INDEPENDENT DEALER

   Wichita, KS | (316) 686-1069

OUR BLOG

10/6/2020
Buying a used car can be tough because there are so many to sort through. On top of this, you may not know if you can trust the seller. To ensure you get a great car, use these tips.

Check These Things Before Buying a Used Car

If you've decided that buying a used car is the option for you, this is a great choice. While this is a great choice, it will also require some work. It can be hard to know just what condition that car is in, so you'll want to be ready to inspect a car when the time comes. To help you prepare, check out these tips.

Get a Vehicle History Report

When you're deciding if a car is worth the investment, you'll definitely want to know more about its history. The seller will try to sell you the car by telling you how great it is, but this may not be the whole story. The easiest way to get a clearer view of the car's history is by requesting a vehicle history report. You can do this very easily if you have the car's VIN number. Feel free to request this from the seller and they should be willing to give it to you. The report will show you the vehicle's title history, accident history, and even its mileage. You will have to pay for the report, but it's well worth it.

Inspect the Tires

If you're checking out a car, getting up close with the tires is a must. Since replacing four tires can be very pricey, you want to be sure the car still has good ones. Crouch down and take a look at the tread on the tires so you can see how good they still are. Also, look for signs of uneven wear since this can tell you if the car has tire alignment issues. Don't forget to check the sidewalls of the tires for signs of wear.

Get Under the Hood

You may feel silly asking the seller to pop the hood if you're not too sure what you're looking at, but this is definitely a must. Even if you're not an experienced car person, you can still look for signs of damage. When you're looking under the hood, look out for rust and fluids. These will be signs of a leak, so they shouldn't be taken lightly. On top of this, check the belts and hoses for cracks or dry spots. These can quickly lead to leaks or malfunctioning, so don't ignore these issues either. Ask the seller how old the battery is so you get a better idea of how much longer it will last. To ensure your engine is being protected, be sure to give your car a synthetic oil change in Wichita. Click here to buy AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil which can help your car stay in better shape for longer. The friendly oil pros at Hartmans Inc can help you find the right oil for the job. Give them a call at (316) 686-1069 to learn more and check out their online shop for a full range of their products.

Check the Exterior

Next up, take a walk around the car and inspect all of it. Pay attention to the paint since this can show signs of wear as well. Look out for scratches, chipping paint, and rust since this can lead to further issues in the future. While you do this, also look at the windows. Take notes of cracks since this sort of damage will require a window replacement. Check the lights as well so that you know they're not cracked or damaged.

Take a Look at the Interior

After checking out the exterior, you'll also want to check out the interior of the car. Get in the car and make sure all the doors close and lock properly. On top of this, test that the windows all open and close smoothly. Take a close look at the upholstery, floors, and mats for tears, snags, and stains. Test all of the seatbelts because you want to be absolutely sure they all work. Finally, check the center console, dashboard, and steering wheel for signs of sun damage such as peeling, cracks, and other issues. Turn on the car and test all of the electronic items and give the horn a try.

Give Your Car a Synthetic Oil Change in Wichita

Keep your car's insides in great shape with the help of a synthetic oil change in WichitaContact the friendly oil pros at Hartmans Inc. to get their help when choosing an oil for your car. Give them a call at (316) 686-1069 to learn more or to place your order.