When it comes to purchasing a used car from sellers, like used cars in Riverside, it’s essential that you prepare yourself with enough information to know what you’re looking for. When car shopping, you will have to pair your common sense with your other senses; this includes sensing if the car looks, feels or even smells terrible, then it’s not a good sign.

The major trick is being able to tell the minor flaws from the big ones. You will have to use the former to negotiate the price that you’re willing to pay, while the latter will tell you when you have to walk away.

Listed below are some of the main points you have to keep in mind when on the hunt for a used car:

Consumer protection laws:

You may have heard of the term “lemon laws,” consumers are entitled to a refund or replacement if they happen to purchase a defective or damaged piece. While this does sound nice, the law does not replace a little research that you can conduct before committing to a big purchase. This rings true to used cars. If your used car comes with a written warranty, then this law will protect you and cover it. If not, you’ll want to rely on any code in your state that has to protect you.

Protect yourself:

It’s great to know what backup you have from the government during and after you purchase used cars in Riverside. Ideally, you won’t have to jump through hoops that are required to take advantage of these laws or while dealing with an unfortunate investment. When you shop for a used car, one of the best decisions you can make is to hire an independent mechanic to inspect any potential purchase.

If the seller doesn’t let you take the car for any inspections, then you can consider this as a red flag. Also, ask if they will accompany you to the repair shop.  Another way you can protect yourself is getting a vehicle history report.

What to look for inside the car?

Just like sliding underneath the car, a thorough inspection under the hood is best handled by a professional. You can still spot some natural warning signs on your own. Just like your car exteriors, the area under the hood should not have any dents or rust. If you see any cracks that are obvious in the hoses and belts, chances are they could be close to snapping; you will have to spend close to hundred bucks to fix them when it does snap. More significant warning signs include dark stains on the engine block that can signify a leaky gasket which can potentially cost you a thousand dollars to fix.

Also, ensure that all the fluid is in place as well. The brake and power steering fluid should be checked thoroughly; check and see if it smells burnt, that could mean transmission problems. Also, pay extra attention to the oil.