Whether you’re buying a used car from a dealership or a private party, it is important to have a list of questions ready to go for the owner. These questions can help to determine whether or not the vehicle is worth the money that you’re going to pay. Based on its condition and history, you may find that you’re better off just opting for a brand-new vehicle than the used one. Here are some important things to keep in mind.

Mileage

According to Houston Overhead Door, a company that provides garage door repair for Houston residents, when you’re buying a used car, it is crucial to know just how many miles the vehicle has been driven over the years. If there is a high amount of miles clocked in, you may want to think again about this purchase. In particular, if the owner tells you that the automobile has more than 20,000 miles per year on it or less than 5,000, this should be a red flag. However, while the mileage itself will tell you a great deal of information, it is more important to find out how these miles were accumulated. A long highway commute is better for the car than a lot of stop-and-go driving. Remember, low mileage is always fantastic, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the car was handled with the best care.

Features

While the vehicle’s features are often outlined in the ad listing, it is still vital to ask the owner how the car is equipped. Make sure to inquire about everything from the transmission type to the sound system. The more you know about the car, the more educated your decision will be on whether or not you should purchase the used car.

Condition

Of course, you should also ask the owner about the vehicle’s condition, as you’ll need to know exactly how the car is currently running. Since this is a vague question, it allows the dealer to really go off on what they’ve found while driving the car around. In fact, this question could lead to the owner discussing something about the car that you would never have even thought to ask about.

Service Records

According to Houston Overhead Door, a company that provides affordable Houston garage door repair, don’t forget to ask the owner if you can see the vehicle’s service records. That’s because you want to own a used car that has been taken care of throughout the years. The vehicle should have undergone regular maintenance to make sure that it’s safe to drive. If you notice that the owner claims to have had service performed, but doesn’t have any documentation to prove this, you should be a bit wary.

Reason For Selling the Vehicle

While this may sound like a silly question, it is actually quite informational. If you’re purchasing the used car from a private source, ask them what their reason is behind selling the vehicle. Here, you’re not looking for an interesting story, but instead, one that sounds legitimate. If the owner seems like they are making up a story or won’t give you a straight answer, you should be a bit skeptical that there may be a serious issue with why they’re looking to get rid of the vehicle.

Buying a car is always an exciting time in a person’s life, which is why you don’t want this occasion to be dampened by a faulty used car. Thankfully, by asking the right questions, you can get all the information you need to tell to whether or not the owner is selling you the car you dreamed of or one that will only fail you from the get-go.