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10 Tips for Buying a Used Car

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If you're purchasing your first car, buying used is an excellent option. You'll not only be saving a considerable amount of money, but you'll also avoid first-year depreciation hits new car owners face.

How Does the Mileage Stack Up?

When you're looking at the condition of the car, how does the mileage compare? If you're looking at a used car with low mileage, be sure the shape of the body is good. If you're looking at a truck, are the cab corner and rocker panels rotting? These things add up.

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Look at the Tire's Condition

Even if you're working on a private party used car sale, the condition of the tires matter. Carry a penny with you and, if you can see the top of Lincoln's head when sticking the penny in head-first, then the tire tread is too low, and those tires need replacing.

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Be Sure the Seller Is Reputable

When looking at a used car sale online, be sure the seller is reputable. Research online reviews, what other buyers are saying and if anyone has had negative experiences with the seller.

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Check for Certification if You Want Reliability

The best way to ensure the used car is reliable is to purchase it from a dealership that offers certification. These cars are supposed to undergo rigorous testing and inspections before hitting the lot.

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Inspect the Vehicle

Look over the used vehicle thoroughly before making a decision. Inspect the headlights, turn signals, tail lights, alignment, mirrors and dents. Expect owner-sale used cars, as well as cars from used car lots to have dings and scratches.

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What Is the Interior's Condition?

When inspecting the interior, you'll be able to tell if experienced water damage by looking at the flooring and unusual smells. If there are a lot of stains in the upholstery or if something smells off, then consider looking at other cheap used cars on sale.

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Shop Around for Loans

Even if you're looking at a used car sale site, it's critical that you shop around for the best loans. That way, you're not getting hit with high-interest rates. The used car sale price is a significant factor but so are the rates you'll be paying for the lifetime of the loan.

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Don't Forget to Look Under the Hood

You may not know what you're looking for initially, but it's essential that you look under the hood when shopping for used cars. You'll be checking the oil, transmission fluid and brake fluid. When looking at used cars, be sure to learn about what kinds of fluids are best for the kind of car you're interested in buying.

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Take It for a Test Drive

Test driving a used vehicle not only will tell you if like how it feels when you're riding in it but also how it sounds on the road. You'll also get a picture of what potential problems may arise when you're driving the vehicle in the future.

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What Is the Vehicle's History?

Avoid buying a used vehicle that's been in an accident that totaled it, or that's been flood damaged. When researching 2008 used cars for sale, for example, you can pay the dealership a small fee to produce these records for you.