How to Buy a Used Car Safely

Buying a used car is a wise financial decision, especially considering the ever-rising prices of new cars. Before you start searching for used Acura cars for sale in Vestavia, AL, though, you should educate yourself as a shopper. Just as shopping for a computer or important item of clothing requires a bit of research, shopping your used cars without prior information can be costly.

Here are a few tips for those looking to find affordable and high-quality pre-owned vehicles in their area.

Have It Inspected
Unless you are personally an experienced, certified mechanic and have access to pop the hood of every car in a lot, you should have a used car inspected before buying it, especially if it is being sold "as is." As you would expect, a car sold "as is" will not be subject to an inspection, repairs, or a warranty once a sale is made.

Kick the Tires
Sight-unseen purchases are rarely a good idea. When it comes to used cars, this can be a downright terrible idea. Did you find a car online? Is an individual in another state offering you their used car? You should absolutely never purchase a used car without taking a look at it in person. How does the car feel to you? Does it seem like a good match? Is it large enough to fit your needs? Take the car for a test drive and fiddle with the settings to be certain everything checks out.

While some slight flaws may be seen--and may be expected, as they result in a savings on your end--these flaws, if any, should be minor and should not interfere with the safe operation of the vehicle.

Check the Title
Once you have inspected and tested out the car, you should inspect the title. Be sure there are no liens on it. Everything should check out just fine if you do business with an authorized dealer.

Read Your Purchase Agreement
Next, you should read your purchase agreement. When you purchase a used car from a dealer, you will sign a purchase agreement--sometimes referred to as a buyer's order--that will set the terms of the transaction. Like a contract, it establishes the role of all parties and describes the exchange of goods. While it may be full of extensive legal jargon, it is still worth a read. A car is a large and important transaction, after all. It deserves your full attention.

A dedicated read can save you from being bound by a deceptive purchase agreement, especially if the seller seems untrustworthy.

Buy from a Trusted Source
The most reliable way to purchase a used car is to work with an authorized seller. Professional dealerships will offer you used cars in good condition, be up-front about the vehicle's history, and may even offer a reliable warranty on the vehicle--a rarity when working with small dealers or individuals. Attempting to sell from unknown individuals can be highly risky, but authorized, family-owned, and locally operated dealers can promise safe transactions.