What to Look for When Buying a Used Car

Some of our Live Oak-area customers have admitted that they really don’t know what to look for when buying a used car. That’s perfectly understandable—since the average car buyer isn’t a mechanic or an auto expert! If you feel a little lost when inspecting a used car, don’t worry. We’ve put together a handy guide so that you know what to ask when buying a used car.

What to Ask When Buying a Used Car: 12 Key Questions

Knowing what to ask when buying a used car is just as important as knowing what to look for. There are some things, like the car’s maintenance history, that you can only find out by asking the seller. We pride ourselves on fully informing our Macclenny customers about our cars so that they can make informed decisions. Unfortunately, not all dealers and private sellers are as eager to share that kind of information. So, here’s a list of questions to ask the seller about the used Kia Sorento or used Soul you’ve got your eye on:

What to Ask When Buying a Used Car

• Can you provide a history of maintenance?
• Is the vehicle history report available?
• Do the amenities and features work like they’re supposed to?
• What is the ownership history?
• What is the vehicle’s mileage?
• Are there any current recalls on the vehicle?
• How was the vehicle priced when new?
• Can I take the car to a mechanic for an inspection?
• Do you have the title on hand?
• Is the car sold as is, or is it under warranty?
• Does this vehicle affect your insurance premiums?

• What is the “out-the-door” price of the vehicle, including taxes and dealer fees?

What to Look for When Buying a Used Car: A Checklist

There are several simple things that any driver can check on a used car that will help indicate how dependable it is likely to be over the years. Of course, if you’re considering buying a car from us, you’re welcome to let your mechanic check it out first. That said, you can rule out some used cars by conducting a visual inspection yourself. Make sure that any pre-owned car you’re considering doesn’t display any of the following telltale problems.

What to Look for When Buying a Used Car

• Dents and scratches on the exterior
• Signs of rust
• Cracks in glass
• How well the doors, windows, trunk, and hood open and close
• If the lights work
• Vehicle maintenance record
• Mileage history report
• If the car has a musty odor on the inside
• Condition of hoses and belts
• Engine fluids like oil and transmission fluid
• If there is black or greasy residue on the tailpipe
• How it performs in a test drive
• What consumer reviews say about this make and model

Shop Reliable Used Cars for Sale at Rountree Moore Kia

There are lots of benefits of buying a used Kia vehicle, from lower monthly payments to a slower rate of depreciation. Learn more by visiting us in Lake City to take one or more of the dependable used cars on our lot for a test drive. And don’t forget to take advantage of our used vehicle specials! We’re just down the road from Gainesville, so drop by or contact us today.