Tips On Buying A Used Car

Used Car Buying Guide - How To Buy A Used Subaru or Any Used Vehicle

Buying a used car is a great way to save some money. When you buy a used model, someone else has already taken the depreciation hit that new-car buyers experience during the first couple of years of ownership. If this sounds good, we'll let you know what to look for when you buy a used Subaru for sale near New Britain.

When you buy a used Subaru or any used vehicle, make sure it's in top condition. Apart from a certified pre-owned model, used cars don't usually carry the same type of warranty as new cars. Before buying a pre-owned model like a used Subaru Crosstrek, it's important to do your homework. A little research will help ensure you drive off the dealer's lot with a used car you'll enjoy driving for years to come.

Once you've decided which car you want, you'll need to make some budget decisions. Older cars are less costly, but they usually have more wear and tear than newer models. You may end up spending more money on repairs with an older car. You'll have to weigh this against the higher price of a newer model.

Here are a few things to check at the dealer:

• Carefully examine the vehicle's interior and exterior. Check the upholstery for torn or worn areas. A mold or mildew smell is a sign the car has been in a flood. Examine the exterior for signs of repair. It's fine to buy a car that's been in a minor fender-bender but check to see that the repairs were performed by professionals and are barely noticeable. Open the hood and look at the engine. A rusted or dirty engine is a warning that you may run into problems later.
• Take a test drive. Test drive the car on local streets and highways to get a feel for how it performs in different driving situations. On local roads, pay attention to how the vehicle shifts and corners. Note how the brakes respond in stop-and-go driving. On the highway, check how it accelerates and whether the engine runs smoothly. Listen for engine or brake noises and check the car's electronics.
• Look for leaks. You don't want to buy a used car that's leaking. During the test drive, park the vehicle on the street and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Move the car and look for leaks on the road where the car was parked. Black fluid on the road is a sign of a potential oil leak. Pink fluid may indicate leaking transmission fluid. Green fluid may mean there's an anti-freeze leak.
• Have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic. Unless you have a mechanic friend, you'll have to pay to take a mechanic along. But a mechanic can spot problems you may overlook and give you a good idea of the car's actual worth.