If you’re tired of your old “clunker” always needing some form of auto repair or tune up, you may be ready to turn it in and head out the door to look for a reliable used car or truck. You don’t want to worry whether it needs a basic car tune up, or has some other complex problem that is lurking just under the hood.
In a recent survey by Kelley Blue Book, the majority of car shoppers plan to buy used and spend less than $15,000. The competition is fierce, making it a buyer’s market. To help you through this daunting experience, here are a few tips:
THE SEARCH
- Find the type of vehicle you want to purchase: websites, auctions, classified ads, reviews, online forums;
- Locate the cars you’re interested in: selecting those within the Kelley Blue Book price range (you want to know the value of your current vehicle and the one you want to purchase);
- Ask for a history report: this will tell you whether it’s had a regular car tune up a schedule, been in an accident, or other important information;
THE EVALUATION
- Ask questions. If buying from a dealership, ask about the documentation fee, or any other hidden charges. Is there a dealer’s guarantee, manufacturer’s warranty or extended warranty left on the car, and if so, is it transferrable? Does the car have a clean title?
- Consider the mileage. The ideal used car mileage ranges from 10,000 to 15,000 per year.
- Go for a ride—hit the brakes, listen to the road noise, gun it a little, check for unacceptable blind spots, drive over bumps, inspect it for dings, inspect tire tread, check for fluid leaks and exhaust smoke.
- Evidence that the car may be in need of a tune up or major repairs: poor gas mileage, sluggish acceleration, rough idling or stalling, “check engine” light flashes or stays on.
- Schedule an inspection with a certified auto mechanic if purchasing from a private party. If you’re purchasing from a dealer, an inspection and a car tune up has most likely been performed.
THE PURCHASE
- Negotiate the price you want to pay and stick to it.
- Do the paperwork. If buying from a private party, you will need to go the DMV with a bill of sale to register and transfer the title. A dealership will usually handle this for you.
If you need our assistance to inspect your “new” used car, contact our ASE Certified Technicians today by calling (763) 389-3811, or go online at https://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served customers in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
Car Shopping Tips from the Tune Up specialists at Rum River Automotive Repair Shop Princeton MN. Get Quality Car Tune up at less Cost.If you’re tired of your old “clunker” always needing some form of auto repair or tune up, you may be ready to turn it in and head out the door to look for a reliable used car or truck. You don’t want to worry whether it needs a basic car tune up, or has some other complex problem that is lurking just under the hood.
In a recent survey by Kelley Blue Book, the majority of car shoppers plan to buy used and spend less than $15,000. The competition is fierce, making it a buyer’s market. To help you through this daunting experience, here are a few tips:
THE SEARCH
- Find the type of vehicle you want to purchase: websites, auctions, classified ads, reviews, online forums;
- Locate the cars you’re interested in: selecting those within the Kelley Blue Book price range (you want to know the value of your current vehicle and the one you want to purchase);
- Ask for a history report: this will tell you whether it’s had a regular car tune up a schedule, been in an accident, or other important information;
THE EVALUATION
- Ask questions. If buying from a dealership, ask about the documentation fee, or any other hidden charges. Is there a dealer’s guarantee, manufacturer’s warranty or extended warranty left on the car, and if so, is it transferrable? Does the car have a clean title?
- Consider the mileage. The ideal used car mileage ranges from 10,000 to 15,000 per year.
- Go for a ride—hit the brakes, listen to the road noise, gun it a little, check for unacceptable blind spots, drive over bumps, inspect it for dings, inspect tire tread, check for fluid leaks and exhaust smoke.
- Evidence that the car may be in need of a tune up or major repairs: poor gas mileage, sluggish acceleration, rough idling or stalling, “check engine” light flashes or stays on.
- Schedule an inspection with a certified auto mechanic if purchasing from a private party. If you’re purchasing from a dealer, an inspection and a car tune up has most likely been performed.
THE PURCHASE
- Negotiate the price you want to pay and stick to it.
- Do the paperwork. If buying from a private party, you will need to go the DMV with a bill of sale to register and transfer the title. A dealership will usually handle this for you.
If you need our assistance to inspect your “new” used car, contact our ASE Certified Technicians today by calling (763) 389-3811, or go online at https://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served customers in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
