So you’re considering buying a used Ford Escape. Your choice is understandable; Fords have been valued for quite a while, ever since the quadricycle was invented in 1896. There is certainly nothing wrong with buying a car used, and it’s even typically recommended over buying a car brand new. The reality is that new cars are poor investments. As soon as your car leaves the lot brand new, it will essentially begin losing value. A car loses value as it picks up miles, takes on regular wear and tear, and ages in general. Therefore, it’s a bit pointless to buy a brand new car. But at the same time, there are some risks that you need to consider when buying a car used.
Although you can typically trust a reliable car dealership when buying a used Ford Escape, there are still some checks you need to do before committing to the purchase. Let’s look at a few of them below.
1. Run A Visual Check
You probably aren’t an expert on cars, but there are still some basic things that you can look for when buying a used Ford Escape. For example, look over the windshield and windows, ensuring there isn’t any cracked glass. Make sure that the car is sitting level, pushing down on each corner (a car with good shock absorbers will bounce back easily). Any car you buy should have passed a recent inspection, but it doesn’t hurt to double-check.
2. Look at the Stickers
The car’s window sticker will typically have the necessary information that you should know about. Ensure that you know whether the car is being sold as-is or with a warranty. As well as how much of the dealership’s repairs would potentially be responsible for. The window sticker is a Buyers Guide, and this guide will ultimately override anything you agree to regarding warranties during the sale.
3. Have Your Mechanic Check The Car
If you’re still uncertain about the vehicle, ask about whether you can have it inspected by a mechanic you trust. If you leave your identification, dealers often allow you to have the car independently inspected before committing to a sale. While it can be difficult for you to identify issues on your own, a mechanic will be able to diagnose any problems.
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