finding a vehicle for a growing family

Buying a used car can be a great way to get a dependable vehicle but keep the price lower. If you have a specific budget, you want to stay within, working with a used car dealer is an excellent option. Here are a few things to check before you buy a car when you are dealing with used vehicles.

Engine and Transmission

When you are buying a used car, it is going to have some mileage on it, and there is no way to know how it was driven. It is essential to look over the engine and transmission closely. If you notice leaks under the car or oil on the outside of the oil pan, the transmission pan, or the underside of the car body, you may want to pass on that car. The oil indicates that something is leaking, and while the fix may not be expensive, it is tough to tell unless you have a mechanic inspect the car. 

Rear End and Driveline

When you test drive the car, listen for any noise coming from the driveline or transmission. If there are whining or banging sounds under the car, something is likely broken or worn that is going to mean a major repair down the road. The vehicle may still be worth buying if the price is right and you do not mind paying for the repairs, but be sure you are aware that you may need to put some money into it before it is a dependable car. 

Dealer With Certified Cars

Working with a used car dealer that offers certified used cars, you can get a car that has been thoroughly inspected by the dealers mechanic and often the dealer will give you a checklist that will indicate the condition of the items on the vehicle. Many times, this is the best way to get a car that you do not have to worry about driving, but you may pay a little more if the dealership fixes problems they find during the inspection process. 

Warranties can sometimes be available with a certified used car as well. Some dealers work with the manufacturers to offer factory certified used cars that carry a manufacturers warranty, but these cars must meet a much higher standard than a dealer certified used car. The manufacturer certified used car will cost more than the dealer certified car, but the car will be very carefully inspected and any repairs completed before it is sold as certified.