Purchasing a used car may be the right decision for you right now, financially. It’s undoubtedly one of your best options if you need to replace your current vehicle and you’re on a tight budget. There are caveats to this, though. For one, you won’t get the protection that you’ll get with a new car.
The reason you’re better protected by a brand new vehicle is that all of its parts and elements are fresh and brand new. None of its components have been replaced or repaired, and the car is in 100% excellent working condition. On the other hand, used vehicles already have some mileage in them, and they certainly have history. That’s not to say every used car for sale has a history of being in a crash or having engine problems. If that’s the case, no one would be spending their hard-earned cash for cars that have already been used.
Still, it is in your best interest to be extra careful when you are purchasing a used car. It’s not hard to do – all you need to do is watch out for these telltale signs that you should look elsewhere:
Rust, Rust, and More Rust
While some rust is certainly acceptable (they are to be expected, anyway), an excess of it means that the car is deteriorating fast. You’ll be lucky to get a year from it. Rust on the frame also tells you that costly repairs and replacements are in your future, and that’s something you want to avoid at all costs.
Stink That Doesn’t Fade
You might think that a smelly car is something that a thorough car wash can easily solve. In some cases, it is possible, but most of the time, the funk doesn’t really go away. One of the probable causes of a stinky vehicle is that it has been damaged by flood. When a car has gone through flood damage, it’s as good as gone. Most car insurance companies consider this a total loss, so there’s really no logical reason to buy a car that smells musty and moldy. You might even end up paying more for the fixes than for the vehicle itself.
Fresh or Mismatched Paint
A new layer of paint may be desirable in real estate, but that’s not really the case when it comes to cars. Mismatched or fresh paint is an indication of a major repair that may be caused by an accident. If that’s the case, you’re likely to get headaches from the car, so it’s better to look elsewhere. So be extra careful when considering cars with mismatched paint.
New Carpet
Another thing that you might overlook is the car’s carpet. Don’t get excited by the sight of new carpets because they may actually be a sign that the old carpet was soaked in flood water! Remember that carpets are not something that car owners typically replace, so if you’re looking at a car with new ones, you should definitely ask the seller about it.
Difficult Seller
A seller with nothing to hide wouldn’t object to requests made by potential buyers. They would actually encourage the buyers to test the car properly to ensure that everything’s working as it should. If the seller keeps you from trying all the features of the vehicle or is against the idea of an inspection, that’s not a good sign.
Conclusion
Anyone paying cash for cars that are not brand new should be ready for the risk that they’re getting a lemon. By being aware of the things discussed above, you could reduce that risk, though. The important thing to remember is to take your time in choosing and looking for a used car so you won’t regret your purchase. If you bought a used car that’s giving you a lot of headaches and you simply want to get rid of it, consider taking it to businesses that pay cash for junk cars.
Best Price Cash for Cars is one of the best junk car buyers in the U.S. that pay cash on the spot for junk, damaged, or broken cars. We even tow for free 24/7. Contact us today at 888-545-1599 to get a quote!