You Don’t Have to Make Lemonade if You Get Stuck With a Lemon

It’s always been that said when life gives you lemons, you should make the best out of the situation by making lemonade, however no one wants a lemon when shopping for used cars. When in doubt in regards to the integrity and quality of a used vehicle, it’s best to ask an auto tech for their expert opinion.

So why buy a use car if there’s a chance you might end up with a lemon? The answer is fairly cut and dry; not all pre owned vehicles are lemons. In fact, there are several reasons why purchasing a used car is a smart investment.

Money talks, which is why so many consumers opt to purchase used vehicles. Did you know that according to Cars.com, the price gap between new and used vehicles was roughly $20,000 as of last year? Used car values are far less expensive compared to new vehicles. In addition, used vehicles don’t depreciate the same way new ones do. The minute you drive off the lot in a new vehicle, it begins to lose its value immediately.

Unfortunately, there are a few bad apples — or lemons — that can spoil the bunch. However, this shouldn’t deter you from buying a used vehicle. Knowing what to look for when purchasing a used car can make all the difference. This is why it’s important to ask an auto tech common auto service questions and concerns before signing on the dotted line.

Also, buying directly from the vehicle’s manufacturer can provide you with a sense of quality assurance. Many vehicle manufacturers offer certified used vehicle programs, which means used vehicles must pass a strict set of requirements and check points before they are made available for purchase.

If you’re purchasing a used vehicle through a private sale, it’s best to have a mechanic give the vehicle in question a once over.