Many questions come to mind when looking at used cars. Here are five of the most common ones answered by Advanced Filtration Technologies in Alexander to help you make the right decision.

What’s the Car’s Current Condition?

Knowing a car’s condition before purchasing is essential to making a good decision. One way you can know is by visiting a dealership with Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles. This means the car has been inspected and found to be up to the manufacturer’s specifications. This kind of car usually has an extended warranty covering bumper-to-bumper incidents or extends the mileage covered. CPO cars can be a bit more expensive, but some drivers say the extended warranty is worth the markup. Another way to know the car’s current condition is to take it to a certified mechanic while on your test drive, or in case the dealership won't let you take it, you can also take a mechanic to the dealership for them to inspect it.

Assess Mileage and Age

Another aspect you can look at to assess a car’s condition is mileage and age. Cars accumulate around 12,000 miles per year of use. Lower mileage can be a sign of lack of use which could mean a lack of maintenance, or in the worst-case scenario, it could mean that the seller has tampered with the odometer to sell the vehicle at a higher price. In this case, unless the seller has detailed maintenance records to compare mileage, it’s best to steer clear of a car like this.

A consistent maintenance routine is essential to keeping your vehicle in excellent condition for longer. If you’re unsure what products would be best for your engine, call Advanced Filtration Technologies at (701) 572-3780 or visit AMOSIL’s online shop to see the wide range of available products.

What’s the Vehicle’s History?

Another critical aspect to consider when considering used cars is the vehicle’s history. To look at a vehicle’s history, you’ll need the VIN, which stands for Vehicle Identification Number. There are several sites online where you can enter a VIN and search for things like maintenance records, previous owner information, and vehicle accidents, among other things. You can find the VIN on the car’s engine, on its door, on its dashboard, or under the spare tire.

Is the Car Well Maintained?

A promising sign when looking at used cars is that they have records of their complete maintenance history. This is a good sign because if the previous owners kept thorough records, it also means that they probably were diligent in maintaining the vehicle. In turn, this is a good indication that the car is in good condition. Still, it’s essential to have a mechanic look at the records for you and compare them with the vehicle’s current state.

Use only the best products for your engine maintenance for a better-running vehicle. If you’re unsure about which products work best for your engine, call Advanced Filtration Technologies at (701) 572-3780 for advice from their oil pros. Once you’re ready, don’t forget to place your order at AMOSIL’s online shop.

Did the Car Have More than One Owner?

There’s a reason why you hear “only one owner” or “sold by only owner” as a selling point when looking at used car ads. It’s common knowledge that the more owners a car had, the least probable it is that they took care of it properly. While this might not always be the case, it is true in more cases than not. So it’s a good idea to look for these cars first. Another good reason to look at cars with only one owner and verify it with the VIN is to ensure the car isn’t stolen. A stolen vehicle could get you in legal trouble even if purchased without knowledge of its history.

Was the Car Involved in Any Accidents?

Last but not least, it’s essential to know if the car was in any accidents in the past. Knowing this is vital as some sellers could try and get you to buy a refurbished car that has been in an accident. This is worrying because vehicles that have been in accidents could have damage that goes beyond aesthetics, like mechanical or structural. Buying a car like this could also make you have a hard time finding an insurance agency to insure your vehicle.

New and used cars can benefit from a synthetic oil change in Alexander. Make sure to schedule yours at Advanced Filtration Technologies by calling (701) 572-3780 or purchase AMOSIL’s excellent products online 24/7.