Everyone loves the smell of a new car, but is it worth thousands of dollars? Buying a used car instead of a new car can be a wise decision, saving you up to 30% off the sticker price. However, once you’ve decided to forego the odor of new carpet, paint, and engine oil, you must ensure that nothing smells fishy about the used car you’re thinking about buying. After you’ve answered these seven questions, you can buy a can of new car scent online for just $13.99.
- What is a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)?
You can order a motor vehicle history report from several companies, including CARFAX.com, using your car’s vehicle identification number or VIN. You can also find out if the car has anything seriously wrong with it, such as if the odometer has been rolled back or if it has a “salvage title” due to being reported as a total loss by an insurance company. The report will also include information on how many previous owners the vehicle has had.
- What is the history of your vehicle’s maintenance?
Request that the current vehicle owner show you records of oil changes, routine maintenance, and mechanical work that may indicate a problem.
- What is the purpose of your sale of this automobile?
With this one, don’t rely on the seller’s honesty but rather on your instincts. If the current owner cannot provide a plausible explanation, it may be an indication that he is attempting to sell a lemon. If you detect the odor of a rat, proceed with caution.
- Is this vehicle still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty?
Just like when shopping for a new jug of milk, you’ll want to choose the used cars in sacramento with the most time left before the warranty expiration date. If the warranty will not transfer or has already expired, consider asking the seller to reduce the price by the cost of purchasing an extended warranty. After that, you can choose whether to buy an extended warranty or save the money for future repairs.
- What is your most competitive price for this vehicle?
When you’ve determined that the car passes the smell test, it’s time to strike a deal. First, conduct your research, and then be prepared to walk away if you believe the seller’s lowest offer is excessively high.