Buying A Used Car

Tips for Buying a Used Car In Myrtle Beach

If buying a used car, or new to you car, there are several tips for buying a used car and things that you should be on the lookout for.

• Does the car dealer offer CarFax or a comparable tool?
• Is the dealer willing to run a CarFax report or other tracking tool?
• Can you take the car to your mechanic to check out?
• Is there a maintenance log?
• Is there a repair log?

If the answer to any of the above is No then red flags are raised.   Why would a reputable dealer not want you to see the cars documented history?  That would immediately be cause for concern.  They may not be hiding an accident or other issue, but then again they may be.  This prior issue may cause you extensive mechanical trouble down the road.

If they do not want to allow you to have your mechanic check out the car again that should be cause for questions.   If the used car is mechanically in sound and safe condition why would the dealer object?  It is a bad idea to go ahead with the purchase if they do.

If you are buying a used car from a private owner do your own research.  Check out the Kelly Blue Book value of the car.  Go through the steps above, do your own CarFax check and definitely have a mechanic check it out first.  A private owner does not have a reputation to protect and buying a used car is an iffy proposition from someone who is not a professional.   You do not want to buy someone else’s problem!

In both a professional and private situation having the maintenance and repair log is not a deal breaker but you can make a more informed decision before buying a used car if these logs are available.

Did you know that C & G Auto in Myrtle Beach sells used cars?   Buying from a reputable auto repair shop is a great idea; oftentimes they have been the shop that has done repairs and maintenance on the car.

C & G Auto Repair in Myrtle Beach is happy to do a check for you prior to you buying a used car.  Just call us for an appointment.