Follow This Used Car Buying Checklist to Avoid Getting Stuck With a Lemon

Finding a top-quality used car for sale in Schaumburg, IL, is an adventure that can be both exciting and daunting. On one hand, you are looking forward to getting a different vehicle. On the other hand, you do not want to inadvertently buy a lemon with invisible defects.

Fortunately, there are many tools and resources at your disposal to educate you on making a smart buying decision. Here are a few things that can take the guesswork out of buying a used vehicle.

Start by Researching Used Cars

Before your first trip to a used car dealer, create a list of the models that interest you. Research each vehicle on the list. Look for details on price points, common defects, and repair costs on the cars you are targeting.

With this general information, you will have some bargaining power as you enter the used car market. Also, you will have a sharper eye for each vehicle’s weak points.

Make a List of Questions

Once you contact a private seller or dealer, ask plenty of questions to get as much detail as possible. They should be able to tell you the number of previous owners. You also want to ask about the mileage and whether the vehicle was involved in any collisions.

Always Test Drive the Vehicle

Every used car for sale in Schaumburg, IL, should be test driven. Get behind the wheel and test the vehicle on the highway. Pay attention to the brakes, steering wheel alignment, and AC/heating function.

Use the VIN to Get a Vehicle History Report

Get the vehicle identification number and order a history report if one is not offered. Not all sellers will disclose major problems. But you have a right to know about them before you buy.

Avoid the impulse of buying a vehicle with a nice outward appearance without knowing how it will perform. Keep your eyes and ears open, so you don’t end up stuck on the side of the road in a lemon.