood or water damage. Check out the seats and make sure they are comfortable enough and that they are in good condition. Take extra time to look at the controls and instruments to see if the design is a layout you are comfortable with.
Of course, the final step will be making sure that you pay attention to everything during the test drive itself. Feel how the vehicle handles upon acceleration, see how it acts when you brake, and take note of how it handles around corners. Throughout the buying process, you can trust in our staff at Half Price Cars to answer any of the questions you may have on the vehicle you are interested in.
Call (425) 361-4466 to talk with our staff at Half Price Cars. We want to help you shop for affordable cars in Western Washington regardless of your driving personality, budget or needs.