Dear Mike,
I hope this letter finds you well. I came across your Youtube channel and I was hoping you could give me some advice. I have been looking to buy a used car for a while now but I am not sure what I should be looking for. Can you recommend any tips or tricks that I should keep in mind?
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to read my letter. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
Ridley
Well hello there Ridley, and thank you for reaching out to me for some automotive advice! I’m happy to help you out with your used car search, and let me tell you, there are certainly some tips and tricks that you should keep in mind to make sure that you get the best deal possible on your new-to-you ride.
First and foremost, as you mentioned in your letter, always make sure that you have the opportunity to take the vehicle to an independent repair shop for a pre-purchase inspection before agreeing to buy it. This is crucial to give you a full understanding of the condition of the car and to identify any potential issues that may need to be addressed before you drive off into the sunset.
Another important tip is to do your research and know what the make and model of the car you’re interested in is known for. Some cars have frequent problems or maintenance concerns that you’ll want to be aware of before committing to buying one. You can do a quick internet search or ask your local mechanic to get an idea of what the common issues are and how often they occur.
When you do go to check out a car in person, be sure to look for signs of wear and tear. Take a close look at the tires, brakes, and suspension and see if they show signs of heavy use. Check the fluid levels and the color of the oil – if it’s a dirty brown or black, that could be a sign of poor maintenance. You’ll also want to take a careful look at the body of the car. Make sure the paint color is consistent all over and that there are no signs of rust or damage.
And speaking of damage, let’s talk about those pesky “fender bender’s” that you mentioned in your letter. It’s true, Carfax reports don’t always tell the whole story when it comes to a car’s accident history. This is where a pre-purchase inspection from a licensed technician comes in handy. They can detect even the smallest signs of previous damage and let you know if everything is up to snuff.
Finally, my last piece of advice for you is to negotiate! Don’t be afraid to haggle with the seller and try to bring down the price of the car. If the pre-purchase inspection did reveal any issues, use those as leverage to get a better deal. And always remember that you have the power to walk away if the seller isn’t willing to work with you.
I hope these tips were helpful to you, Ridley, and that you feel more confident in your used car search. By following these guidelines and doing your due diligence, you’ll be cruising down the road in your new ride in no time!
Mike Urban