Tips For Buying A High-Mileage Car
The more someone drives a car, the more the car suffers wear and tear. This is why many people are wary of buying high-mileage cars. However, the high mileage itself should not be the main cause of concern if a car is not defective. If you are not averse to high-mileage cars, below are some tips you can use to help you get a good car.
Choose a Reliable Model
If you are going to buy a high-mileage car, then you should focus on reliable make and models. Choose cars with proven track records -- cars that are still reliable after hitting six-figure miles. Do your research before heading to the dealership. The research is important because even though no car lasts forever, some reach their demise earlier than others.
Scrutinize Its History
Once you have narrowed down your choices to a specific model, research its history thoroughly. You want to know how well the previous owners serviced the car, whether the car has been involved in an accident, and how the car was used. A high-mileage car that was religiously serviced is better than a high-mileage car whose previous owner was lax with maintenance. Resources such as Carfax, CarProof, and Autocheck can help you know more about the car's history.
Confirm the Mileage
You also need to confirm the mileage and ensure it has not been tampered with. Even if you are buying a high-mileage car, you probably have a limit as to how high you can go. Aside from that, you also want to know what you are buying. If the previous owner is lying about the mileage, you can't be sure what else they have lied about. The history of the car, which contains things like the service intervals, can help you confirm the mileage.
Look Out for Signs of Wear
Just because you are buying a high-mileage car doesn't mean that you should get a junk car. Give the car a visual examination and watch out for signs of physical damage. You don't expect a high-mileage car to be spotlessly clean; a few signs of wear are to be expected. In fact, you should be cautious of a high-mileage car that looks brand new; the owner might be hiding something.
Have a Mechanic Inspect the Car
Lastly, you should have a mechanic inspect the car for deeper problems that you may not spot on your own. This is always a good idea with all used cars, but it is particularly critical for high-mileage cars.
For more information, you can contact companies like Gary Rome Hyundai.