When the time comes for your next car purchase, the last thing you’re going to want to do is make your selection on something that might need work, or turn out to be a lemon. Because there are a number of things that can go wrong with any car, there are a number of things to consider before making the purchase. Below are just a few things to consider before your car purchase is final and you drive off in your new ride.

 

  1. Was the car in an accident? It’s important to check the car’s history to see if there are any instances of an accident with your car. This is important because depending on the severity of the accident itself, there may be different parts of the car that don’t work as well as they once had (if the repairs were not completed properly), or it might not look the way you want cosmetically.
  2. Is there still a warranty? This is also a huge factor to consider. If you’re interested in a car that has been used, it’s a good idea to see if there is still a factory or extended warranty still available on the car itself. This helps you reduce the amount you need to spend on repairs, while also giving you the security that your car will be operable and reliable when the parts are replaced by a professional.
  3. Are there any recalls? Sometimes, cars have a number of recalls for important components like the driveline, airbags, seatbelts and more. If this is something your car has been involved in, it’s imperative that you either have these taken care of, or make sure that someone else has already done so prior, to avoid having any problems in the future.
  4. What is the residual value? For some people, buying a car is an investment, and they want to make sure that the vehicle will hold its value down the line. If you’re unsure of this, make sure you conduct a bit of research, as well as gauge past models of the car, inspect it for damage, and shop around for similar cars of similar age. This helps you understand if your car will still be worth money in the future when you’re ready to sell.

 

Of course, it’s also important to make sure that your current and future cars are kept free of damage and premature wear. To do this, make sure you’re bringing it somewhere to have it properly inspected and maintained to keep it on the road longer, and for more enjoyable miles!