Watch this short 0:31 second video. You'll find simple tips to make your buying process easier and more informed. Here at Jay Wolfe Used Car Outlet, we're here to help as well. If you have questions please call 816-239-2565 to discuss your options or concerns.

How else do you know if you’ll like driving your vehicle if you don’t test drive it first? And when you’re on a test drive, be cognizant of noises and feelings that don’t seem quite right. Some car lots might cut corners on reconditioning, but good used cars will have all those nagging problems sorted out.

Good used cars may have some blips on the radar when you check the vehicle history report. After all, accidents happen. A great dealership will provide the CARFAX report so you know exactly what you’re looking at. But if there are red flags that come up like big time periods without maintenance, a high-cost accident, or a change in the title, you may want to reconsider your purchase.

The vehicle history report might show something like ‘fleet’ or ‘rental car’. It’s something to consider because there’s a good chance the vehicle was driven more aggressively than a privately-owned vehicle. Rentals and fleet vehicles can still be good used cars, but it makes asking the right questions even more important.

Safety is so important, and open recalls can be a real safety concern. Check the CARFAX to see if there are any open recalls that need to be addressed. You can also check the manufacturer’s website with the VIN number to find out if any recall campaigns are open.

Don’t you want to know what the dealer needed to do to recondition the car? Of course you do. Request reconditioning information from your salesperson or the sales manager. It gives you the reassurance that repairs were completed properly. It can also give you insight into any major repairs the car already needed. Typically, good used cars don’t need too much for reconditioning.

The last thing you want are extra costs once you buy the car. Good used cars will commonly have the state inspection already performed. If it isn’t, demand that the inspection is done as part of the sales agreement.

Body repairs may have been completed without showing up on a CARFAX report. Wondering if that’s the case for the car you’re interested in? Ask the dealer to measure the paint thickness on each panel. If a car is all original, the paint thickness will be uniform on every panel. If it isn’t, that’s a good indication it’s been repaired and repainted.
Don’t get stuck with a car that isn’t everything you expected. When you’re shopping for good used cars, visit Jay Wolfe Auto Outlet. We have a great selection of pre-owned vehicles to choose from!