What to Look for When Buying a Used Car?
Inventories are quite low across the country right now when it comes to used cars. You want to avoid ending up with a vehicle that breaks down and needs extensive repairs! This makes knowing what to look for extremely important.
If you think you have found a great car, before you go any further, start by:
- Look At the Car’s History
- Look For Obvious Rust and Damage
- Look Under the Hood
- Look Under the Hood
- Look Inside
It’s important to know the history of the car. For example, if you’re buying a
2021 Volkswagen Id.4, use a service like CARFAX to do a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) check.
Go for a walk around the car and look for any obvious signs of rust and other damage or recent repairs to the paint and exterior panels of the vehicle. While checking, make sure the tires aren’t completely worn down.
Even with limited car knowledge, if you look under the hood and see damage like corrosion, leaks, and broken hoses, you’ll know the car hasn’t been well looked after.
If the car’s mileage is much less than the average for a car that age, this could indicate it has been tampered with.
If you’re buying a used car like a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan, ensure the interior upholstery is in reasonable condition for the car age and that the electronics are all working. When the electronics stop working, it can indicate larger problems with the vehicle.
When considering the purchase of a used car, it is important to do your research and look into the car’s history, condition, and mileage. Taking the time to follow the steps outlined above can help you save money in the long run and ensure you get a car that is in good condition.
How To Inspect a Used Car?
Suppose the car passes a simple look-over and vehicle check. The next step is to give it a more thorough inspection. Alternatively, you can get a full vehicle inspection done by a mechanic or do your inspection before paying for that to be done.
If You Are Doing Your Inspection, Here’s What To Look For:
Exterior
- Body Damage
- Glass Damage
- Suspension
If you’re buying a used car like a 2022 Volkswagen Atlas, it’s important to ensure each panel doesn’t contain rust (look under the car too). While looking for rust, make sure there isn’t any paint damage or repairs that look new but haven’t been disclosed. It’s also important to ensure the lights and tires are in good condition. Take your time; these checks are important.
Make sure all the glass panels are free of cracks. Even very small cracks can turn into large ones and require the whole panel to be replaced.
Make sure the car is sitting level. If not, this indicates a problem with the suspension. If not, the shock absorbers could be damaged. You can also gently push the car down on the rear and front corners to make sure it bounces back up and stops.
Interior
- Seats And Upholstery
- Controls And Tech
- Infotainment System
Make sure they are both in good condition. The seats should be secure in place.
The instruments and controls, like the gauges, lights, ignition switch, etc., should all be working. Also, make sure the AC and heating systems are working.
Ensure the sound system and other components of the infotainment system work, like the GPS and speakers.
Under The Hood
- Hoses and Belts
- Fluids
- Radiator
- Battery
Make sure the hoses are tight enough and intact. Belts shouldn’t be frayed. If any defective hose or belt indicates, the car hasn’t been looked after.
You want to ensure the fluids are topped up and have been changed following the user manual guidelines. Ask the owner for records if they have them.
Is the liquid in the radiator orange or green? If it’s murky, this means it is not maintained. Also, make sure it isn’t leaking.
Look for signs of wear and tear and if the water levels are low. A low level of water indicates it hasn’t been taken care of.
How To Inspect a Used Car At The Dealership?
Buy a used car from Volkswagen Of Naples, and get the best prices for quality and service.
Whether the car you buy is a private sale or a dealership, you should always do the checks we outlined above. But dealership sales have unique differences from private ones, which means some unique checks to carry out.
If you’re buying from a dealer—including a Volkswagen dealership like ours—ask for the following:
- Buyer’s guide: Dealers must provide you with a buyer’s guide that outlines information like the condition of the car, its history, and warranty and repair information.
- Price confirmation: Ask them to provide you with written confirmation of the price, including any rebates and discounts.
- Return Policy: If you buy a vehicle like a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas from us, we will provide you with our return policy.
- Service contracts: If servicing is part of the deal, get a written contract.
What Should You Check Before Buying a Used Car?
Whether you are buying a used car from a dealership or a private sale, once you have done your checks or got a full mechanical report, the next step—if you’re satisfied—is to go for a test drive. During the test drive, you can ensure the car runs well and you enjoy driving it. Make sure you check important things like
- Electronics
- Infotainment system
- AC and heating
- Steering
- Brakes
- Transmission/Gears
- Monitor the suspension and handling
- Gauges and odometer
If you’re satisfied with how the test drive goes and you’ve done all the required checks and have the correct paperwork, you can put in an offer and, if accepted, drive away in your new car!
Drive Away with a Used Volkswagen from Volkswagen of Naples!
Volkswagen of Naples has proudly helped thousands of customers from North Naples, FL, Bonita Springs, FL, Cape Coral, FL, Naples, FL, and Tampa, FL finds their ideal used Volkswagen. If you’re looking for a Volkswagen dealer near you, we would love to take you on a test drive in your favorite used Volkswagen. Please book a test drive today !
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