What to Look for When Buying a Used Car

If you’re in the market for a quality used car, you’ll want to be careful to choose a vehicle that will serve you well for years to come. Knowing what to look for when buying a used car and what to ask when buying a used car can make all the difference between getting a reliable vehicle and being stuck with a lemon. Learn more about the used car buying process, then stop by Land Rover Annapolis to check out our extensive inventory of affordable used cars and certified pre-owned vehicles for sale near Edgewater today!

Used Car Buying Guide

The first thing you should do if you are planning on buying a used car is to set a budget, factoring in routine maintenance, future repairs, and whether or not you’ll need to take out a loan to cover your purchase. Once you have your budget set, you can move on to selecting the vehicle that is the right fit with your Severna Park or Crofton-area budget and driving needs. Here are some tips on what to look for when buying a used car:

• Exterior Condition: Inspect the exterior of the vehicle for scratches, dents, or any imperfections. Open and close the doors, hood, and trunk to ensure that they are working correctly. It is important to also take a look at whether the body panels line up evenly. Uneven panels are usually an indication that the vehicle was in an accident and was not properly repaired. 
• Interior Condition: Inspect the interior, making sure to look for wear and tear in the upholstery. Check the carpet and floor mats for signs of water damage.
• Check for Leaks: After you test drive the vehicle, check underneath it to see if there is any fluid leaking. Black fluid could be oil. Green, yellow or pink fluid may be antifreeze. Reddish fluid could be transmission or power-steering fluid. 

What to Ask When Buying a Used Car

Asking the right questions is just as important as taking the vehicle out for a test drive. You will want to learn all you can about the vehicle before you buy. Here are some tips for what to ask when buying a used car: 

• What is the ownership history?
• What is the vehicle’s mileage?
• Are the service records available? A vehicle that has been kept up to date on its routine maintenance schedule can last for 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more.
• Is a vehicle history report available?
• Do the amenities and features work like they’re supposed to?
• Are there any current recalls on the vehicle?
• How was the vehicle priced?
• Can I take the car to a mechanic for an inspection?
• Do you have the title in hand?
• Is the car as is, or is it under warranty?
• Does this vehicle affect your insurance premiums?

Find Out More About What to Look for When Buying a Used Car at Land Rover Annapolis

Whether you’re looking for a dependable daily driver, a reliable second vehicle, or an economical first car for your teen driver, the team at Land Rover Annapolis can help you find the used car, truck, or SUV that is the best fit with your lifestyle and budget. Along with our low everyday used car prices and featured selection of used vehicles priced under $10,000, we also offer exclusive pre-owned vehicle specials that can help you save even more. If you have any questions or if you would like to schedule a test drive at our dealership in Annapolis, please contact us online or at (410) 904-3108.