Buying a used car can be a more affordable alternative to the longer financing term and higher price tag attached to new vehicles. But it is only a more viable option when it is done wisely.
You should afford some effort into researching a used vehicle to be assured that you are not buying a vehicle that has undergone major repair work or has otherwise been severely damaged. It is always a good idea to have a trusted mechanic evaluate the used car before you commit to buying it, but there are also other ways that you can look into the vehicle’s past and feel more confident in your future together!
Even vehicles that appear to be in fantastic shape can have serious underlying mechanical problems. Don’t be suckered by a lemon, but refer to some of these trustworthy resources for more information about where the car has been and what it has been through.
It is possible for a desperate seller of a used car to misrepresent the vehicle concerning accidents and weather damage. Mechanical inspections should always be done by a certified mechanic who can tell if a car has been fixed improperly.
Carfax.com
In recent years, Carfax has grown to become one of the most popular Internet sites and trusted resource for vehicle history information. It has taken a significant amount of time for the existing market of cars to become immersed, but Carfax has reached the point where it is likely to have information on the majority of used vehicles in Canada and the US.
Carfax does charge a nominal fee that is well worth the investment considering the trouble a thorough report of the vehicle could save you in the long run. And the only information that you are required to submit is the vehicle’s unique identification number. There are other similar online resources as well for vehicles in other regions.
VehicleIdentificationNumber.com
Here is another site that is growing in reputability for checking a used car’s history, but not necessarily limited to Canada and the US.
Carproof.com / Autocheck.com
These are the names of other reputable sites where you can check the reported history of a used vehicle using its VIN for a small fee. It is always wise to consider consulting more than one resource for the most accurate conclusion concerning the vehicle’s history and current condition.
AAA
AAA is a name that auto users are sure to recognize. AAA also provides a similar vehicle history report information to car shoppers, and if you are a AAA member, in many instances, the report comes free of charge. AAA members should get in touch with their AAA representative to learn how to learn about all the important checkpoints that will require your attention in buying a used vehicle.
Local Tax Assessor or Registry Office
Some vehicles are prohibited from resale if they have been involved in accidents and incurred damage beyond certain levels of severity. The local tax assessor or office that maintains vehicle registrations is another place you can check used car history and help prevent you from falling victim to a scam.
It will be to your advantage to leave no stone unturned in gathering information concerning your new car. When you discover it has once been washed away in a flood, or was involved in a multi-car pileup that caused severe frame damage, you appreciate every resource you turned to.
Or, upon verifying through any combination of these sources that the vehicle has never experienced any mechanical troubles or required serious repair, and the vehicle lasts you another ten years, you will remember the investment you made and appreciate every dime you spent.
Darren really enjoys blogging about cars and anything else with an engine. When he is not blogging about cars you will find him under the bonnet of one fixing it.
