Shopping for a vehicle, particularly a used one, can be quite a stressful experience. Aside from all of the research regarding the various makes and models that are on the marketplace, there can sometimes be a bit of uncertainty when it comes to choosing the ideal option that works best for you.

The first thing you should know is that as a consumer, you have the right to know the complete and detailed history of any purchase you make. If a CARFAX report is requested and your request isn’t honored, that’s a red flag. One of the best ways to see if a vehicle is right for you is by asking some simple questions. These will allow you to make an informed choice. 

What is the Year and Current Mileage? 

All vehicles, regardless of the make or model, go through the process of depreciation, year by year. Knowing what year the vehicle was manufactured will allow you to look up the current KBB value and ensure you’re paying a fair price. Mileage often determines how much life a car has left. If it’s been properly maintained. A vehicle can last well over 100,000 miles. 

Has There Been any Large Repairs or Recalls Issued? 

Large repairs consist of engine rebuilding and transmission replacement. Every so often, vehicles will be manufactured with defective parts, which will be recalled by the manufacturer and replaced by a service center. 

Has There Been Any Major Interior or Exterior Damage? 

This should be covered under the vehicle history report. However, a vehicle that’s had substantial repairs work done to wither the exterior or interior can be noticeable via discoloration in the paint, which indicates that the body or frame was worked on. 

Can I Test Drive the Vehicle? 

A test drive is where you get to experience what owning the vehicle might be like. It’s important that you pay attention to any noticeable sounds or skips while driving. This could indicate a minor problem, which, if ignored, can turn into a much larger problem in the foreseeable future. 

Scotti’s Auto Sales 

Shopping for a vehicle can be a complicated matter, which is why Scotti’s Auto Sales believes in making it easy. We’ll walk you through the entire selection process so you have the peace of mind of knowing that you’ve made a perfect choice. For sales and inventory, visit our website or stop by 2811 Bee Ridge Road in Sarasota.