Reliable Used Cars - 3 Killer Tips For Finding Them

A lot of people nowadays choose to purchase second hand cars instead of brand new ones. It makes a lot of sense really. Instead of spending more on something brand new, you can take the extra time to find something used but in good condition, so that you can simply spend the difference on something else, like mortgage payments or a vacation.

The key is to find reliable used cars. After all, there are quite a lot of used cars available on the market, but some of these are lemons and others aren't very good value for money. If you're someone who's looking to buy a pre-owned car, but you want to be as sure as possible that you're getting something in proper condition, then keep these tips in mind.

1. Do some research on the make and model that you're considering.

Before delving into the condition of the specific car that you're looking at, do some digging into the quality of that car in general. The truth is that some cars are built to a higher quality than others, and those higher-quality cars have a better chance of remaining in good condition, even several years after they roll off the dealer's lot. So do some research. The Internet offers a lot of information on cars and vehicles quality. Check out automotive magazines, as well as sites like Consumer Reports, which review and rate reliable used cars.

2. Do some digging into the specific car that you'd like to buy.

There is a number of options available to consumers, depending on where they are, which allow them to find out more about a car's history. For instance, the Department of Justice has its National Motor Vehicle Title Information System, which allows prospective buyers to pull up information on a particular car's title and odometer information, as well as some of its damage history. These reports aren't free, but the charges can be quite worth it, since you're trying to make sure that you don't sink a lot of your money into a poor quality car.

3. Find a mechanic that you can trust, and one who knows how to conduct vehicle inspections.

Of course, you'll want to bring a mechanic with you to inspect the vehicles that you're considering, but even before you get to that point, already try to find someone you can trust. Not all mechanics are honest, and some of them may either exaggerate the amount of repair work that might be needed, or downplay any damage that they find, if they think that this will benefit them. So you need to find a mechanic who's honest, and in addition, you need to find someone who knows how to inspect cars. If you get a mechanic who just mostly knows engines, for instance, then he or she might miss problems with the transmission.

Looking for almost brand new cars can be an insurance of reliability that's what seized car auctions can be a great alternative when looking for reliable used cars. Click here to find the nearest government auction in your area.

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How to Recognize Quality Used Cars

Buying a used car is a tricky undertaking for many people - especially those that do not have a background in mechanics. Not only do you need to find a quality used car that fits your needs, but you also have to find one that suits your unique budget.

It's always ideal to have a mechanic inspect a used car before you purchase or make sure that the vehicle you purchase is safety certified. However, if you do not have a mechanic on standby, there are some tips that can help you determine how much care has been taken to maintain a used car before you purchase it. Here, you'll learn the top 3 ways to recognize a quality used car - before you make your purchase.

1. Has the oil been changed regularly?

Changing the oil is one way to keep a car running smoothly and with the best fuel efficiency possible. Oil not only helps the engine stay smooth-running, but it also helps to ensure that the engine does not overheat. One way to make sure that the oil has been changed regularly (and lately) on a used car is to inspect the oil compartment within the engine.

To check the oil compartment, simply remove the oil cap. Look around the rim of the cap and the compartment to see if there is any gunky black build-up. This build is an indicator that the oil needs to be changed, and probably hasn't been changed for awhile. Remember: when the oil has not been changed, the chances increase dramatically that you could run into engine problems.

2. Have the tires been equally worn down?

Walk around the car and inspect each tire on its own. Do you notice any particular patterns in the way that the tires have been worn down? Is one side of the tire smoother than another? Does one side of the car have smoother tires than another? If so, then chances are good that the car may have an issue with the axel. If the tires are out of alignment, they will wear down unevenly. When the tires are out of alignment for a sustained amount of time, chances are good that the axel will become strained or even cracked.

3. Rev the engine.

You know what an engine is supposed to sound like, right? It's supposed to sound like a purr, or like hardly anything at all. If you put the pedal to the metal and rev the engine, do you hear any clanking in the engine itself? Are there unusual noises that you cannot identify? If so, then the engine may be having engine trouble that could haunt you down the road. Some engine problems are easy to fix. Others last and last.

Before purchasing your next quality used car, be sure to inspect it thoroughly so that you feel completely comfortable with the purchase. Most reputable dealers will only sell used vehicles that have been fully certified to pass all safety standards. Remember: buying a quality used car in the beginning will help to stave off any issues down the road. Good luck!

German Star Motor serving the Greater Torornto Area since 1997. We have top quality used vehicles and financing available for good or bad credit. Visit us today at http://www.germanstarmotors.ca/

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