What to Look for When Buying a Used Car

Knowing what to look for when buying a used car and what to ask when buying a used car will help ensure that you get a reliable vehicle that will serve you well for years to come. Learn more about how to shop for a used car in this guide from Land Rover Paramus. If you’re in the market for a high-quality pre-owned vehicle, visit our dealership near Ridgewood to explore our extensive inventory of affordably priced used cars and certified pre-owned vehicles today! 

Used Car Buying Guide

Setting a budget that factors in routine maintenance and monthly loan payments is essential when shopping for a used car. Once you have your budget in place, you can begin shopping for a vehicle that is the right fit with your Jersey City-area lifestyle and driving needs. Review the following tips on what to look for when buying a used car:

• Exterior Condition: Inspect the exterior of the vehicle for scratches, dents, or any imperfections. Open and close the doors, hood, and trunk to ensure that they are working correctly. You should also take a look at whether the body panels line up evenly, as uneven panels can be an indication that the vehicle was in an accident and was not properly repaired. 
• Interior Condition: Inspect the interior for wear and tear to the upholstery. Check the carpet and floor mats for signs of water damage.
• Check for Leaks: After you test drive the vehicle, check underneath it to see if there is any fluid leaking. Black fluid could be oil. Green, yellow or pink fluid may be antifreeze. Reddish fluid could be transmission or power-steering fluid. 

What to Ask When Buying a Used Car

A test drive will tell you a lot about the pre-owned vehicle you are interested in. However, it is important that you know what to ask when buying a used car in order to learn all you can about the vehicle before you lay any money down. Here are a few tips on what to ask when buying a used car: 

• What is the vehicle’s mileage?
• Are the service records available? A vehicle that has been kept up to date on its routine maintenance schedule can last for 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more.
• Is a vehicle history report available?
• Are the features and amenities in good working condition?
• Are there any current recalls on the vehicle?
• How was the vehicle priced?
• Can the vehicle be taken to a mechanic for an inspection?
• Is the car as is, or is it under warranty?
• Does this vehicle affect your insurance premiums?

Shop For a Quality Used Vehicle Today at Land Rover Paramus!

The team at Land Rover Paramus is here to guide you through the used car buying process. You can count on our friendly and knowledgeable sales associates to explain the difference between used and certified pre-owned and help you determine whether a short-term or long-term used car loan is right for you. Meanwhile, take a moment to browse our used vehicle specials and current certified pre-owned offers to take advantage of some of the best deals in the Fort Lee area. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us online or at (551) 205-8482.