8 Surprising Facts You Should Know Before Buying a Used Car

In the United States, 40 million used cars are sold each year. USA Industry research shows that the used car market is always hotter when compared to new cars purchases.

Looking at this high percentage of the used car sales, we came up with an entire list of interesting facts and details that will help you in purchasing a used car.

Did you know?

  1. “Silver” is the most purchased color of a used car
  2. Odometer fraud is very common
  3. Automatic cars outnumber cars with manual transmission
  4. The used car market dominates the new car market
  5. On an average, a vehicle will likely have three owners in its lifetime
  6. Beware of flood damages car. It’s everywhere!!
  7. Airbags are an issue
  8. Beware of price-gouging
  • “Silver” is the most purchased color of a used car

Silver is the topmost choice among the buyers of used cars. Black is the second most loved color, followed by white, red, blue and grey. A wide range of colors ensures that there’s something for everyone in the used car market.  

  • Odometer Fraud

Did you know? Used car consumers in the U.S. lose as much as $4 billion a year due to odometer fraud, with the average rollback being 15,000 miles. Odometer fraud is done by taking miles off of a car in an attempt to make it look more desirable.

  • Automatic World

Automatic cars outnumber cars with the manual transmission by the ratio of 10 to 1. With an increase in the number of automatic car lovers, the number of people that even know how to operate a manual vehicle is on the decline.

  • The Used Car Market Dominates New Car Market

Majority of car commercials focus on new cars but we cannot deny the fact that the used car market in the US is about three times bigger than the new car market. Nearly 40 million used cars are sold each year in the United States.  

  • On an average, a vehicle will likely have three owners in its lifetime

If we see the lifespan of a car, mostly every used car is likely to have three owners in its lifetime. That’s why it is recommended to check the VIN to know the exact details of the car you want to buy. Vehicle Check USA helps you get this report on a single click. You can also ask for the maintenance record of a car from the owner to know its service history– but don’t depend on it since most owners don’t keep the reports with them. It’s rare to find a car which moves from cradle to grave with just one owner.

  • Beware of flood damages car. It’s everywhere!!

Flood-damaged cars are quite common. As per industry estimates, Hurricane Imra and Harvey destroyed 600,000 cars in 2017, whereas hurricane Katrina destroyed about 200,000 vehicles in 2005. The fact is about half the cars that are flood damaged, end up back on the road, which means that a large number of flood-affected cars enter the used car market.  

“Flood” in the title means that the insurance company has assessed the car has submerged deep enough to fill the engine compartment. If you are considering a flood titled car for final purchase make sure to get a  mechanical check, especially engine and electrical systems.

  • Check the airbags

During the mechanical inspection of your selected used car, always be sure to have the airbags inspected. Especially, cars that have been in an accident will need their airbags to be replaced correctly. That’s the most common problem with the used cars. So, if you are in the market to purchase a used car, be sure to get the airbags checked, it will not only increase the safety of your vehicle but will protect you from hidden costs.

  • Beware of Price-Gouging

If you are looking for a used car at a dealer’s shop, make sure you don’t skip reading the window sticker. It could help you identify hidden charges that most buyers would overlook due to the fact that the terms used to obfuscate are vague and intimidating — and they’re all meant to make that dealer more money off you.

Don’t forget to look at the terms like–

  • MVA- Market Value Adjustment
  • ADM/ADMU- Adjusted Dealer Markup

It is important to look at these terms as it means the dealer can add fees as they see fit in order to charge more.

Some Used Car Fun Facts

  1. On an average, three out of four automotive transactions in the U.S. involve previously owned vehicles.
  2. Nearly half the used vehicles on the market come with air conditioning.
  3. According to Industry reports, one of every 25 airbags that have been deployed have not been replaced properly and they’re also the most stolen product from a vehicle.
  4. Frequently searched price range for a used vehicle is under $5,000.
  5. Consumers lose as much as $4 billion a year due to odometer fraud.
  6. A car is stolen in the United States every 45 seconds.
  7. There are more cars than people in Los Angeles.

Buy Used Cars | Vehiclecheckusa | VIN Check

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Every used car has a back-end story and some of them are nothing short of a nightmare. So, always look for the Vehicle History Report before purchasing a used car. It will help you know if a car has a clean history or hidden problems. We have data available for every used car sold post-1982.

 

 

What is the Importance of a Pre-Purchase Car Inspection

A car is one of the biggest investments of your life. Just as you would never purchase a home without having it inspected properly,  you should never purchase a used car without proper inspection. Used car inspection involves information verification through a vehicle history report and vehicle examination by an expert mechanic.

A pre-purchase inspection is the most important step in a used car buying process.

Many of you must be finding the process of selecting a used car very easy. As, all you look at in a used car is its exterior body, colour, wheels, stereo, amenities, comfort, price, and the way it drives. Although aesthetically, a car might look beautiful with fresh colour and polish it can still cost you a lot more if you don’t look for hidden problems. These unknown and hidden problems can make your purchase a disaster if neglected at the time of pre-purchase inspection. After all, what is under the hood and under the vehicle’s body are actually more important than how it looks on the outside.

Pre-purchase mechanical inspection

Whenever you decide to buy a used car, you should budget for an inspection.  Most mechanics do the inspection at their shop with a little pre-arrangement, and some even agree to come into the dealer’s store to inspect it on-site (mostly mechanics prefer their shop as they can use the lift).

On an average, a thorough inspection by an independent professional shouldn’t cost you more than $200, and it could save you thousands.

It doesn’t matter when and from where you are purchasing a car, an independent inspection by a mechanic for your chosen car is always an important and recommended part of your purchase. But, If the seller isn’t willing to let the inspection process take place before final deal, you can assume there’s a good reason why, and that’s reason enough to walk away.

Remember, a used car should never be purchased without proper examination by a knowledgeable ASE certified automotive technician.

 

An ASE Certified Mechanic

Look for an  ASE certified mechanic, especially, if you’re after the best possible pre-purchase inspection you should consider it strongly. You can trust the quality check of ASE certified mechanics as they all belong to an organization which tests and verifies the knowledge and abilities of mechanics.

To qualify for ASE certification, a mechanic must have two years of on the job experience or one year of work experience. Also, graduation from a two-year automotive school is mandatory. To maintain the certification, mechanics should retest every five years. ASE certification gives the surety that the mechanics are up-to-date on all the latest automotive technology.

Multi-Point Inspection

You can get the multi-point inspection of your selected used car by a reputable mechanic. Regardless of where you get it done, always get the details from the mechanic about what’s included in the inspection.

There is no explicit standard of inspection, typically the multi-point inspection includes:

  • Dash warning light inspection and bulb check
  • Exterior lights
  • Abnormal Sounds
  • Rust
  • Dents
  • Engine
  • Transmission
  • Brakes
  • Fluids (level and condition)
  • Battery and charging system

Beware of misleading advertisements by mechanics. You may find advertisements claiming for “150 Point Inspection”, where brakes will take up 50 of those points. So, always check with the mechanics about the details, it will keep you informed about what you’re paying for.  You can also request the mechanic to inspect things like suspension and steering.

Car Inspection | Vehiclecheckusa | VIN Check

 

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Every used car has a back-end story and some of them are nothing short of a nightmare. So, always look for the Vehicle History Report before purchasing a used car. It will help you know if a car has a clean history or hidden problems. We have data available for every used car sold post-1982.

 

 

What is the Importance of Service History of a Car

Every one of you, who decided to buy a used car must have heard that you should never buy a used car without checking its service history.

  • Did you know, how important is the service history of a car?
  • Did you know whether you should walk out from the purchase of a used car if the service records are incomplete or missing?
  • Did you know the possible consequences of buying a vehicle which hasn’t undergone the proper maintenance services?

Facts to know

  • The average vehicle in the United States likely have three owners in its lifetime
  • Nearly, half the cars in the United States that are flood damaged, end up back on the road. Statistics shows, during Hurricane Katrina about 200,000 vehicles were dried out and resold.
  • Used car consumers in the United States lose as much as $4 billion a year due to odometer fraud, with the average rollback being 15,000 miles.
  • Texas has more used vehicles than any other state (more than 220,000) and Houston alone has more than 32,000 on the market at any given time.
  • According to reports, Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Harvey destroyed more than 500,000 cars in August 2017.

Don’t worry!! We at VehicleCheckUSA will help you resolve all your doubts related to the importance of the service history of a car and we will help you find the complete history of service records.

The topics we are covering are

  • What all you should check in a service record?
  • Is Service History Report a mark of good ownership?
  • How will it affect you if a Vehicle has No Service History?
  • Vehicle Check USA car history

What all you should check in a service record?

The service history of a used car will provide you with the details of any maintenance work done on a vehicle. It will also show the information, regardless of the frequency, difficulty or cost.

In vehicle service history, you should see all details very carefully, like minor maintenance performed on a vehicle, i.e. oil change and other costly maintenance like replacement of the cabin, engine air filters, batteries, windshield wipers.

Check if the tires are balanced and rotating well. A well-aligned car prevents uneven wear and helps you save a large amount you might have to otherwise spend on replacement of all four tires at once.

Check the details of spark plug replacement. Remember the engine will not operate efficiently, if the spark plugs are covered in a buildup or if they are simply worn out. Carelessness in checking a spark plug can lead you to extra fuel costs and maybe car breakdown in the future.

One of the most important records in the service history of a used car is its frequency of timing belt changes. It is required to change the timing belt in every 60,000 to 100,000 miles depending on manufacturer recommendations. Changing the belt is an expensive service and failing to perform it can result in belt snapping which can lead to sudden car breakdown.  

Service history of a car helps you know if and when this maintenance has been performed.

Is Service History Report a mark of good ownership?

Service history is a mark of good ownership and the greatest benefit you get after buying a car with the service history is peace of mind.

Looking at used car sales data, a car belonging to owners who invested their time and money in maintaining it regularly is considered to be better in quality, as compared to others.  

Keeping each and every maintenance receipt and handing it over to the buyer during the final sale deal will give a surety that the car is driven with pride and it is in the best condition possible.   

How will it affect you if a Vehicle has No Service History?

Many used cars in a dealer’s shop or even the ones sold by private owners don’t always have the complete service history. However, not having the service history of the car you are interested in doesn’t always indicate a red flag. Many times, there can be a genuine reason also for not having the vehicle service history like accidentally throwing the documents, or losing them during a move, etc.    

Don’t always think if the previous owner cannot provide you with the service records, it doesn’t exist at all. If the vehicle you are purchasing was serviced by an official manufacturer or franchised dealership, records are maintained in their computer systems, and it is easy enough to obtain these records from the dealership directly.

If there is no service record at all, it may be possible that the vehicle simply wasn’t serviced properly. These vehicles with no proper service record can be risky to drive and can cause accidents due to unforeseen mechanical failures.

Service History | Vehiclecheckusa | VIN Check

Vehicle Check USA car history

Thankfully, there is another,  easier way to find out the detailed history of a vehicle, i.e. through a vehicle history report. Vehicle Check USA helps you get the detailed vehicle history report and through this report, you can actually check the entire detail of your selected used car from its manufacture to the time it reached you.  

 

Along with vehicle service record, our report offers information like:

  • Registration Information
  • Vehicle Age
  • Number of Owners
  • Mileage Records
  • Comprehensive Technical Specifications
  • Vehicle Age
  • Number of Owners
  • Mileage Records
  • Odometer Manipulation (e.g. odometer rollback, fraud, etc.)
  • Title History
  • And much more…

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Every used car has a back-end story and some of them are nothing short of a nightmare. So, always look for the Vehicle History Report before purchasing a used car. It will help you know if a car has a clean history or hidden problems. We have data available for every used car sold post-1982.

 

Checklist on How to Inspect a Used Car

Used cars are generally less expensive than new ones. There are a few other incentives associated with buying a used car like: It will save you money on car insurance, registration, taxes and depreciation (loss in a car’s value due to wear and tear over time). However, choosing the best option is nothing short of a treasure hunt

How to Buy a Used Car From a Private Seller

Are you buying a car from a private owner?
Our article will make you aware of all sorts of advantages and disadvantages associated with car buying from a private owner over a dealer.

  • Advantages of Buying a Car from a Private Seller
  • Disadvantages of Buying a Car from a Private Seller
  • Safety Precautions
  • Legal Precautions
  • Pre-Purchasing Steps
  • Questions for the seller

Used Car Buying Checklist:

Advantages of Buying a Car from a Private Seller

The biggest advantage of purchasing a car from a private seller is “Low price”. Private-sellers are usually eager to sell their used car, looking at the general trend, private-sellers sell their vehicle at a lower price compared to dealers, as they don’t charge any dealer fee, documentation fee, or any other related fees.
Looking at other advantages, a private seller won’t try to sell you a car with extra warranties. There is a good scope of negotiation with a private seller. On the other hand, it might be difficult to negotiate with a professional dealer who is selling hundreds or thousands of cars on a monthly basis. You save lots of time when buying from private sellers since they are not professionals and they want to get rid of the car as soon as possible. In most of the cases, a ready buyer who is willing to pay immediately will probably get a deal.

Disadvantages of Buying a Car from a Private Seller

A private seller can’t offer you the warranties. You can only rely on the existing warranties if the car is relatively new and has low mileage.
Majority of private vehicles are sold for upfront cash. In rare cases, people with strong credit and a good relationship with the bank or credit union may get prequalified for a vehicle loan.
In certain states, it is mandatory for a dealer to let the buyer decide within a few days if they want to purchase or cancel the deal. Whereas, with a private seller, once you sign the title and hand over the money, you are committed with no scope of looking back.

Private sellers are not covered under lemon law protections. Although each state has different requirements, the basic idea is the same: If a dealership sells you a defective car which can’t be fixed easily, it’s required to offer you a replacement or refund of your entire payment. Remember, not every state extends lemon laws to include used cars. Also, there is no scope for posting negative reviews on social media to show your dissatisfaction, if purchased from a private seller. Most dealers are very sensitive to user reviews. They try to do everything possible to make you happy for that one positive review. In a majority of the cases, private sellers sell the car “as is”.
If you are buying a car from a private seller, you are taking on all of the risks of repairs along with the car. If in case you find any problem immediately after the purchase, you’ll have to pay for the repair.

That’s why it is advisable to do the mechanical inspection, once the car is selected. Also, checking the VIN and analyzing your vehicle history report protects you from any immediate repair expenses, since you would get information about the service history of the car. You can check the vehicle history here: http://vehiclecheckusa.com/vincheck/

Safety Precautions

Keep safety precautions in mind. Deals made with private sellers usually involve one on one interaction, where a stranger is selling the personal car. Whereas, when purchasing with a dealer, you walk into their office and make a final deal within office hours.
In case of dealing with a private seller, you might need to visit their home for the final deal. In such an instance, you can take precautions like meeting the person in a public place and during the daytime. You can check out the car once again, before completing the final transaction.

Legal Precautions

Dealers have a registered business and they carefully guide you on applicable protocols, laws or documentation related to any purchase related requirements. They handle all of the paperwork when buying a used car from them. But, with a private seller, it is up to your and the seller you are working with to get all of the work related to car registration, financial, and transfer of ownership squared away. The private owner will not give you any guarantees or warranties. So, it is smart to follow these steps before finalizing a deal with the seller.

  • Pre-purchase steps
  • Ask the customer regarding these issues/Questions to ask the seller/Questions to throw at the seller – Ask with doesn’t sound good)
  • Follow used car checklist

Pre-Purchasing Steps

Before buying a used car, you should always purchase a detailed vehicle history report. VehicleCheckUSA offers a VHR that discloses a vehicle’s past. It could tell you things such as whether or not that car has been in accidents, flood damage, has correct odometer reading, or has some major title brands like a salvage, lemon vehicle, along with many other helpful details.

Another task you should complete before finalizing the purchase of a used car from a private-seller is to get the car checked by a mechanic you trust.
A Mechanic will help in identifying any pre-existing problems. Remember, always get the mechanical inspection done before signing a pre-purchase contract.

Questions for the seller

Do your homework before visiting the seller. Make sure you have a good knowledge about the car you are going for a purchase. Always ask following questions to the seller-
Why are they selling the car?
Ask them what condition they would say the car is in and what problems they may have experienced?
Ask for past maintenance records, it will help you get an even better feel for the car’s history.
This information will help both parties come to a fair price.
As we all say “The more you know the better”
After purchasing VehicleCheckUSA’s History report, follow the given checklist of the questions to ask the owner of the vehicle to get as much information as you can.
Follow these questions one by one.

Used Car Buying Checklist

  1. Why are you selling the car?
  2. How many miles are on the odometer?
  3. Are you the original owner? If not, who was the car bought from?
  4. Can I take it to get an inspection by my mechanic?
  5. Are there any quirky tendencies the car has?
  6. What kind of oil do you use in the car?
  7. Are there any special features?
  8. How would you describe the condition of the vehicle?
  9. Do you have any past service record receipts?
  10. Can I take it for a test drive on a highway/open road/city street?

Private Sellers | Vehicle Check USA | VIN Check | VIN Lookup

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Every used car has a back-end story and some of them are nothing short of a nightmare. So, always look for the Vehicle History Report before purchasing a used car. It will help you know if a car has a clean history or hidden problems. We have data available for every used car sold post-1982.

 

Why You Need To Get A Vehicle History Report

Vehicle History Report is not less than a DNA report of a car. This single report can help in tracking the detailed history of a vehicle from the time it was manufactured until it ends up in your hand.
Looking at the US auto sales data from the year 2010 to 2017, a steady increase in the number of used cars was observed. The graph represents a comparison between the number of new and used car sales in the US (2010-2017).

 

It shows an upward trend in sales of used cars during the period. In 2017, 42.7 million used cars changed hands, and going by initial months, projected sales of used cars are estimated to be around 43.8 million by 2018.

 

Used Cars Stats-Vehicle Check USA
Considering the high demand for used cars in the United States, it is essential to check the vehicle history report before finalizing that one car. Vehicle Check USA provides a detailed vehicle history report.

What is a Vehicle History Report?

A vehicle history report is an important part of your car buying research. This single report can save you a ton of money by letting you know about the specific details of a car and helping you prevent a bad buy.

A vehicle history report covers the following information,

  1. Accident
  2. Other Damages
  3. Title Information
  4. Ownership
  5. Odometer Readings
  6. Service History
  7. Sales Information
  8. Registration and Inspection Information
  9. Recall

1)Accidents

The most important thing which a vehicle history report will tell you is whether there are reports that the car has been in an accident. VehicleCheckUSA procures data from multiple reliable sources, including NMVTIS, National Insurance Crime Bureau, collision repair facilities, law enforcement agencies and other reporting companies. All the reporting companies are able to put the data together to show the severity of the accident which a car has undergone. Airbag deployments are reported under major structural or frame damage.
The reports like accident record help in the better evaluation of the car during the time of pre-purchase mechanical inspection. You can instruct the mechanic for specific evaluation based on the details of your vehicle history report. You can check if the airbags were replaced, a close inspection can tell you if they are functional, or if they were recycled from another wrecked car.

2) Other Damages

Vehicle History Report will also indicate if the car has suffered other serious damages like fire or flood.
Both of these damages are reason enough to walk away from the deal. Mostly the cars that have undergone a flood or fire are unsafe for purchase. There is a high chance of hidden problems associated with these vehicles.
The Vehicle History Report also shows the details of a car stolen and recovered. You can find this detail by looking at the specific time on the report, such as the time that elapsed between when the car was stolen and recovered. Remember if a long time has elapsed, the car may also have to carry a salvage title.

3) Title Information

Title information is an important aspect of the Vehicle History Report. It not only tells you about the history of the title, but it also gives the detail of a vehicle’s title branding like salvage, rebuilt or junk.
A salvage title shows when an insurance company declares that the vehicle is a total loss and takes its possession, but still, the vehicle is repaired and returned to the road.
Typically, one should avoid the salvage title vehicle, as they are hard to finance, insure, potentially unsafe, and often expensive to maintain. Other vehicle titles are taxi cab use, fire manage, police use, hail damage, or if a car was bought back by a manufacturer under a state’s lemon law. Title brands differ between states and can sometimes be removed by moving a car to a state with fewer rules. For more details on salvage title please check the link: 5-things-you-should-know-about-a-salvage-title

4) Ownership

The vehicle history report also shows the entire ownership history. It will include the details like a vehicle was owned by a private individual, companies, rental agencies or fleet operators. Usually, a single privately owned car is more valuable compared to multi-owner used vehicles.
Also, check for lien information on the vehicle history report. Never buy a car until you have proof positive that any lien has been satisfied.

5) Odometer Readings

Never trust the odometer reading that you see on the dash of a used car. A vehicle history report will give you all the details on the accuracy of the odometer. Consider it as a red flag if you find a difference in the odometer reading between the report and the car. Though it is illegal, still, rolling back the odometer reading is a very common practice. The rolling back of an odometer is not simple at all but some unscrupulous sellers will swap out the entire instrument and replace it with a lower-mileage wrecked car to give the impression that the car that you are looking at has lower mileage than it does. VehicleCheckUSA also provides mileage record on the vehicle history report.

6) Service History

A comprehensive vehicle history report will give you the details of where and when the service of your chosen car was performed. It’s a well-known fact if a car is well- maintained it is more valuable than the one that isn’t. So, if the car you are purchasing lacks a detailed service history, be sure to inspect it during the pre-purchase mechanical inspection.

7) Sales Information

The vehicle history report will also show the first entered service of a vehicle. Note, if a vehicle bounces all over the country there are high chances that the vehicle is moving around to remove black marks from titles.
Many dealers move a car to mask certain types of vehicle damage. For example, cars flooded by hurricanes are often moved to parts of the country where flood damage might not be considered.

8) Registration and Inspection Information

The vehicle history report should show the details each time a car is registered, inspected, or renewed. Different states prioritize different inspection like an odometer, emissions, safety checks, or the status of any liens.
Always note the gap in registration status. A gap could indicate a time that a vehicle was abandoned, stolen, or undergoing any major reconstruction process.

9) Recalls

Mostly, every vehicle on the road seems to get recalled at some point. Either it is for emission control or critical safety issues that can get you into trouble.
The list of recalls on the report will help you know if any recalls have been performed on the vehicle and what all needs to be done.
Looking at the high demand for used cars and considering all the above points VehicleCheckUSA provides a vehicle history report which is comprehensive and easy to understand.

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Every used car has a back-end story and some of them are nothing short of a nightmare. So, always look for the Vehicle History Report before purchasing a used car. It will help you know if a car has a clean history or hidden problems. We have data available for every used car sold post-1982.

 

How to Avoid Buying a Flood-Damaged Car

Every year we see a few major hurricanes batter the coast, destroy property, affects life and immerse a bunch of cars in the flood water.

According to reports, Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Harvey destroyed more than 500,000 cars in August 2017. The flood damaged cars are scrapped through the proper channels, still, there are chances that you might find them in sale outlets. Some unscrupulous dealers and middlemen bring these cars to sale outlets without a trace of car’s soggy history.

Don’t worry!! If you are planning to buy a used car, we will help you review the basics of how to avoid a flood-damaged used car.  

  • Check the vehicle identification number
  • See the signs of a flood-damaged car
  • Electrical and Mechanical Components
    • Smell
    • Sight
  • Look for rust under a vehicle
  • Review if rubber drain plugs were recently removed
  • Get a pre-purchase inspection form a trusted mechanic and examine a vehicle
  • Test Drive the car

 

Flooded Car | VehiclecheckUSA

Vehicle Identification Number

Never forget to check the vehicle identification number. You can get your detailed vehicle history report on VehicleCheckUSA. So, whenever you are purchasing a used car, check the VIN and evaluate the generated report. The history of your car will help in comparison and you can find out whether a vehicle has been reported as flood damage or given a salvage title. For the details of salvage title check our blog: 5 Things you should know about a salvage title.

See the Signs of a Flood-Damaged Car

Try to use your senses and sniff out water damage on a car. The damages caused by a flood are the same as anywhere:

Smell- Use your nose. A damp car smells strong and it is very easy to pick the musty odor. If you pick up a damp, musty smell, be suspicious and ask the dealers where the car has been.

Sight- Water patches are most visible and it can be easily identified among others. If you find any patch inside the car, try to match it with the patch you see after spilling the water on a mat. Remember, the water ring once formed never goes away!!

You can look for marks on the rugs, upholstery, ceiling fabric, seat belts and interior fabric of the car. Also, check if the fabric is recently updated. It’s a sign of red flags if you find a new rug on an old car, nonmatching fabrics or an upholstery. You can also look for the mud or silt left over from the flood. Don’t forget to check under the rugs, seats and spare tire in the trunk. Lights also trap moisture.

Electrical and Mechanical Components

A car affected by the flood may have problems with its electrical components. Make sure you check every electrical element during car inspection. Also check the windows, seats, blinkers, A/C, radio.

Review if rubber drain plugs were recently removed

Checking rubber drain plugs also helps in identifying if a vehicle is flood-damaged or not. You can locate rubber drain plugs under vehicles and under doors — and if you notice they’ve been recently removed, it is suspicious.  Check about it, there might be a high possibility that the vehicle was fiddled with to drain floodwater.

Have a mechanic you trust to examine the vehicle

However much you examine a car by yourself, you cannot match up the level of an expert. It is always nice to get a used car examined with a trustworthy mechanic for peace of mind. Having a trusted car expert or mechanic give a second opinion about the state of a vehicle can make a difference. They are experienced and often times, they’ll identify things that you missed on the first review.

Test drive

A test drive will help you understand the problems even better. You will be able to make out the difference between a normal car and a flood-affected car. The engine of a flood-affected car may not run as smoothly.

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Every used car has a back-end story and some of them are nothing short of a nightmare. So, always look for the Vehicle History Report before purchasing a used car. It will help you know if a car has a clean history or hidden problems. We have data available for every used car sold post-1982.

 

How To Negotiate For A Used Car

Americans hate to haggle, or you can say we are not comfortable in it. Just the thought of negotiation makes the process of buying a used car very difficult.

Don’t worry!! This article will help you know the do’s and don’ts of negotiating for a used car making the process easy, comfortable and financially rewarding.

Here are the topics we will cover:

  • How dealers make money

  • Look for outside financing first
  • Choose the mode of purchase (online/market)

  • Talk price and not payment

  • Let salesperson quote the price

  • Quote the price and maintain silence

  • Express your pain

  • Counter with a smaller increment

  • Leave/hang up

  • Check multiple dealerships

  • Ask for upgrade

How dealers make their money 

Knowing how dealers make their money should be your first policy. There are three different ways with each customer.

  • Making money on the front end. It is done by selling a car for more than what they paid to buy it.
  • Making money on the back end. It is done by selling added things like financing, extended warranties and other dealer-related add-ons like rustproofing etc.
  • By including the trade-in value. In this scenario, dealers make money on the difference between what they pay for your car and what they get when they sell it.

Though buyers are mostly focused on dealers money making approach at the front end, dealers make money at the back end or by including the trade-in value.

hence, it is important to think about financing and trade-in value of your current car when calculating the final price.

Look for outside financing first

Car dealers make a good amount of money by selling the financing.  For financing, if you are dependent on car dealers, it will complicate your negotiation.

That’s why it’s a necessity to get approval for a loan at a bank or credit union before you walk into a dealership and once you have negotiated a price for the vehicle, you can compare whether the dealership’s financing is any better than your own.

Choose the mode of purchase (online/market)

Based on your comfort level you can choose your mode of purchase like the online portal or local market.

Since the online market of the used cars is flourishing, you will find many reliable websites that provide authentic details for the purchase of an old car.

VehcileCheckUSA is one such trustworthy platform which will help you ina better purchase. You can get your detailed vehicle history report with VehicleCheckUSA on a single click which will help you to compare the vehicle options you have chosen. Also, you can check the blog post on various topics related to used cars. This can actually help you in picking up a better option.

Talk price and not payment

Don’t make the mistake talking about monthly payments instead of the vehicle price, because auto loans can be strung out over many years to manipulate the size of the monthly payment.

According to the research on US used car buyers, nearly a third of Americans take out six- or seven-year loans to buy new cars and when you do that you end up paying more for the car than it’s worth, as vehicles depreciate fast.

Let salesperson quote the price

Try to follow the rule “whoever speaks first loses”. As the opening number defines the entire negotiation and once you have quoted a figure, you can’t go any lower than that. That’s why always make the salesperson name the first price.

Quote the price and maintain silence

Once you have quoted an amount, try to stick to the figure and justify it with a reason. There might be a pause once you name a number but there is a high chance that they’ll fill the uncomfortable silence you’ve created with some concessions.

Express your pain

Try to visible wince or grimace when the salesperson makes a counteroffer. Make him believe that the amount is painful to you. We all have an actor inside, this is the time to show that side.

Counter with a smaller increment

Show all your mental toughness to the sales staff, always make the increments of your counteroffer small than what they say. Like if they are coming down a thousand dollar, try going up maximum to 500$.

Leave/hang up

If you are negotiating in person or you are doing it on phone, try to end the conversation at some point. Many car dealers try to make you wait intentionally so that you invest your time and become more likely to buy.

In such a situation it is always better to leave the place or hang up the phone. Tell your salesperson politely about your estimate and the amount which he is quoting is not in your budget and that you’re going to check some other place. Trust me, you will surely get a call after this.

Check multiple dealerships

Try to shop more than one dealership, it will also help you in better comparison. Implement shopping tactics like a shop without naming a name. Make sure that the dealers know about each other. Try this out! It will surely help in bringing down the dealer from the set price quotes.

Ask for upgrades

Many times if you’re quite close to the price you want, but can’t get the exact figure you quoted, instead of trying to reduce the price, you can try to get more car. Ask for extras like extended warranties, foot mat, fancy stereo or better tires. Just make sure the upgrades are things you really do want. 

Buying A Used Car | VehiclecheckUSA

Hopefully, this post helped you better understand negotiation tactics. Try implementing all the above-explained points for a better purchase and always believe in the power of knowledge.

So, whenever you are going for a used car purchase make sure you do your homework, it will help you negotiate effectively.
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Every used car has a back-end story and some of them are nothing short of a nightmare. So, always look for the Vehicle History Report before purchasing a used car. It will help you know if a car has a clean history or hidden problems. We have data available for every used car sold post-1982.