No one wants to buy a lemon. A car constantly in the shop for repairs is a money pit and a headache. It’s essential to do your research before you buy a car, so you can avoid getting stuck with one of these lemons. The good news is that unless you blindly buy a cheap car, it’s pretty rare to buy a lemon. The secret is in looking for red flags before purchasing a vehicle.

5 Tips To Avoid Purchasing A Lemon

If you feel lost right now, don’t worry. We’ll help you out. Here are five tips to help you find a reliable car that won’t leave you stranded on the side of the road.

1. Check the previous owner’s service records

A car with a clean service record (no trips to the shop for significant repairs or no accidents) is likely a well-maintained vehicle that its previous owners correctly took care of. This means you’re less likely to find yourself in the mechanic’s shop after you buy it and can rest assured that your new car doesn’t have any hidden problems that could cost you money down the road.

2. Always test drive a used car before buying it

There will be tell-tale signs if a car is a lemon when you drive them, like strange noises, smells, or handling issues. Reading up on these signs beforehand is very important. Never assume a dealership or other seller has thoroughly inspected a used car already on their lot – always take the time to test drive it first so as not to buy a lemon.

3. Watch out for lemons advertising too-good-to-be-true deals

You can find great deals, but there’s a reason why someone is selling the car so cheaply. Is it poorly maintained? Does it have a lot of damage? Are they desperate to get rid of it? Don’t fall into this trap by looking at the potential savings as the only cost involved with buying that car. Other hidden fees might be impossible, and you could end up with a massive headache down the road.

4. Check for recalls before purchasing a used vehicle

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration lists all current safety recalls. This way, if a used car you’re interested in purchasing has unresolved safety recalls, you can avoid buying a potentially dangerous vehicle. This means you will avoid getting a lemon because you will spot them from a mile away.

5. Have it inspected by someone reputable

A pre-purchase inspection at a local shop could reveal issues that the seller is unaware of and might be unwilling to disclose if asked about them directly. Not all shops charge for inspections, especially if you’re a regular customer. Even so, any cost of an inspection is well worth the investment before dropping tens of thousands on a new vehicle. It takes some time and effort but can save you money down the road.

Please do your research to find a reputable place that will thoroughly look over your potential new car with an unbiased eye without charging too much or telling you what you want to hear so that they get your business. That way, you know you’re in good hands and can buy your next car with confidence.

Car Repair, Inspections, And More At T3 Atlanta

If you’re looking to buy a car in the Atlanta area, T3 can help. We have pre-purchase inspections designed to give consumers an unbiased opinion of whether or not they should purchase a vehicle before signing any paperwork. If you have already bought a lemon and need help, our team can help reduce chronic repair problems and keep you on the road.