Buying a new car can be scary for some people. Let’s face it buying a car can be a very expensive, long-term commitment so when you jump in, you should do it only after being well prepared. 

After seeing quite a few friends end up on the bad side of a used car purchase, I think it is important to educate yourself and also have a mechanic, you trust, look over any vehicle before you commit to purchase.

Here are some things you should look for when buying a used car.

1. Inspect the vehicle inside and out. Check the upholstery, the carpets, windows, and the entire exterior for any damage. 
2. Check under the hood and take a good look at the engine and make sure there aren’t any seriously dirty parts or anything rusted.
3. Make sure there is nothing leaking from the vehicle. Park the vehicle in a clean.dry spot and let it run. Once you move it, look for any residue left behind.
4. Buy from a trusted dealership. If you live anywhere like I do, then there are probably little pop-up dealerships all over and if you ask around, people will tell you which ones to avoid. I suggest sticking to a larger dealership with a great reputation.
5. You don’t really need all of those extra coverages, warranties and service packages. If you can’t afford them just turn them down. If you are worried about buying a car without a warranty, look into purchasing a certified pre-owned vehicle with a warranty that extends beyond the initial new coverage.
6. Always make sure you are getting the best rate. A lot of dealerships have their own, private financing so you might be able to get a better rate if you shop around and even check with your financial institution.
7. Take your time! Don’t jump the gun and buy the first car you check out. Take your time and make sure it is just what you’re looking for so you don’t end up with a case of buyer’s remorse.

By taking all of these things into account when shopping for your next car the process should be painless!

Be sure to check out the inventory at Columbiana Chrysler Jeep Dodge, your new and used car dealership serving the Youngstown, Boardman, Salem OH Areas,

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When buying a used car the biggest issue that weighs on your mind is the condition it is in and if any mechanical issues are going to pop up in the future.  It is always best to have a mechanic look at the vehicle before purchasing.

Here are some of the biggest things to look for.

1. Uneven tread wear: Uneven tread wear can point to a host of issues.  This includes problems with the alignment, the suspension, and could point to lack of regular maintenance by the owner.  
2. The suspension:  This includes the condition of the tie rods and tie rod ends, the control arms, and the mileage on the shocks and struts.  Most OEM shocks and struts have a life of 50,000 miles so need to be checked when approaching this milestone to see if they need to be replaced or not.  If a tie rod shows a lot of wear it should be replaced right away because a broken tie rod will ruin more than just your day.  If any of the control arms are even slightly bent they will throw off the alignment and the suspension and will cause more severe issues in the future.  If any of these problems are noticed early the repair is relatively cheap and would not be hard to do yourself if you have the tools and are mechanically inclined or you could talk the seller into doing the work before you buy it.
3. Brake system:  Have a trained eye look at the condition of the pads, rotors, and calipers before buying the vehicle.  If these fail then you are likely to be doling out a lot of money to have them fixed and no one wants to be driving with substandard braking.
4. Heat and A/C:  Make sure that the heater and the A/C are in good working condition and that the A/C is charged.  Nothing is worse than freezing or sweating your butt off due to the lack of one of these.
5. General Electrical:  This applies to everything from the battery and its wires to the power locks and interior lights.  If there are electrical issues they should be checked out to make sure there is not a larger issue that will end up costing you a lot of money.  Make sure all of the power windows works and that you can unlock all of the doors using the front unlocks and/or the key attachment. 
6. Transmission problems: When buying a used car, the transmission is one of the most important part to check. It’s responsible for transferring speed and torque from the engine to the wheels. One of the best ways to check your transmission for issues is by going to a transmission repair in Oshawa

These are items that a lot of car shoppers leave off of their inspection list only to discover a problem after the purchase is made.

Make sure to always fully inspect any car you are going to buy.

Looking to buy a new or used car? Check out the inventory at Bud’s Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep, Inc. of Celina, OH.

Purchasing a used car is not something that should be taken lightly and having purchased more than one, I’ve learned a thing or two. Why would anyone want to purchase a car that they are going to turn around and dislike or constantly have problems with? 

One of the most important things I have learned to do before you make a commitment to purchase a vehicle, is take it for a proper test drive first!

Before you head to the dealership to begin your search, make a list of what it is exactly that you want in a vehicle.  Once you have a list, prioritize it and decide what is the most important to you.  When your list is ready, it’s time to shop!

Comfort

When taking a car for a test drive, you want to make sure you are comfortable.  Does the seat feel good?  Is it adjustable to meet your needs? Does if offer proper support? Do you have enough head and leg room?  Being comfortable in the seat is something that a lot of people don’t really consider when shopping for a new car. 

Not only should you be comfortable in the seat but you want your passengers to be happy as well so don’t be afraid to try out each seat.  Take a friend with and find out what they think. Also, make sure your seats offer enough room for you and your fellow travelers.  A comfy driver and traveler makes for a happy team!

Take Your Time

• Don’t be afraid to take your time when taking it out on the road.  You should drive it around town and on the highway to see how it handles at different speeds.  See how it handles the constant stop and go of being in the city as well as long country roads. 
• Consider how the steering wheel feels in your hands, any sounds that you might hear and how the ride feels. 
• Park the vehicle and see if it is easy to park, if there any blind spots, and if it is easy to back up.  After you do that, do it again to make sure you are comfortable parking it.
• After you are done driving it and return to the dealership, play with the sound system and other tech features.  Check to make sure everything works and that you know how to use everything and that it is user friendly and don’t be afraid to ask questions!
• If the previous owner is available, like in a private party situation, ask them what they used the car for, if they had any complaints etc.

Weigh the Pros & Cons

When you are done checking everything out, go home or go grab a cup of coffee.  Make a list of what you like and dislike about the car and weigh all the pros and cons before returning to the dealership to make your purchase.

Following these guidelines to properly test drive your next car will ensure that you are happy with your final purchase.

If you are looking to purchase a new or used vehicle, be sure to check the inventory that Marburger Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has to offer.