To protect yourself as a consumer, read on to learn how to determine the value of a used car.
- Start with a book
The first thing to look for in determining the value of a used car is the Kelly Blue Book or the NADA manual. Both sites offer approximate values for vehicles based on their make, model, year, mileage, condition, geographic area of sale, and how they are sold. For example, exchanging a car for a car is almost always much less than if the car were sold privately.
- Price of other comparable vehicles
Before moving on to a specific sale, evaluate other similar vehicles in your area. Let’s say you buy a used 2004 Toyota Camry, but you don’t know what the price is. Try searching the ads in your area, either online or offline, for other 2004 Toyota Camry with similar mileage listings.
By understanding what else is available in the market, you will get a clearer picture of the reasonable price and real value of your used cars fresno.
- Inspect the car
If it’s not manufacturer-certified, you should have any used car you plan to buy verified by a third-party certified mechanic. Your independent vehicle valuation can help you get a clearer picture of the car’s true value. In addition, a good mechanic can also detect previous failures or damages that have been repaired or simply hidden and that the novice of the car might have lost.
- The higher the mileage, the older the car and the lower the cost
As a general rule, a car with high mileage and a lot of years under its belt will be cheaper. If it is not an antique collector’s item, age will never be an advantage in determining the value of a car.
Many cars also have a timing belt or chain, which must be replaced every 100,000 miles. If the car you are considering is at a distance equal to or greater than this total distance, be sure to ask if the belt has actually been replaced, as the out-of-pocket costs you must pay can range from an additional $ 500 to $ 1,000.
- Examine the condition of the car.
Despite the fact that the car is easy enough to clean or describe in detail, the quality of the car service, both inside and outside, should have some influence on your evaluation of the car. Avoid stains, odors, burns, liquid leaks, dirty liquids and other signs that the vehicle may not have received proper care.