Buyer's Checklist for Inspecting Used Cars

Buyer's Checklist for Inspecting Used Cars

By Anders Abadie

The inspection is one of the most important aspects of the car buying experience. The initial inspection gives the potential buyer the opportunity to check both the interior and exterior for problems such as rust, a faulty sound system, or mechanical issues. Although a buyer's personal inspection isn't a substitute for a thorough inspection by a professional mechanic, it is an essential step when purchasing used cars. Before investing in a used vehicle, follow this checklist for inspecting used cars.

Examining the Exterior

Before you actually get into the vehicle for a test drive, it's best first to examine the exterior for any defects. While minor cosmetic flaws such as small scratches or dents often remain unnoticeable, other blemishes like rust can spread when exposed to air and moisture long-term. When examining the exterior, check for the following problems:

- Cracks in the windshield or windows
- Mismatched body panel colors
- Improper alignment where the trunk and hood close
- Improper alignment where the fenders and doors meet
- Faulty windshield wipers
- Faulty headlights and signal lights

Inspecting the Interior

The interior of the vehicle is equally as important as the exterior, as you'll want to be able to drive comfortably. When inspecting the interior, check for cosmetic flaws like torn or aged upholstery, faulty instruments and controls, and odd odors that could indicate the presence of mold or mildew. The following defects should also be looked for:

- Problems with opening and closing doors
- Problems with opening and closing the trunk
- Non-working gauges/stereo/heater/air conditioner
- Lit warning lights on the dashboard
- Faulty seatbelts
- Faulty power windows/sunroof
- Non-working alarm (if applicable)

Checking the Brakes and Steering

Brakes are a critical safety feature in all vehicles and should be in good working condition. Common signs that indicate the need for new brakes include squeaks, squeals, grinding, and other noises. You'll also want to ensure that the steering wheel steers to either side easily. Here are some common problems to look for:

- Pulling of the vehicle to one side when applying the brakes
- Issues when trying to engage or disengage the parking brake
- Shaking or vibrating
- Resistance in the steering wheel while attempting to turn
- Clunking or clicking sound while turning

Taking the Car for a Test Drive

Driving a used vehicle is essential to ensure that the car is running smoothly and is mechanically sound. During the test drive, be sure to follow all precautions that you normally would such as adjusting the seat and mirrors and fastening your seatbelt. You'll also want to check for the following problems:

- Difficultly starting the vehicle
- Trouble shifting gears (if manual transmission)
- Poor acceleration
- Difficultly maneuvering during lane changes

Unless you have prior experience, you may not know what to look for when checking the frame, transmission, and other more complicated components of the car. It's best to have the car inspected by a professional mechanic before purchasing to ensure that the vehicle is in good working condition. Be sure to perform an inspection always before purchasing used cars for your own safety and the safety of your passengers.

When considering used cars, NJ residents visit Honda of Toms River. Learn more at http://www.hondaoftomsriver.com/used-cars-toms-river-nj.

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Donating Used Cars Is Not As Straightforward As It Used To Be

Donating Used Cars Is Not As Straightforward As It Used To Be

By Anders Abadie

Many people have a thorough understanding of how to sell or trade used cars, even if they have never done so themselves. However, the process of donating a vehicle to charity is mostly unknown to most of us. There are many common misunderstandings about the process, which will be cleared up below.

The Truth About Tax Breaks

All over television, billboards, and even on the Internet, there are ads stating that if you donate your used cars to charity, you will receive a tax break. Even though this is technically true, these tax breaks are much smaller than they were in years past. Unfortunately, this is because some people took advantage of the system.

Up until recently, the process was quite easy and straightforward. Taxpayers simply claimed the fair market value of the vehicle on their tax forms. This was easily determined by auto valuation services such as Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds. As a result, many people just donated their used cars to the closest non-profit and simply claimed the applicable tax break.

Then some taxpayers began to claim that their auto donation was worth more than the actual value, so the government was forced to enact strict rules regarding the amounts you could claim subsequent to vehicle donation. Everything now depends on how the charity intends to use the vehicle, which puts taxpayers in an awkward situation. They do not know the exact size of their pending tax deduction at the time that their used cars are donated.

The IRS has a $500 deduction threshold for vehicular gifts. If the auto is valued higher than that, it is valued at the price that the charity eventually sells it for. If the charity decides to use it prior to selling it, you may be entitled to a deduction equal to the full value of the auto if the charity provides you with documentation regarding the sales price and how it was used prior to the sale.

Finding An Appropriate Charity

It is crucial to research your chosen charity before you drop off any used cars. Though there are many philanthropic groups that will gladly accept your donation, only those that are tax-qualified will result in income tax breaks. There are many groups that perform valuable work in the community, but they are not approved charitable organizations in accordance with IRS rules. There are also many con artists around that will take advantage of your good intentions, so always verify that your chosen non-profit is legitimate and reputable.

So, is donating your old automobile the right option for you? Donating a vehicle is a noble undertaking. Though you expect a tax break in the end, you are still doing your part to help your community. Not only will it save you a few bucks at the end of the year, but it will also provide you with a sense of pride, knowing that you did something to help your neighbors and friends in your area.

To learn more about their options for Springfield, IL used cars, residents should visit http://www.freedomautosonline.com/.

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Five Reasons To Buy Used Cars Now

Five Reasons To Buy Used Cars Now

By Anders Abadie

For obvious reasons, pre-owned autos have always been less expensive than brand new ones. As such, they were far more popular with cash-strapped consumers during the Great Recession. However, as demand rose faster than supply during those years, the price of used cars reached an all-time high. Between 2007 and 2013, the cost of the average, secondhand ride surged by 18 percent. That trend continued in 2014, with an increase of 5.1 percent. But now, after seven consecutive years of growth, many experts believe prices will soon fall back down. Here's why.

Improving Economy

When people have money in their pockets, they are far more likely to purchase big-ticket items like cars and homes. With unemployment falling and wages rising (albeit marginally), consumers should invest in new autos at a disproportionate rate. The subsequent decline in demand for used vehicles should lead to lower prices.

Rising Inventory

One of the ways Americans saved during the economic downturn was to lease vehicles rather than buy them. According to industry insiders, a whopping 3.2 million new autos were leased from 2009. Many of these now-secondhand cars and trucks are coming back to dealerships. As a result, sellers should have huge inventories of late model vehicles. Now, even if demand were rising, the increased supply would most likely stabilize prices. However, with the expectation of a fall in demand, perhaps precipitously, costs could come crashing back to earth.

Better Quality

When you lease a vehicle, you must return it to the dealership in excellent condition. That is why most leased cars are in better shaped than those that are owned. With millions of these gently used automobiles returning to sellers in the coming years, the overall quality of the pre-owned fleet will improve.

Younger Fleet

There was a time, not so long ago, when most used car lots offered the dregs of the automotive industry. We're talking about clunkers so past their prime they probably belonged in junkyard. Times have changed! Because of leasing and better longevity, most sellers offer an appealing mix of nearly new and gently used cars. We should also mention that many dealerships now offer certified, pre-owned automobiles. These vehicles are thoroughly tested and inspected before they're put up for sale. They even come complete with extended warranties from their manufacturers.

Accurate Pricing

Before the advent of the Internet, it was almost impossible to price pre-owned autos; even the dealers weren't sure what they should charge. Today, there are dozens of websites that collect sales information from countless sellers across the country. This data is then used to calculate the average sales price for every make and model vehicle on the road. The prospective buyer just has to search for secondhand autos by zip code to find out what they're going for in his backyard. As you might expect, having access to this vital information makes it easier than ever to negotiate over price.

For all of these reasons and more, now is a great time to buy used cars in America.

To learn more about their options for used cars, Mobile, AL residents should visit http://www.deanmccraryaudi.com/used-inventory/index.htm.

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