The Warning Signs At Your Local Car Dealership

When it comes to being the best driver you can be, there’s quite a few variables to consider before you hit the road. You’ve got to make sure you’re someone who knows the rules of the road, and knows how to use them to get from A to B in the quickest and safest way possible. Most people like to think the journey stops there, but there’s so much more to keep in mind! You’ve got to have a good insurance premium on your side, as well as be able to revel in the safety of the knowledge that you can rely on it whenever trouble is on the horizon. And then you’re going to need to get yourself the best car for you needs; one you can control with relative ease, and relax into.

Let’s think about that last point for a second: cars are hard to come by, hard to keep in tip top condition, and it’s even harder to know if you’re getting a good deal or not! So, do you need a new car? Maybe you’re currently trying to weigh up the pros and cons of buying brand new, versus getting yourself a used car from the dealership down the road? And if you are someone in this kind of situation, make sure you use the ideas written below to inform your critical decision.

You need a new car, and you’re on a strict budget – make sure you can spot the stop signs! (Image)

What Do the Cars Look Like?

If you’re going to buy a used car, then you’ve got make sure the dealership you’re walking yourself around and shopping through has cars on offer that still look like they’re in good condition. Used cars, of course, are going to have a bit more wear and tear to them, but if that’s immediately obvious to even your untrained eyes, you’re not going to want to spend your money at this dealership.

So be sure that any car lined up in the lot has your gut’s seal of approval, and that there aren’t too many flaws that you’re willing to overlook for a good deal. You want cars with working headlights with zero cracks or chips in them, and the same goes for your windshield and the rest of the windows all the way around the car. You want to take a look inside the car, to check the quality of the seats you’ll be driving and ferrying passengers to and forth from, and whilst you’re at it, catch a look at the mileage as well.

Those with higher mileages, say with a car that’s five years old and has 65,000+ on the clock, is one that you’re going to need to pay a lot more for in upkeep. Sure, it looks to be in good condition on the surface, but there’s probably going to be quite a few parts you’re going to need to replace. The brake pads alone were due a refitting 2 years ago!

What Are the Warranties Like?

If the dealership you’re headed out to doesn’t have its own warranty policy on any car it sells, you might want to give it a miss, and head on down to the next place. After all, any car you buy from a lot like this is going to need some kind of insurance hanging over it, and that’s for everyone’s peace of mind. The seller doesn’t want a lawsuit on their hands, nor do they want to lose the cut of the sale they get from any third party warranty companies, and you don’t want to be left with a defunct vehicle you were lied to about.

The warranty needs to guarantee that your car will pass safety checks and driving inspections, at the very least. And depending on where you are in the world, this is a mandatory requirement – if a dealership doesn’t offer it, they’re breaking the law, and you should definitely not ever consider buying from them. Apart from that, the longer a warranty lasts, the better of course, but aim for a 30 day warranty to make sure you’ve got a good period to test the car out and get your money back if it fails to meet any of your expectations.

Make sure the dealer you’re using is happy to offer a warranty like this as well. You want a seller that has a friendly persona, and one that immediately makes you feel at ease during the buying and signing process. You don’t want someone who seems reluctant to use the policy they’re required to by law, and you don’t want to pay money to someone who doesn’t want to put your safety first when it comes to operating on the road.

What Do Your Friends Say?

If you’re out to find a good used car dealer, make sure you’re listening to the local reviews around you, especially from the people you know and love. Your friends and family will always have an opinion to weigh in when it comes to such an important decision as buying a new car, and even when they get a bit annoying, take stock of them. If people recommend a certain dealer to you, there’s no harm in giving them a quick lock whilst you shop around.

Maybe they bought a car there themselves, maybe they know the dealer themself and have a good opinion of them – maybe they’ve just heard good things from the people they know. Use your network to find the right dealer, and then take to the internet for some more reviews that have less of a trustworthy source.

Can You See the Car Titles?

Used cars have titles, and you’re going to want to see the title of the car before you buy it. Don’t let a dealer try to fob you off with a simple reassurance that they own the title; make sure you ask to see it, and that they happily comply with that request. If they can’t show you the title, don’t show them any of your money, and be sure to take your business elsewhere.

Why does the title matter so much? To make sure you’re actually able to own the car, and you’re not getting saddled with a debt you shouldn’t have to pay off. A lot of used cars out there that end up in dealerships are still being used as part of a loan, and you don’t want to be one of the unfortunately common few that have to cope with a situation like this. You might not have to pay out any money yourself, but there’s a good chance you won’t be able to register your new car, nor get any kind of insurance taken out on it. And those are both variables that make sure you can operate normally and safely on the road.

Make sure you check the laws in your area, as registering a used car can be different in many states and countries. You want to be sure the title you’re after is essential for making sure your new car can be used in your name.

What Safety Matters Do They Prioritise?

When it comes to shopping at used car dealerships, there’s a lot of different safety hazards and precautions you’re going to need to know about. And one of the main ones is recalled vehicles – there’s a good chance a vehicle make and model that has been recalled in the past few months has somehow managed to slip through the barrier in a lot like this, and you need to be aware of whether or not the dealer themself knows this.

Is the dealer you’ve totally trusted and been open to up until this point ready and able to sell you a car that’s been deemed unfit to drive for any reason? Are they willing to put your life on the line out there on the road, just so they can make a sale? It’s a nasty thing to think about, but it’s something you’re going to have to consider before blowing your budget on a car that isn’t safe to be in.

And once you’ve asked about this, or you’ve seen a car you know for a fact was part of a recall you saw on the news a few months ago, either take your business elsewhere, or take a closer look at the policies your local dealership advertises. What are they really selling to you? How do they word their offers? It’ll make you much more savvy for next time.

So, Ready to Buy Yourself a New Car?

Even if it’s not new in the grand scheme of things, it’s new to you, and thus you should treat the situation with some real importance. You don’t want to spend money you can’t afford to throw away, especially considering how much of your funds operating a car can suck away from you each year! This is your chance to be sure in your decision.