If you’re in the market for a used car, you’re likely looking for a reliable and affordable option. But how do you know if the car is still in good condition? This can be tricky given that it’s impossible to see the inside of a vehicle before purchase. That said, there are certain aspects of a car to investigate before buying it which will help save some hassles down the road. In this post, we’ll explore some ways to make sure that you’re getting everything you need from your next used cars in georgetown sc purchase.

Take It for A Test Drive

One of the best ways to determine if a car is going to be a good fit for you is by taking it for a test drive. As you take the car out for a spin, use this time to check things out. Does it accelerate smoothly? Are there any odd noises? Do the brakes work properly and do they feel even when applied? Make sure that this is something you do before finalizing the sale.

If the car has already been driven around the block, look closely at how dirty or clean it is (particularly on the inside). If it appears that someone took care of their vehicle and kept it clean, chances are they did so consistently over time. They also likely took care of the car’s maintenance and repairs. If you’re finding that it needs major work, there’s a good chance that the vehicle won’t be of much use to you.

Check the VIN

The vehicle identification number is commonly called a VIN for short. It’s essentially a serial number for a car and is found on both the windshield and the driver side door jamb post. This number can be used to trace how many times the vehicle has been sold or stolen. There are two kinds of VINs: one is registered in your name (also called “first party”), while the other is registered to someone else (also called “third party”). The best VIN to have is a first party because it’s less likely that the car has been stolen or sold multiple times. By checking the VIN, you can quickly see which kind you’re dealing with and decide whether or not to pursue the sale.

Run a Carfax Report

Thanks to the internet, it’s never been easier to check if a used car has any reported damage. Some websites, like CarFax, allow users to run vehicle reports online for a small fee (less than $20). This will allow you to learn what others have discovered when they owned the car. Reported damage will be recorded in detail on this document and can include everything from paint scratches and dents to major accidents.