Auto-Wise: Tips for Making a Smart Vehicle Purchase

Whether you’re looking to buy a new or used vehicle, being proactive will help you secure a wise investment. Photo: Diablo Motors (2015)

Buying a car is a complex enterprise with several aspects to consider—not to mention a lot of pitfalls to avoid. Whether you’re looking for something that’s new off the lot or simply new to you, it’s important to exercise caution so you can ensure a wise investment.

Buying a new vehicle
When it comes to purchasing a new car, there are two different routes you can take: visiting a dealership or using an online sales service. While each has its perks, there are also things to watch out for.

Due to the inherent anonymity of online shopping, you should be extra careful when purchasing a vehicle online. Always ask a seller for a car’s VIN (vehicle identification number) to ensure it’s an actual vehicle that’s currently in stock. It’s also a good idea to do some research to compare a vehicle’s price against what other sellers are asking for. To minimize risk, consider going through a reputable, consumer-friendly resource such as TrueCar, zagg.com or Edmunds.com, all of which provide guaranteed prices on verified vehicles.

When purchasing a new vehicle, try to avoid paying for optional features and amenities you don’t really want. Photo: American Ratings Corporation (2015)

While it’s less dubious than shopping online, you should also have your wits about you when visiting a dealership. Before signing a contract, ask the salesperson to break down all fees included in the final price. Since many of the features and amenities in a new car are optional, having a detailed cost breakdown will help you avoid paying for things you don’t want or need. You should also be wary of advertised incentives like rebates and zero percent APR financing—in many cases, these are merely misleading gimmicks designed to get you in the door.

Buying a used vehicle
Buying a new vehicle may have its share of risks, but things can get really dicey when shopping for a used one. While most dealerships offer a selection of pre-owned vehicles, the bulk of used car sales are conducted online, so it’s important to exercise caution and avoid dubious sources. Another important consideration for buying a used vehicle is budgeting for maintenance. Regardless of condition, most used vehicles require a bit of repair work to bring them up to optimal condition, so it’s a good idea to set aside an addition $1,000 to $3,000.

While a little maintenance is to be expected, one thing you should avoid at all costs is unexpected maintenance. Once you’ve found a vehicle that you’re interested in, be sure to perform a thorough assessment. Start with documentation—ask to see current smog certification and records of past oil changes and maintenance services. Also, find out if it’s been in any past accidents.

Next, take a close look at the vehicle. Inspect the levels and condition of engine fluids (these should appear and smell clean) and look for signs of leakage underneath the car. You should also inspect the body and the interior—check for cracks or chips in glass; scratches or corrosion on the body; and proper functioning of the windows, stereo and other electrical components.

Besides inspecting a used vehicle’s engine and exterior, make sure its electrical components are working properly. Photo: American Ratings Corporation (2015)

Once you’ve assessed the vehicle’s condition, it’s time for a road test. Pay attention to how the engine sounds when first turned on, and be aware of any unusual noises or vibrations as you drive. You should also take note of any dashboard lights that remain illuminated (such as the “check engine” light), make sure the transmission shifts properly, and test things like cruise control and air conditioning.

Even if the vehicle passes your initial inspection, it’s smart to get a second opinion from a trusted professional. By detecting any issues you may have missed, an expert technician can help you avoid a bad purchase—or, even better, give you some leverage to negotiate a better price.