Buying a used car can be a bit daunting because you never know what the seller may be hiding. To ensure you make a good investment, use these tips.

What to Consider When Looking for a Used Car

We've all heard a story or two about someone buying a great looking used car only to have it malfunction a week later. Unfortunately, this happens all too often. If you're hoping to buy a used car that won't leave you paying for endless repairs, know that this is possible. To help you get a great used car, use these tips during your search.

Narrow Down Your Options

Before even starting to scour the web for a car, narrow down your options by identifying what you want or need. Some things to consider include what size car fits your lifestyle and what you will need the car for. If you need a car that will make it easy to transport large items, a pickup truck may be a great option. If you're looking for a car big enough for your family but that can get you to work daily, a smaller, family friendly option is a great choice. Once you know what type of car you're looking for, start searching and avoid getting distracted by great deals that don't fit your needs.

Set a Realistic Budget

A realistic budget will require that you are honest about how much you can afford to spend on a car as well as how much the car you want costs. Once this is clear, set a budget range. Having a range will allow you to negotiate with the seller a bit better. Don't give them your full budget right away, start somewhere in the middle. You may be able to bring their selling price down while still staying under budget. Don't forget to leave enough money to pay for additional fees such as getting the title transferred and registration fees.

Get to Know the Car's History

If you're worried that the seller is hiding something in the vehicle's history, like a car accident, you can get the car's full history by paying to run a report. If you're making your purchase through a dealership, they often include running a report in the final price of the transaction. However, if you're buying from a private seller, it will be up to you to get the report. They do cost a bit of money, but it's best to know what you're buying before making such a large investment. A great way to ensure your used car stays in great shape for longer is by giving it synthetic oil changes at regular intervals. A synthetic oil like AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil can keep your engine well protected in all conditions. To find more products like this, contact the experts at Hartmans Inc. Call them at (316) 686-1069 to learn more about their full range of AMSOIL Oil products.

Thoroughly Inspect the Car

If you're considering a vehicle, don't buy it before inspecting it yourself. Look out for signs that indicate it hasn't been well taken care of, such as rust, dents, and other exterior damage. Rust and other damage under the hood can be a very bad sign. Look out for leaks that can leave you paying hefty repair fees in the future. Don't forget to also look at the tires. Worn tires can be replaced for a price, but look out for other issues like uneven wear. This can often mean the tires aren't properly aligned. This may be a more serious issue in the suspension, so don't ignore this area.

Take a Test Drive

Always ask to take the car on a test drive so that you can become more familiar with how it handles different types of driving. Take it for a ride through city streets to test how it performs in stop and go traffic. Take it on the highway to see how it speeds up, brakes, shifts, and turns. While you're in the car, test its electronics to be sure everything is working properly.

Get the Car Professionally Inspected

If you're not great at anything car related, you can always take the car into a mechanic to have it professionally inspected. Your trusted mechanic can let you know if the car has any serious issues that will set you back a great deal.

Synthetic Oil Change in Wichita

If you're preparing to give your car a synthetic oil change, be sure to treat it to the best synthetic oil around, AMSOIL Oil. Contact Hartmans Inc at (316) 686-1069 for the personalized service you need to find the right products. You can always stop by their online shop to browse their full range of products and make your purchase.