Buying a used car is a great option that can help you save some money. Oftentimes, the deals sound too good to be true. Use these tips to ensure you're actually getting the deal you expected.

Check These 6 Things Before Buying a Used Car

If you've decided that buying a used car is the right option for you, that's great news. You can get a great deal on a used car that is still just as good as new. You do have to be careful when shopping around because there are plenty of sellers who aren't totally honest about the condition of the car they're selling. To ensure you get a good one, use these tips.

Get Familiar With the Vehicle's History

One of the easiest ways to get straight answers about a car's condition is by requesting a vehicle history report. While you can take the seller's word for everything, a vehicle history report will be more reliable. You'll need the vehicle's VIN number to look it up, but the seller should be willing to share this with you. You will have to pay for the report, but it's worth it. The report will let you know if the car has been in accidents, what condition it's in, and its title history among other things.

Check the Tires

When you're viewing the car, be sure to do more than simply kick the tires in an attempt to check them out. Crouch down so you can get a close look at these and really get a feel for their condition. Start by checking the tire tread. If they have very little tread left before reaching the wear bars, then you might want to ask the seller to take down the price of the car since you'll need new tires soon. Make sure the tires are wearing evenly, otherwise you may have some alignment issues. Don't forget to also look at the tire walls and look out for signs of damage.

Take a Look Under the Hood

Another important area you'll need to get a look at is under the hood. A lot of people don't know too much about how things work under there, so for now, just look for obvious signs of trouble. Check that the bands and hoses aren't too worn and be sure they don't have any cracks that can lead to leaks. If you're worried there's a leak already, look under the car for drops of fluid that will let you know if this is an issue. Rust is another sign of a leak, so don't ignore this. Be sure to ask about vehicle maintenance, including how often the car has had oil changes and tune-ups. Keep your car in great shape by giving it a synthetic oil change in Hagerstown. An oil like AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil can help your engine run stronger for longer. To find more great products like this, contact the friendly oil pros at ALF Marketing. Give them a call at (301) 416-0575 to learn more or to place your order.

Check the Car's Exterior

Next up is checking the car's exterior. This isn't just for cosmetic purposes, although, keep in mind that scratches and peeling paint can reduce the car's value. If you do notice chipping paint or scratches, don't ignore these because they can get worse over time and lead to rusting. Be sure the windows and plastic parts aren't cracked, otherwise, they will need to be replaced. Finally, check the lights and bumpers since these tend to get hit and damaged.

Inspect the Interior

After checking the exterior, make your way to the interior of the car. Step inside the car and get a close look at the upholstery. Look out for tears and stains that may not come out. Check the floors for similar issues and be sure mats are included. Test the seatbelts and make sure all the windows open and close smoothly. Once in the drivers seat, inspect the dashboard, center console, and steering wheel for cosmetic issues since these tend to get a lot of sun exposure. Turn on the car to test the ignition and to test all of the electrical components. Don't forget to give a horn a test as well.

Give Your Car a Synthetic Oil Change in Hagerstown

Give your car a synthetic oil change in Hagerstown to ensure your engine stays at its best. Contact the friendly oil pros at ALF Marketing for help finding the right oil for your ride. Give them a call at (301) 416-0575 to learn more or to place your order.