Car shopping can be an exciting and fun time. You get to check out new models, colors, features, and even test drive the vehicle of your dreams. However, there are certain things to examine before buying a used car that could save you from costly repairs down the line.

This blog post will cover important steps to take when purchasing a used car so that you don’t regret it later on.

1) Take a Look at Vehicle’s History Report

The first thing to do before buying a used car is to look into its history report. This can be done by checking the vehicle’s VIN number online or visiting an authorized dealer if you are purchasing it from one. Ensure that all information listed in the report matches what is mentioned on the bill of sale and other documents provided during the sale. If you see any discrepancies, it is best to walk away from the deal.

2) Inspect the Interior and the Exterior of the Vehicle Thoroughly

When inspecting a used car, it is best to do so in daylight so you can clearly examine the vehicle. You can also take someone along for assistance and ask them to look at certain things while you concentrate on others.

Begin by checking if there are any scratches or dents present anywhere on the vehicle’s body, and then move your attention towards the interior. Look for any signs of wear and tear on the seats, the dashboard, and other areas inside the car. If you are not happy with what you see, it is best to walk away from the deal.

3) Check Under the Hood

The next thing you need to look for is any rust or corrosion under the hood. Open up the bonnet and inspect it properly. Check for leaks under the hood as well: oil leakage or water leakages can be very harmful to a car and should not be ignored at all costs. Also, check if there are any broken or cracked hoses and belts.

4) Ask a Mechanic to Inspect the Vehicle

If you are unsure about anything you have seen or checked so far, it is always good to take the car to a mechanic and get it inspected. A knowledgeable mechanic will be able to identify any major problems with the vehicle, and this can help you decide whether or not to buy the car.

5) Take it for a Test Drive

When purchasing a pre-owned car, always take it for a test drive. A good way to check if everything works properly is by testing all of the features and systems in the car, such as turning on the air conditioning or heater and checking that they work well.

When taking your potential used car out for a test drive, it is important to check that the car doesn’t have any problems shifting gears. Even if you are driving on flat land, there could be issues with how well the transmission works, making driving more difficult in certain conditions.

Finally, before purchasing a used car make sure you go to a reputable dealership such as Queens Auto Mall, serving Queens, NY. With a huge variety of used cars for sale, we have something for everyone. Check out our inventory of used vehicles online and see what best fits your needs. Stop by to test drive your preferred car today!

Used cars only get the hate due to poorly researched purchases & pre-conceived notions that follow. Yes, some cars might be problematic, but no legitimate dealership lets a car be sold without providing all history details to the buyer.

However, people still stick to used car myths to justify their investment in a new car despite a meager budget. Among the ridiculous myths out there, we picked the top three that factor in money matters, engine, and their ensuing confusion on mileage.

Myth #1: Used Cars Need Repairs All the Time

Many people are not car-savvy, but on the lookout for one, scoff at the suggestion of buying a used car. They assume it’s a lousy investment, and because the car is used, it’s bound to have issues and will keep breaking down.

Now that’s not entirely true. When a car is traded in from a first-time owner, not only does it go through a complete system check, but the owner’s driving & maintenance history is also recorded for Carfax. All faulty parts or damages are replaced & patched. As long as the next buyer operates the car with due care and maintains a regular checkup schedule, the investment is secured!

Myth #2: Low Mileage Used Cars Will Last Longer

This is a ridiculous presumption about used cars for a car-savvy person because it cuts across many other factors. Some conditions define when a low mileage car is not worth the investment but always be wary if you encounter such a used car.

If the used car is around a year old since it was first purchased with a mileage of 20,000 to 40,000 miles, then it might seem like low mileage, but relatively, it’s an excellent value for a year-old vehicle. That’s the only condition where a low mileage car will last long, but if you are buying a pre-2011 model with a couple of thousand miles, then there is a possible issue with the car that has kept it low running.

Myth #3: What If It’s a ‘Defective’ In Disguise?

Suppose you have visited a questionable car dealership and made a deal on an equally dubious used car, then it’s on you. Such vehicles are called lemons, and the manufacturer usually recalls them because their defects compromise safety features.

The key to unlocking this myth is researching the car makes and models at legitimate car dealerships that provide a comprehensive history of the car model. If you propose to use an OBD tool, the dealership won’t shy away from letting you verify your car’s usage history!

At Queens Auto Mall, serving Queens, NY, we offer an extensive & delectable range of used cars that have passed through our maintenance checkups with flying colors. Plus, you are just in time for the year-end clearance sale with myth-free used car features!

Get on board with us to pre-qualify for financing at our Richmond Hill dealership!

New or used? Used or new? Some people opt for new because they cannot compromise on their car – little do they know of the hidden repercussions of doing so. Some people opt for used only because it saves them money; clearly, they are unaware of so much more.

Used cars offer you more than just money saved. We at Queens Auto Mall, serving Queens, NY, recommend a used car because of the following reasons no one talks about.

In Terms of Value – Used Cars Rule!

When buying a used car, you are foregoing all other high costs like high depreciation and insurance. As we all know, depreciation is high when the car is new; it goes down over time. Insurance is always high on riskier items due to potential theft or accidents – new cars.

You don’t need to pay all these high costs on top of the price of the car itself.

Au Revoir, Paperwork

Paperwork is associated with pretty much every purchase you make. With cars, though, there are a few detailed forms you need to fill. Not a fan of paperwork? You will not get to do much when buying a used car. Most of the paperwork for the used car you are about to buy has been filled already. You might have to fill some secondary forms, but your dealer will take care of those, too.

You Can Negotiate More Confidently

You can negotiate the price of the car down because the car is used. If it’s a new car, there is not much room. No matter how great the shape, used vehicles are still used. You can put your numbers on the table and take them up with the dealer. However, sometimes, some cars have barely been used before being sold back to the dealer. You can tell that, too.

We would recommend being reasonable with the price on these.

Performance-Wise, Used Cars Do So Much Better

A car needs to spend some time out on the road before achieving that high speed we all want. A new vehicle would be starting from scratch before it can be that fast and perform well. Whereas a used car has already been down so many roads – it is speedier than when it was new and performs better.

You Can Get a Sales Tax Exemption on A Used Car

Do you live in a state where there’s no sales tax on resale? If so, you won’t have to pay sales tax on your pre-owned car. You need to think about this if you want to save money on a purchase.

Proudly serving Queens, NY, Queens Auto Mall is a seller of premium pre-owned vehicles. Check out our used car inventory and drop by for a test drive!