You may be ready to turn in your “old clunker” and head out the door to look for a reliable used car or truck if you’re tired of it always needing some form of auto repair or tune up. You don’t want to worry whether it needs a basic car tune up, or has some other hidden problem lurking just under the hood.
To help you through this daunting experience, here are a few tips:
- THE SEARCH
- Search websites, auctions, classified ads, reviews, and online forums to find the type of vehicle you want to purchase;
- Determine your price range (know the value of your current vehicle and the one you want to purchase);
- Ask for a history report so you know whether it’s had a regular tune ups, been in an accident, or other important information;
- THE EVALUATION
- Ask questions. If buying from a dealership, ask about the documentation fee, or any other hidden charges. Is there a dealer’s guarantee, manufacturer’s warranty, or extended warranty left on the car, and if so, is it transferrable? Does the car have a clean title?
- Consider the mileage. The ideal used car mileage ranges from 10,000 to 15,000 miles per year.
- Go for a ride—hit the brakes, listen to the road noise, gun it a little, check for unacceptable blind spots, drive over bumps, inspect it for dings, inspect tire tread, check for fluid leaks and exhaust smoke.
- Check for evidence that the car may need a tune up or major repairs: poor gas mileage, sluggish acceleration, rough idling or stalling, “check engine” light flashes, or stays on.
- Schedule an inspection with a certified auto mechanic if purchasing from a private party. If you’re purchasing from a dealer, an inspection and a car tune up has most likely been performed.
- THE PURCHASE
- Negotiate the price you want to pay and stick to it.
- Do the paperwork. If buying from a private party, you will need to take a bill of sale to the DMV to register and transfer the title. A dealership will usually handle this for you.
If you need our assistance to inspect your “new” used car, contact our ASE-Certified Technicians by calling (308) 381-2295 or go online at https://www.garysautoinc.com for more information. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.
You may be ready to turn in your “old clunker” and head out the door to look for a reliable used car or truck if you’re tired of it always needing some form of auto repair or tune up. You don’t want to worry whether it needs a basic car tune up, or has some other hidden problem lurking just under the hood.
To help you through this daunting experience, here are a few tips:
- THE SEARCH
- Search websites, auctions, classified ads, reviews, and online forums to find the type of vehicle you want to purchase;
- Determine your price range (know the value of your current vehicle and the one you want to purchase);
- Ask for a history report so you know whether it’s had a regular tune ups, been in an accident, or other important information;
- THE EVALUATION
- Ask questions. If buying from a dealership, ask about the documentation fee, or any other hidden charges. Is there a dealer’s guarantee, manufacturer’s warranty, or extended warranty left on the car, and if so, is it transferrable? Does the car have a clean title?
- Consider the mileage. The ideal used car mileage ranges from 10,000 to 15,000 miles per year.
- Go for a ride—hit the brakes, listen to the road noise, gun it a little, check for unacceptable blind spots, drive over bumps, inspect it for dings, inspect tire tread, check for fluid leaks and exhaust smoke.
- Check for evidence that the car may need a tune up or major repairs: poor gas mileage, sluggish acceleration, rough idling or stalling, “check engine” light flashes, or stays on.
- Schedule an inspection with a certified auto mechanic if purchasing from a private party. If you’re purchasing from a dealer, an inspection and a car tune up has most likely been performed.
- THE PURCHASE
- Negotiate the price you want to pay and stick to it.
- Do the paperwork. If buying from a private party, you will need to take a bill of sale to the DMV to register and transfer the title. A dealership will usually handle this for you.
If you need our assistance to inspect your “new” used car, contact our ASE-Certified Technicians by calling (308) 381-2295 or go online at https://www.garysautoinc.com for more information. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.
