Used car dealerships in Rochester NY: 3 proven strategies to avoid buying a “lemon”
A contributed post as written for The Safe Driver.
Used cars often provide the best value available in the market especially for models that are just two or three years old. Not only are the prices more affordable, but used vehicles also provide lower continuing ownership expenses like taxes and collision insurance. Check out www.visionnissangreece.com for the best values on used cars from a reliable brand.
When it comes to used cars, there are numerous places to buy one in Rochester NY. And when it comes to choosing from multiple options, you don’t have to rely on chance to avoid a lemon car – a vehicle that has numerous defects that affects it utility, value, and safety. Read on for the steps in choosing a used vehicle that provides you more bang for your buck.
- Obtain a car history report
The first step in any smart purchase is to research. A car history report will tell you about the car’s accidents, if there are any, like maintenance history, and if the car has a salvage title, indicating problems with the vehicle. From this report, you can watch out for recurring maintenance problems that can signify that the vehicle could be a lemon. To do this, you can do any of the following:
- Check with the dealer.
Dealers usually offer a car history report on vehicles they are selling. These reports may be available online on their website. Otherwise, you can request one of their salespersons when visiting their car lot.
- Pay for a car history report.
If you fail to obtain a report from the dealer, you can also opt to pay for such document through websites such as CarFax. The report usually costs 30 USD and up depending on the number of reports you request. If asking for several reports, some waiting time may be needed.
- Read car reviews.
Check user reviews on a similar car you are interested in. Check out common problems that owners have experienced with their vehicles over time.
- Do a test drive
To ensure the comfort and reliability of a used car, you need to take it for a test drive. There are some things that 
you should pay attention to when doing the test drive. Doing a test drive will tell you if the car can still serve you in the coming years or if it’s already had its time:
- How smoothly the car runs.
Listen carefully to the engine sounds of the car when starting it. Hesitations, misses and other strange engine behavior can be signs of problems that could complicate later. Check out the car’s thermostat to know if the car overheats, which is a sign that it has radiator or cooling system problems.
- How powerful the car handles.
Test drive the car on roadways that are similar to what you would usually drive it on. Drive it along curvy roads, long straightways, or hilly terrains. This will help you check the car’s power and other handling characteristics that you might experience on your daily travel to work or other commonly driven roads.
- Verify the functioning of other vehicle systems.
You should also check the vehicle’s lights, power locks, radio, and power windows. These systems should be working properly. Otherwise, ask the seller for reasons of their malfunction.
- Bring the car to a reliable mechanic
Doing a pre-purchase inspection with a competent mechanic is a step to help you avoid buying a lemon because more often than not, an experienced mechanic can spot a problem you may have missed. Some areas that a qualified mechanic might want to check are the following:
- A mechanic not only checks if the engines are running properly. He also looks for signs of a leak, which is indicative of leaky hoses and gaskets. He may also check underneath the car to check if he can see leaks that are only visible from the underside of the vehicle.
- While checking under the car, a mechanic will also look at the suspension for signs of rust indicating water damage. He will also check if the tie rods and other components are in great shape.
- The tires are a final part of the vehicle that a mechanic should inspect carefully. When the mechanic is looking at the suspension, he might want to check the interior portion of the tires including the braking system and brake pads. Brake problems may be missed if you check the vehicle from its exterior only. A leaky caliper is also indicative of a severe problem such as potential brake failure.
Final Thoughts
In buying a used car, you may find it difficult to detect if a vehicle is a lemon. Recurring problems of a car is a sign that it is defective. To avoid purchasing a defective car, you want to check its vehicle history, take it to a test drive and have it checked with a trustworthy mechanic.