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You are here: Home / Tips/Advice / 4 Tips for Students on Buying (and Selling) Cars

4 Tips for Students on Buying (and Selling) Cars

August 16, 2021 by Mark

A car owner rejoices twice in life – when they buy a car and when they sell it.

Not all students can buy a car with zero lifetime mileage. Thought of finding a vehicle without flaws in the aftermarket borders on impossible.

To save and earn some money and get a slightly better vehicle, students use every opportunity available. The first that comes to mind is getting a job. Yet, there is a hitch – a job takes up almost all free time, and there is no extra minute left for homework.

Many students find an essay writing service online and order papers there. This hack allows them to spare some time and, as a result, money for a pretty decent car.

  • 1. Second-Hand vs. New
  • 2. Get Armed With Information
  • Monitor Prices
  • Check the Appearance
  • Check the Engine
  • 3. Take a Look Inside
  • 4. Things to Keep in Mind

1. Second-Hand vs. New

For some students, the car’s appearance comes first, for others, it’s the size, but, perhaps, the one shared parameter for all is the price. Most students buy used cars for several reasons:

  • They just got their license and want a training car.
  • Used cars are cheaper.
  • There is an extensive choice of used cars.

Some students still prefer new cars because:

  • New cars have a lesser chance of breaking in the nearest time.
  • They usually come with a warranty.
  • You would be the first-ever user, and that’s just pleasing.

New vehicles are much more expensive, which could cancel out all their merits.

Today, one can buy a used vehicle both directly from the former owner and at car dealerships. The financial factor usually plays in favor of second-hand vehicles. Yet, the lack of basic knowledge and illiterate actions when choosing a car in the secondary market can turn into serious troubles and unplanned expenses.

2. Get Armed With Information

First of all, a car buyer needs to gather as much information as possible about the model that they are going to get. Specialized forums, automotive publications, and websites will help find everything necessary about the typical shortcomings of the chosen model.

Inquire in advance about the cost of repair works and spare parts. The buyer armed with this information will be prepared for an independent diagnosis of equipment and remain confident in bargaining.

Monitor Prices

To do so, visit popular car-related websites and scroll through ads. Collect data on the sale of similar models. These observations may help define the mean market price for the chosen car. In addition, you can find free services for calculating the cost on the internet. To make a bargain buy, define the minimum and maximum amount you are ready to pay for a car and prepare to negotiate it.

Check the Appearance

There may be hidden defects inside the engine that only professional mechanics could find. The exterior defects are much easier to examine for non-professionals:

  • small dents;
  • chips;
  • scratches;
  • rust;
  • color mismatches.

Putty or primer is easier to spot from an acute angle. A mirror and flashlight will help you to look into hard-to-reach places. While checking, keep in mind that a well-done touch-up does not affect the functionality. Yet, there is a chance that the car got repainted after an accident.

Check the Engine

It should be dry under the hood, but a shine-cleaned engine compartment is a bad sign. Most likely, this is how the owner tries to hide the oil leak. Inspecting the car, the buyer may also want to check the hoses for breaks and leakages.

Try to get it started before closing the deal. Some extraneous sounds, extensive smoke coming from the exhaust pipe, and unstable engine operation are the reasons for a price concession. Those could be repaired later in case the other things are ok with the car.

When checking the automatic transmission and the engine, better refer to professionals. Ask your parents or a friend for help if there is such an option. It is better to listen to professionals when diagnostics is concerned. Remember that in a car with any type of transmission, gear changes should in no way be accompanied by knocks, crunching sounds, or jerks.

3. Take a Look Inside

After checking the engine compartment, move to the salon. Check it for any physical damage:

  • dim lights on the dashboard;
  • dirt on the seats;
  • scratches and cracks on plastic elements;
  • scuffs on the car lining.

The interior of any vehicle remains in a decent condition for a long time with proper care and timely cleaning. Worn-out pedal pads and steering wheel indicate long-term use, and the overly worn seats give away the car that was used as a taxi.

4. Things to Keep in Mind

When buying a car, find out the following information:

  • year of manufacturing;
  • brand and model name;
  • VIN (vessel identification number);
  • color;
  • mileage;
  • engine capacity;
  •  fuel consumption rate.

When selling or buying a car, get answers to the following questions first:

  •  Were there any factory reviews for the detected defects?
  • Has any maintenance been carried out?
  •  What common problems do the owners of this model have during operation?
  • What is the average price for cars in a similar condition?

Filed Under: Tips/Advice

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