What to Look for When Buying a Used Car

You’ll find a wide variety of affordable, high-quality used vehicles and certified pre-owned BMW models at BMW of Tenafly, any one of which could be the perfect choice to upgrade your Fort Lee driving experience. However, shopping for a used car can be a daunting task for many drivers, but knowing what to look for when buying a used car and what to ask when buying a used car can help ensure that you get a reliable vehicle that will suit both your lifestyle and your budget. Learn more about the used car buying process, then stop by our dealership in Tenafly to take the used or certified pre-owned vehicle of your choice out for a test drive today!

Used Car Buying Guide

Before you start shopping for a used car you should make sure to set a budget, factoring in routine maintenance, future repairs, and whether or not you’ll need to secure financing. The next step is selecting the vehicle that is the right fit with your budget and Cresskill-area driving needs. Here are some tips on what to look for when buying a used car:

• Exterior Condition: Inspect the exterior of the vehicle for scratches or dents, and also take a look at whether the body panels line up evenly. Uneven panels may indicate the vehicle was in an accident but not properly repaired. You should also open and close the doors, hood, and trunk to ensure that they are working correctly. 
• Interior Condition: Inspect the interior by sitting in all the seats. Make sure to look for wear and tear in the upholstery and check the carpet and floor mats for signs of a leak or water damage.
• Check for Leaks: After you test drive the vehicle, check underneath it to see if there is any fluid leaking. Black fluid could be oil. Green, yellow or pink fluid may be antifreeze. Reddish fluid could be transmission or power-steering fluid. You may also want to have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic of your choice prior to purchasing.

What to Ask When Buying a Used Car

Shopping for a used car can be a little tricky, so you must know what to look for and what to ask about in order to make sure you’re getting a vehicle that will serve you well on the roads in and around Closter for years to come. Here are some tips for what to ask when buying a used car: 

• What is the ownership history?
• What is the vehicles mileage?
• Are the service records available? A vehicle that has been kept up to date on its routine maintenance schedule can last for 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more.
• Is a vehicle history report available?
• Do the amenities and features work like they’re supposed to?
• Are there any current recalls on the vehicle?
• How was the vehicle priced?
• Can I take the car to a mechanic for an inspection?
• Do you have the title in hand?
• Is the car as is, or is it under warranty?
• Does this vehicle affect your insurance premiums?

Find Out More About What to Look for When Buying a Used Car at BMW of Tenafly

Whether you’re looking for the best used BMW to buy or are interested in one of our other high-quality used vehicles for sale, you’ll have a fine selection of vehicles to choose from at BMW of Tenafly. Our prices are very competitive and we also offer exclusive pre-owned vehicle specials that can help you save even more. If you have any questions or if you would like to schedule a test drive, please contact us online or at (201) 643-7514.