Red Flags to Watch Out for When Buying a Used Car

30 Apr Red Flags to Watch Out for When Buying a Used Car

What to look out for when used car shopping.

Buying a car is a very subjective experience. Some love nothing more than to wonder the aisles of a car lot, evaluating potential options. For others, car buying is their idea of torture. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, you may be wondering if purchasing a used car is right for you. In many cases, it is. When you’re looking for a used vehicle, be aware of these warning signs that could make the whole car buying process more difficult.

• An unrealistically low price

The Kelley Blue Book is there for a reason. It gives you an idea of how much a used car you’re looking at should be worth. A car that’s priced incredibly low should be considered a red flag. The owner may be tempted to get rid of it quickly in a cheap sale in order to avoid repairing it. Be sceptical and consider skipping that vehicle altogether.

• Different paint

All used cars have a history. Unfortunately, accidents are often a part of this record. However, it’s how the former owner handles the accident that matters. If he or she tried to save money by going to an unauthorized or disreputable company to fix it, the signs could very well be paint that isn’t matching in various parts of the car. This is a good indicator that the owner didn’t take good care of the vehicle.

• Negative reviews

If you plan to purchase a used car from a dealer, be sure to look the company up online before visiting. Look for reviews and comments that offer insights into the way the company does business. Although a few bad reviews don’t guarantee you’d have a bad experience, a long history of complaints could suggest a trend.

Finding the right used car doesn’t have to be difficult when you avoid red flags. When you need helping securing the right auto insurance for your budget, contact Dougherty Insurance. We offer unparalleled auto insurance in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana.