Choosing a Safe Used Car

Some drivers worry about the safety of driving a used car, but in most cases, there's no need to fear -- the right used car can be just as safe as a new vehicle, but also far more affordable. That being said, it is important to look carefully at each vehicle's record and choose a reliable place for car service redford. Safety should be of paramount importance in any car, new or used, and it can be ensured via the following best practices:

Check the Vehicle's History

The first and most important step to determining a used vehicle's safety involves thoroughly analyzing its history. The safest and most reliable vehicles will not have been involved in any collisions. It is also important to look for past vehicle recalls and how quickly any defects were fixed.


Examine the Vehicle's Appearance


 

Upon arriving at the used car dealer, it is important to look the vehicle over carefully for rust and other obvious visual defects. These visual cues can be used to determine not only how safe the vehicle is now, but how safe it will be several years from now. Worn tires and shock absorbers should be of particular concern. Some esthetic problems, however, can be overlooked.

Look For Added Safety Features

With new vehicles, the addition of advanced safety features can prove quite expensive. However, many used cars offer these same features for a fraction of the price. In some cases, it's actually safer to go with a fancier used trim than a newer base model. Safety features will vary significantly from one used vehicle to the next, but could include Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Blind Zone Alert, or Hill Start Assist. Rearview cameras are also increasingly common and can be found in many used vehicles.

Take a Test Drive

One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to check the safety of a particular used vehicle is to take it for a test drive. Although certain aspects of the vehicle's safety will not become evident in a brief ten-minute drive, important distinctions between its appearance and driving quality can quickly be observed. A car that looks great will not always offer quality handling, and vice versa. Most used cars are perfectly safe, but it's still important to thoroughly check for defects and crash history. A safe car can offer years of enjoyment and reliable transportation.