Even when you buy a brand-new car, the moment you drive it off the lot, it’s used. New cars depreciate quickly and that’s why so many Americans are turning to pre-owned vehicles (that’s fancy lingo for “used”) in 2015.
A used car doesn’t mean you’re buying a lemon. A few simple maintenance and vehicle upgrades can make pre-owned feel like factory new… you just have to spot which upgrades make a used car better and more reliable. It’s not always about the monetary value, it’s about the life and quality of the vehicle too.
Financing for a used car is easily obtainable as well though an online lender like OpenRoad Lending. They have helped tens of thousands of customers get into the car or truck of their dreams without the hassle at the dealership. Apply, get a check and then go purchase your vehicle with the clout of a cash buyer.
New Tires
If you buy your car through private sale (or even if it comes from the dealer), chances are the tires have some wear on them and the tread is running low. Bad tires aren’t just risky for flats on the road, the quality of ride is affected too. Any bubbles or irregularities on the tires can be felt inside the car and can take what should be a smooth ride and make it less enjoyable.
A good tire can cost between $90-$250 (be sure to buy them in pairs) and can be purchased online from TireBuyer.com, then delivered to and installed by a dealer or mechanic of your choosing. If you want to make an inexpensive upgrade to your overall car look, opt for high performance tires like those made by Nitto.
A Tune-up
A tune-up is to the car what spring cleaning is to the house. For (usually) less than $200, a mechanic will replace the spark plugs, wires and inspect the vehicle up and down to make sure every piece is in adequate condition. It’s recommended that a tune-up be done every 50,000 miles and the best rule is to assume the car’s previous owner did nothing like this to keep it in shape.
A Detail
You go to the carwash, or get out the bucket and sponge on Sunday afternoon. But what about the interior? A good detail, inside and out, is important to protect your car against the elements — sun, heat, cold, rain, snow — and help it looking great throughout the years. A detail can cost between $100-$200 and include a wash, interior shampoo, hand wax, and a good clean in all the little corners a normal car wash usually misses. If you’re the type who likes to take on their own projects, details can be done in your own garage with just a few supplies and some patience.
New Battery
This is another piece of consumable equipment you can’t assume has been kept up or replaced by previous owners. Batteries only last a few years (depending on your climate) and can cause huge headaches if they die in the middle of your drive. A new battery grants you peace of mind, not only because you know that it’s new, but also because most good batteries come with warranties that guarantee their use for so many years or miles. If you know a bit about batteries, change it out yourself. If not, go to your local auto shop or ask AAA about mechanics in the area.
Smart Box Recorder
What good is a new or used car if it’s stolen? Smart box recorders aren’t as common in the US as they are in other countries, but they certainly should be. A smart box sits on the middle of your dash and records while you’re driving (which is helpful if you need to show to police or insurance company when settling fault in an accident) and is built in with GPS in case your car is stolen. You’ll never know how badly you needed one until you finally have it.