Tips for Buying a Used Car

In these days of soaring inflation, making sure we spend our money wisely is more important than ever before. As consumers, our monthly budgets are under pressure from every direction, it seems. Costs are rising for rent, food, energy and even major purchases like cars. Cars have seen short supply due to supply chain issues, and the post pandemic economic boom. With these tighter economic times, buying a used car is the best path financially for many of us.

There is an incredibly wide variety of vehicles available in the used car marketplace. You can choose between a sporty model and a car for your family’s needs, so you get the perfect model that appeals to you. You will find vehicles with automatic or manual transmissions, and options for 2WD and 4WD models too. Based on your budget, you can also decide how old you want your used car to be. More recent models will be more costly, but would typically give you a longer serviceable life.

Be Sure to Consult Your Mechanic

Whenever you are buying a used car, you’ll want to be sure to consult your trusted Bexley mechanic. A car might look good on the surface, but it is always best to take it in to your local automotive centre and have their technician give it the once over.

Your Bexley mechanic can look under the hood, and thoroughly inspect all of the mechanical and electrical systems on the vehicle. If they are available, they could also review the prior owner’s maintenance logs to see how the car has been kept up over the years.

Research Vehicle Reliability and Reviews

When you are looking for the best used car to buy, it’s worth spending time researching the reliability of your potential make and model vehicle. Several online sources can provide a great overview of which cars you can count on, and highlight any areas of weakness.

Once you have a certain model or models in mind, it’s also a good idea to log onto some of the car owner forums and read their comments. You’ll gain a good understanding of the pros and cons of a vehicle by doing this.

Check the Car’s Safety Rating

The safety of you and your family is paramount when you are driving your car. Before you buy a used car, you will want to check out the Used Car Safety Ratings that are published in Australia. These ratings are determined based on an independent analysis of recent real-world accident statistics.

You will want to look for a car that is rated as 5 Stars in terms of Driver Protection, and is labelled a ‘Safer Pick’.

Why You Should Hire a Local Mechanic

Sometimes it’s hard to figure out how you can make ends meet each month. Budgeting has always been a struggle, and it seems no matter how much money we bring in we’re always running short by month end. With things stretched so tight, even a single big, unexpected expense can put us in the red and have us scrambling for the cash we need.

It’s been even tougher over the last couple of years, as rampant inflation has taken a toll on our finances. If you want to survive and get through these trying times, you have to protect your assets and take good care of them. If you can extend the life of what you own, you’ll be able to postpone major purchases and have more breathing room. Taking care of your automobile is especially important now, with rising car prices and supply shortages the norm.

Get Service That You Trust, Locally

With all that is going on in our lives, we can hardly find time to handle all of the tasks that we have to get done. So, when it’s time to set up an appointment to get our car serviced, it’s so much more convenient to go to a top notch, local mechanic.

Your car service Bexley will have a highly skilled trained mechanic who can look after your vehicle. They’ll be able to handle routine services like oil changes, as well as diagnose, assess and fix any other issues that arise with your car.

Your Local Mechanic Will Know Your Car

One big plus of working with the same local mechanic is that they will know your car. When you bring your vehicle in for service, they’ll already be up to speed on what’s been going on with your automobile.

When you return to the same local car service Bexley, they’ll also be able to quickly inspect your car and see if any new problems have developed. This will keep you ahead of the curve, as addressing minor issues prevents major problems down the road.

Get All Your Scheduled Inspections and Preventive Maintenance Done

Every car comes with manufacturer’s guidelines for inspections that should be scheduled, and when preventive maintenance should be done. These recommended service intervals are designed to keep your car running well.

By working with a local mechanic, you’ll know you are taking your car in to someone you trust. When you can rely on their word, and their service is affordable, you are far more likely to get the recommended work done.

How Often Should You Get Your Car Serviced?

 

With these days of high inflation and everything costing so much more, it's more important than ever to preserve the investment we have in our cars. The reliability of our automobile is key to us enjoying life, and making a living too. When it's time to go to work in the morning, you want to know that your transportation is running great and can get you to your job on time. You'll also want your car to be in great shape for those enjoyable car vacations you look forward to.

Recommended Service Intervals

To keep your car running for years to come, you'll want to be sure to follow the factory scheduled maintenance guidelines. These can be found in your owner's manual, or on the auto manufacturer's online site. You can also consult with your Bexley mechanic to find out what maintenance is recommended and when.

The specified maintenance is designed to help ensure the reliability of your vehicle, and prevent major mechanical issues from springing up. By doing your regular maintenance on time, you'll help lower what it costs per mile to operate the car and increase the eventual resale value too.

Before a Long Road Trip

When it's almost time for vacation and you'll soon be ready to pack the family or friends in the car, be sure to stop by your local automotive centre and get your car checked out. Your Bexley mechanic can take a look at your automobile and see if there is any work that needs to be done before you head out for your epic road trip.

It really pays to see your mechanic before you hit the highways. They'll help make sure everything is in tip-top shape and help you avoid costly and troublesome issues that might have arisen while you are traveling the long stretches of empty roads.

When You Notice Something Going On

Small issues on cars can often be repaired with little cost, but if you let things go and they become big problems you might be paying a lot more. If you start to hear a sound with your car or notice a new fluid leak or other issue, you should take it into your automotive centre right away.

Also be sure to check under the hood regularly. You'll want to check your oil and other fluids to make sure everything is at the correct level. You can also take a look and make sure you don't see any leaks or other issues developing.