Used Car Buyer's Checklist in Midwest City OK
Used Car Buyer's Checklist in Midwest City OK
Are you not sure what to look for when buying a used car? We can help! Here at Joe Cooper's Easy Credit Auto, we want our customers to be as informed as possible so they can make the decision that works best for them. And with us, you even have the convenience of buying here and paying here too! Keep scrolling to find out what you should be on the lookout for when you're in the market for a used car.
Do Your Research
Before you begin looking for a car, ask yourself if there is a type of vehicle that you need for your lifestyle. By figuring out what kind of vehicle to look for, you will have a more specific list of inspection items to work with. When researching for the vehicle, also look up the common problems for the models you are considering, so you can be prepared for any potential service costs down the road.
Exterior Checks
Always inspect the body condition. Walk around the vehicle and make a note of any scratches, dents or rust. Also check out the body panels. Everything should line up evenly, and the doors, hood and trunk should be able to open and close easily. While walking around your vehicle, look at the tires. All of the tires should be the same brand and should be in solid condition (no cracks, bulges, scuffing or bad tread). Lastly, always test the lights. They should all work properly and be without cracks and damages in addition to showing no signs of moisture.
Interior Checks
When looking around the interior, one of the most crucial things to check for is an odor. If the car has a mold, must or mildew smell, that could point to a water leak or flood damage. Also, check the seats to see if they are worn or have any tears in the upholstery. You need to ensure the seats work properly and that you can get the driver’s seat into a comfortable position for you. Also, you always need to test out the controls and instruments to see that they are functioning properly. Lastly, take a peek at the roof to check for signs of staining or water leaking through a sunroof or window.
Under the Hood
When looking under the hood, check the belts, hoses, fluids, oil and transmission fluid. Everything should be at its proper level (like oil), and there shouldn't be any cracks, leaks or water. Also look beneath the vehicle to see if anything is leaking, rusting or missing.
The Test Drive
The test drive is easily one of the most important parts of your checklist. When starting the engine, see how long it takes for the car to turn on and if there are any odd noises. You need to take the vehicle on a variety of different roads so that you can test it at all different speeds. Plus, check to see if the transmission shifts smoothly and that the brakes offer good stopping power without pulling the vehicle to either side.
Paperwork and Mechanic's Inspection
Before you close the deal on your car, you need to get the vehicle identification number (VIN) and run a Vehicle History Report. Most dealers will provide a report on all of their used vehicles. Also have a trusted repair shop fully inspect the vehicle before you purchase it. And remember, with Joe Cooper's Easy Credit Auto, we offer a buy here, pay here perk so you don't have to go offsite to purchase your next used vehicle. To get started, get pre-approved today!
Buy Here, Pay Here
Joe Cooper's Easy Credit Auto makes buying a used car affordable, convenient and simple. The best part is that you can do it all right here. We've successfully financed customers with various financial backgrounds, so we're confident we cna finance you too. We're here to answer any questions you may have, so don't hesitate to reach out to us at any time.
If you have any questions about what you need to do before buying a used car or would like to test-drive any used cars, please feel free to contact us or stop by Joe Cooper's Easy Credit Auto at 6450 Tinker Diagonal Midwest City, OK 73110. We look forward to serving our customers from Del City, Yukon and Edmond.