Used Cars around New Orleans: A Brief Guide to Looking for Used Cars

Buying preowned automobiles can be a practical choice especially for high-end car brands like Subaru, Lexus, Porsche, and Mercedes Benz. Don't fret if you're not a car expert, as there are ways you can spot hidden defects and signs of deterioration. Here are some tips for used car buyers in Louisiana:

 

Before looking for merchants of used cars in the New Orleans area, such as Baldwin Subaru, know the specific brand and model of the car you're looking for and its current price, to have a good idea of how much you need to spend. Research about the car's weak points which may develop over time so you could include these in your thorough inspection of the vehicle. Once you've decided on the make and model, find a used car dealer in and around New Orleans that you can visit. Note which authorized dealers are known for the brand of car you like. 

Once you've identified a dealership, visit its lot or showroom and do a meticulous inspection of your target car. Examine the body for any bumps or damage on the paint. Any dents, signs of overpainting, or uneven clearances could be an indicator that the vehicle had been involved in an accident.

Ask for the repair and maintenance history of the car. For cars with an accumulated mileage of 50,000mi and above, ask whether the drive belts and tires have been replaced. Don't forget to confirm if the specified mileage is true by looking for the age of tires and the surface of the foot pedals.

After examining the physical components of the vehicle, request a test drive. Test drives are important because you need to know the condition of the electrical and mechanical parts of the car. When going on a test drive, check if the engine starts smoothly from a cold state and test the electronics like signal lights, headlights, air conditioning system, and audio system. Choose a route where you can drive for at least 50mph then check for any suspicious sounds. 

When driving at high speed, take the time to check the condition of the brakes, clutch, and steering wheel. Do some hard breaks and observe if the car goes straight when you take your hands off the wheel. Lastly, see if there are any fluids leaking at the bottom of the car after the test drive.

If you want a change in the car you drive, dealers around New Orleans offer used cars from reputable brands or provide some sort of trade-in program for later models. Keep in mind these tips when looking for your "new" used car.