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Used cars are a smart buy for a number of reasons. Buyers can pay less for the vehicle, and enjoy lower insurance bills. When shopping around and comparing used cars, there are a lot of things to consider. In addition to asking key questions and doing plenty of research, you'll want to keep an eye open for any red flags. Here are five warning signs you should look. Missing Paperwork You should insist on seeing repair and maintenance records, including everything from standard oil changes to any major work that's been done. Unless the vehicle is under six months old, chances are pretty good that it has needed some type of service, whether it's a replacement or routine maintenance like a tire rotation. Questionable Radio Settings Though not a make-it or break-it factor when it comes to deciding whether or not to purchase a vehicle, the saved stations shed a little light on the personality of the owner. If you find some questionable choices you may wonder how he or she treated the vehicle on the road. Hidden Damage Buyers should thoroughly inspect any vehicle they're thinking about purchasing. Get down on your hands and knees to check out every square inch of the body. While you may not know how to recognize a mechanical problem, you have it within your power to fully inspect the surface for defects or damage. Ask about anything you find and be cautious of incomplete or unlikely stories. A Fast-talking Seller If the individual or salesperson you're working with is trying to pressure you to make a fast decision, he or she may have something to hide. Never rush when making your decision. Instead, do research on the make and model in advance. Next, go see the vehicle in person, and, if you like it, take it for a test drive. Ask any questions to the seller, then go home to sleep on it. You may have a gut feeling about whether or not it's the right vehicle for you right away, but allow yourself a day to make a final decision. Unpleasant Smells Unpleasant smells can come in the form of an impregnated cigarette stink, an over-perfumed interior, or scents that belong in a mechanic's shop. First, cigarette smells are hard to get rid of. Unless you're a smoker yourself, beware of a vehicle that has even faint cigarette scent. Remember, the seller may have spent the last month trying to get the smell out, so don't think you'll be able to simply shampoo the seats and rid yourself of the unpleasant odor. Next, if it smells like the seller just dumped a bottle of perfume or inserted multiple plug-in scent units, there may be some worse smell he or she is trying to cover up. Lastly, the smell of oil or grease indicates a leak or hole somewhere. Be leery of any of these bad smells when looking at used cars. Shopping around for used cars in Metairie? Stop by Ray Brandt Toyota or visit http://raybrandttoyota.com to see a wide selection of vehicles.
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