The Tune Up Specialists Offer Car Shopping Tips!
Tired of your old (or maybe not so old) clunker always needing some form of auto repair or tune up? You’re anxious and wondering whether it has some complex problem lurking under the hood, or if a simple car tune up will do the trick. You may be ready to head out the door to look for a reliable used car or truck.
A survey recently taken by Kelley Blue Book indicates that the majority of car shoppers plan to buy used and spend less than $15,000. If you’re feeling over-whelmed as to how to start, here are a few tips:
- SEARCH – Find the type of vehicle you are interested in purchasing:
- Websites, auctions, classified ads, reviews, on-line forums;
- Know the value of your current vehicle and the one you want to purchase;
- Ask for a history report of the tune up schedule, any accidents, repairs, or other important information;
- EVALUATE – Check it out!
- Ask questions. If buying from a dealership, ask about the documentation fee, or hidden charges. Is there a dealer’s guarantee, manufacturer’s warranty or extended warranty left on the car? Is it transferrable? Does the car have a clean title?
- Consider the mileage. 10,000 to 15,000 miles per year is ideal for a used car.
- Test-drive the vehicle—hit the brakes, listen to the road noise, gun it a little, check for unacceptable blind spots, inspect it for dings, tire tread, fluid leaks and exhaust smoke.
- Does the car need major repairs, or possibly just a tune up? How is the gas mileage, acceleration, idling, and are there any dash warning lights?
- Be smart! Schedule an inspection with a certified auto mechanic if purchasing from a private party. A dealer has most likely taken care of an inspection and a car tune up.
- PURCHASE – What’s it worth to you?
- Negotiate the price you want to pay and stick to it.
- Do the paperwork. You will need to go to the DMV with a bill of sale to register and transfer the title if purchasing from a private party. A dealership will usually handle this for you.
If you need help in inspecting your “new” used car, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Express Care Auto today by calling 507-625-8005, or go on-line at www.expresscareautomn.com for more information about a car tune up. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
Tired of your old (or maybe not so old) clunker always needing some form of auto repair or tune up? You’re anxious and wondering whether it has some complex problem lurking under the hood, or if a simple car tune up will do the trick. You may be ready to head out the door to look for a reliable used car or truck.
A survey recently taken by Kelley Blue Book indicates that the majority of car shoppers plan to buy used and spend less than $15,000. If you’re feeling over-whelmed as to how to start, here are a few tips:
- SEARCH – Find the type of vehicle you are interested in purchasing:
- Websites, auctions, classified ads, reviews, on-line forums;
- Know the value of your current vehicle and the one you want to purchase;
- Ask for a history report of the tune up schedule, any accidents, repairs, or other important information;
- EVALUATE – Check it out!
- Ask questions. If buying from a dealership, ask about the documentation fee, or hidden charges. Is there a dealer’s guarantee, manufacturer’s warranty or extended warranty left on the car? Is it transferrable? Does the car have a clean title?
- Consider the mileage. 10,000 to 15,000 miles per year is ideal for a used car.
- Test-drive the vehicle—hit the brakes, listen to the road noise, gun it a little, check for unacceptable blind spots, inspect it for dings, tire tread, fluid leaks and exhaust smoke.
- Does the car need major repairs, or possibly just a tune up? How is the gas mileage, acceleration, idling, and are there any dash warning lights?
- Be smart! Schedule an inspection with a certified auto mechanic if purchasing from a private party. A dealer has most likely taken care of an inspection and a car tune up.
- PURCHASE – What’s it worth to you?
- Negotiate the price you want to pay and stick to it.
- Do the paperwork. You will need to go to the DMV with a bill of sale to register and transfer the title if purchasing from a private party. A dealership will usually handle this for you.
If you need help in inspecting your “new” used car, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Express Care Auto today by calling 507-625-8005, or go on-line at www.expresscareautomn.com for more information about a car tune up. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
