If you’re thinking about buying a used car, it’s important to know what you should be looking out for and how to evaluate a vehicle. Most used cars in tucson are in perfect working order and have been well-maintained by their previous owners. But there will always be some exceptions, so its important not just to find the best price on a used car but also to make sure that it’s in good condition.

Here are tips to help you buy a used car that runs well and that is less likely to break down in the future.

Look at the Car Records

If you cannot view the car records for any reason, it is best to walk away from the deal. You should check the title to see whether the vehicle has ever been stolen, and make sure that it hasn’t been written off by a repair garage as this will invalidate the vehicle’s history.

Look at Service Records

You can get inventory records from the manufacturer of each model of car, which will tell you what has been replaced during its lifetime, and whether it was repaired at all or not. Also, look at the service records to see whether they are consistent and if they have been done at a local repair shop or a dealer.

Test Drive

Make sure that you test-drive the car as soon as possible to ensure that it is in good working order. Just drive slowly around the block and make sure that everything is working properly. There are online mechanics resources, such as RepairPal that can provide you with detailed information about what work was done on a specific vehicle.

Check the Undercarriage

Look under the car to check for anything unusual. Some dealers will perform a thorough inspection of the underside of a car and look for hidden damage or any signs of rust. A rusty or damaged undercarriage is a sign that something could have been damaged and not repaired by the previous owner.

Inspect the Bodywork

Firstly, check the general condition of the bodywork on a used car and whether any repairs need to be made. Also, check the panels and lights to see whether they are in good condition. The best way of assessing the bodywork is to look at a different angle and make sure that there are no signs of corrosion and rust.

Ask for the Car History

Most dealers will be happy to provide you with a full car history report on a vehicle. You can find out how long it has been owned by its previous owners, where it was registered, how much it cost new and what repairs were done on any major issues.