Pros of Buying From a Used Car Dealer

Posted on by
Reply

Financing: Unlike private sellers, most used car dealers offer flexible finance options. The interest rates are usually lower than what you would find at the bank, and you can pre-apply online for optimal ease.

Warranties: Some used car dealers offer warranties or time-bound guarantees which offer buyers peace of mind when buying a used vehicle.

Trade-in options: Most used car dealers offer trade-in options for buyers who wish to exchange their vehicle.

car_buying_67

More legal protection: Used car dealerships are businesses, which means that they must abide by stricter laws that private individuals. This means that if you buy a vehicle from a used car dealer, you’re less likely to run into problems such as fraud, buying a lemon, or buying an undisclosed salvaged vehicle.

Certified pre-owned vehicles: Some people avoid buying used cars because they want a vehicle with low mileage and no cosmetic or mechanical flaws. People with these requirements should consider buying a certified pre-owned vehicle from a used car dealer. Certified pre-owned vehicles can only be bought from dealerships, not private sellers. Certified pre-owned vehicles have undergone thorough inspections and repairs before being certified by the manufacturer.

No need for inspections: Most used car dealers have an on-site service center staffed with mechanics who inspect used vehicles before they go on sale. Talk to the dealer to ensure that they conduct inspections on their merchandise before you buy. They should be able to tell you what they look for during inspections.

Convenience: Buying a vehicle from a used car dealer tends to be more convenient than buying from a private party for a number of reasons. Used car dealers manage the paperwork for you, which means that transactions are as easy as signing your name and a check. The variety of cars you can see at a used car dealership also trumps what you will find in someone’s driveway. Car salesmen are also typically have more knowledge about cars than private parties, which makes it easy to obtain the information you need about a particular make or model on the spot.

How to Maintain Your New Car

Posted on by
Reply

Here are a few tasks you can do that will help you keep your new vehicle in great condition for the long run!

Check the engine oil

Do it regularly—monthly for a vehicle in good condition; more often if you notice an oil leak or find you need to add oil routinely. The car should be parked on level ground so you can get an accurate dipstick reading. Don’t overfill. And if you do have a leak, find and fix it soon.

Check tire air pressure

Once a month and before any extended road trips, use an accurate tire-pressure gauge to check the inflation pressure in each tire, including the spare. Do this when the tires are cold (before the vehicle has been driven or after no more than a couple of miles of driving). Use the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle’s manufacturer, not the maximum pressure embossed on the tire’s sidewall. The recommended pressure is usually found on a placard on a front doorjamb, in the glove compartment, or in the owner’s manual. Also be sure to inspect tires for abnormal or uneven wear, cuts, and any sidewall bulges you can see.

Digital tire-pressure gauges (which cost about $15 to $25) are probably the best bet overall because they will give an accurate reading or none at all. Many pencil-type gauges (typically $10 to $15) are good as well. Note that to check the pressure in a temporary spare tire, which is often 60 psi, you will need a gauge that goes higher than that—say from 0 up to 90 pounds.

Give it a wash

Try to wash the car every week, if you can. Wash the body and, if necessary, hose out the fender wells and undercarriage to remove dirt and road salt. It’s time to wax the finish when water beads become larger than a quarter.