When looking for a used car, of course you want a bargain, and it’s definitely true that you can save a significant amount of cash opposed to buying new! But how do you make sure you don’t end up with a lemon? It is definitely possible to buy a reliable older car, but be prepared to do some homework.

Take note of these 3 crucial things so you avoid buying a lemon

Service history

If you are looking at buying an older car, check its service history. A vehicle that has been routinely serviced in line with the manufacturers service schedule is more likely to run without a hitch as it has been routinely checked for any warning signs. A car with full service history generally has a higher resale value too, which is worth considering for down the track if you decide to sell.

Vehicle history check

Even if the seller seems genuine, you should always get a full vehicle history report prior to purchasing a used vehicle. This will ensure that the car is not stolen, doesn’t have any outstanding finance and hasn’t been in any accidents. All you need to do this is the car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and you are able to check against the State’s database in which its registered. The cost of this vehicle history check ranges from free to a small fee depending on the state you’re in.

Have a mechanic look at the car and conduct a pre purchase inspection

Unless you’re an expert, getting a mechanic to conduct a thorough pre-purchase inspection will ensure you’re not purchasing a lemon. These vehicle checks cost only a couple of hundred dollars, which is money well spent to guarantee the soundness of your vehicle, and potentially save you thousands if the car turns out to be a lemon!