Watch out for these potential issues when buying a used car.
If you are trying to save money, then buying a used car is a great budget option. However, purchasing a used car carries more risk than buying a brand-new vehicle. To ensure that that you don’t end up buying a clunker, here are some of the warning signs that you should look out for.
- History of Damage
If you find a used car that you’re interested in, then run its VIN (vehicle identification number) to get the car’s history report. This report will show if the car has been involved in any accidents, has had damage, or been involved with any title issues. If the report shows these issues, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the car is a dud. However, you should proceed with caution.
- Salvage Title
If a car has a salvage title, then this usually means the car was stolen and recovered, damaged in an accident or flood, or written off by an insurer. If you are interested in a car with a salvage title, make sure you do a lot of research into the vehicle’s history and have it inspected for safety. You should also look into how much it will cost to retitle and insure the car in your state before making your final decision.
- Missing Maintenance or Service Records
Car owners usually save records that show that they have properly maintained their car. These records normally include routine service tasks like oil changes and mileage service. If a seller cannot provide these records, then there’s a good chance that the car has been neglected. Be cautious because you could be purchasing a time bomb.
These are some of the red flags that you should watch out for when shopping for a used car. Once you finally find the car you are looking for, make sure you protect it with the right auto insurance. For assistance with all your car coverage needs, contact the experts at Steve Wilk Insurance. Check out our new office today at 310 S Main Street, Suite C, Lombard, IL 60148.