Want to purchase a car? You can either brand new or pre-owned vehicles. The latter may be a better option if you are on a budget or you simply find it impractical to spend too much on a quality vehicle. There are certainly many benefits to buying used cars in Savannah, but you need to do your homework to ensure you are getting the best value for your money. It could mean the difference between wasting money on a lemon and enjoying a worry-free mode of transport. Here are some of the ways to find the right car and buy it safely:
List down your requirements
What kind of vehicle do you need? What purpose do you need it for? How much are you willing to spend on a used car?
Look online
You can narrow down the selection of pre-owned vehicles in your area by looking into local classifieds online. These listings will show you all kinds of vehicles in all price ranges. You will have to contact the seller or the dealer on your own to negotiate or learn more about the vehicle.
Ask to see the vehicle
A car—even if it’s a used one—is a major purchase. You can’t just pay for it without seeing it and test-driving it. Arrange to personally see and inspect the vehicle. If you are not sure what to check, ask someone who knows about cars (a mechanic, if possible) to accompany and assist you.
It’s important to inspect both the inside and outside of the vehicle. Check for rust, dents, and scratches. Small scratches and dings should be no big deal, but obvious damage on larger areas should be a cause for concern. You should also check that the body panels are evenly lined up, as uneven ones could indicate a previous accident and failure to repair properly. Close and open the doors as well as the trunk and hood to determine if they are functioning smoothly. Check the paint overspray on the inside of the trunk, doors, and hood to see if it matches the color of the entire vehicle. If you notice mismatched or overspray paint, that was likely a repaint or a repair.
When checking the interior of pre-owned vehicles, sit in all the seats and be mindful of any unusual wear and tear or any strange sensations. If the interior smells odd or musty, check the floor mats or carpeting for signs of water damage or leaks.
Test drive the vehicle
Reputable dealers and sellers of used cars in Savannah will let you test drive their vehicle so you can determine its performance and whether it is the right car for you.
Consider turning the key to the ‘accessory position’ before you start the engine to see if the dashboard warning lights will activate. If they don’t and they fail to stay on when you switch the ignition, have the problem inspected.
Listen for any clicking and tapping sounds when you start the engine, as these could indicate a problem. Keep listening and observing while test driving. Consider traversing different types of roads at different speeds so you can check if the transmission runs smoothly. Take note of any unusual brake or engine noises, and if the electronics in the vehicle are working well. Don’t forget to mind the brakes—they should work properly and not pull the vehicle to one side.
Check the mileage
A high mileage is not necessarily bad for used cars in Savannah, and a low mileage does not necessarily mean that the vehicle is in excellent shape. There is no exact number to look for pre-owned vehicles. It’s more important to see how well the vehicle has been maintained and used. That said, it still pays to be cautious if you want to buy a used vehicle with a high mileage, as some engine parts and components may need replacement or repair. Ask if the owner is up-to-date with maintenance and has made it a point to fix issues prior to putting the vehicle on the market.
When you’re ready to buy a car, head over to Savannah Pennysaver for pre-owned vehicles and used cars under $10,000. It’s one of the biggest classifieds in the area, so you should be able to find exactly what you want.