Buying a used car is a great way to save money, but first, make sure it’s in good condition. In this post by Synthetic Oil Outlet in Staten Island, we’ll talk about key points to look at when looking at used cars. 

Assess the Car’s Condition

The first step when looking at used cars is to assess their condition. If a vehicle is in good condition, even if it’s a used car, it can run smoothly for years and years with the proper maintenance routine.

Ask a Certified Mechanic to Inspect the Car

One way to assess the condition of the car you’re looking at is to ask a certified mechanic to inspect the vehicle. Some dealerships allow you to take the car into a mechanic’s garage during your test drive. Some dealers won’t allow it, so another option is to take your trusted mechanic to inspect the car right there at the dealership. A mechanic should tell you the car’s condition, and if they see any issues, you would need to address them if you buy it.

Look For a Certified Pre-owned Car

Another way of determining if a car is in good condition is by looking for dealerships with certified pre-owned (CPO) cars. The dealership’s mechanics have inspected these types of vehicles following the manufacturer’s specifications. CPO cars are usually issued extended warranties that cover a certain number of miles. A perceived downside of CPO cars is that they can be more expensive, but having an extended warranty can be worth the markup.

If you’re buying a used car, an excellent way to extend its lifecycle is by maintaining it with exceptional products. Contact the oil pros at Synthetic Oil Outlet for guidance on the best products for your engine, like AMSOIL’s Signature Series 0W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil.

Mileage and Age Usually Go Hand in Hand

Two numbers that play an important when buying a used car are mileage and age. A vehicle should accumulate 12,000 miles per year of use, and it’s usually a good indicator of the car’s maintenance and condition. Mileage isn’t the only factor though, age is also an essential factor as an older car with low mileage could mean there’s a problem with the odometer, and it’s not giving you an accurate reading. Pay attention to both of these numbers and if you feel like something is off, bring it up with the mechanic when they do their inspection.

Keep your car’s engine running smoother for longer with the excellent products from Synthetic Oil Outlet. Call them at (718) 354-0548 or visit AMSOIL's online shop for their full range of products.

The Vehicle History Report Can Tell You a Lot

The third aspect you should pay attention to when buying a used car is to look up the car’s VIN which stands for Vehicle Identification Number. This number is unique for each vehicle and can tell you a lot of helpful information on the vehicle’s history.

Where Can I Find the VIN?

The VIN is usually located inside your car’s door, on the engine, under the spare tire, or on the car’s dashboard.

What Can a VIN Tell You?

VINs are useful because they can tell you if the car has been in any accidents, how many owners it’s had, and if previous owners have been diligent with its maintenance and emissions testing.

Doing a VIN Check

The first thing you should look up with the VIN is if the car has been in any accidents. There are some accidents that insurance companies deem too expensive to repair; this could mean that the vehicle was marked as a total loss, and it could have extensive mechanical and structural damage and would be a red flag for any buyer.

Look up Previous Car Owners

Next, look up how many owners the car has had. Having multiple owners isn’t a bad thing, but there are more chances that one or more previous owners didn’t do proper maintenance on the car. Looking up previous owners could also bring up legal issues the vehicle might have, for example, if it was stolen. Buying a stolen car could get you in legal trouble even if unaware.

Lookup Maintenance Records

Lastly, the VIN is useful for looking up maintenance records. These maintenance records can answer many questions and tell you if previous owners took good care of it or were negligent.

We hope these tips are helpful when buying a used car. If you need any advice for products for your used car, don’t hesitate to call the oil pros at Synthetic Oil Outlet at (718) 354-0548 or visit their online shop to get the full details on the best oil products for your vehicle.

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