When you walk into a dealership looking for the best used cars Boise has to offer, you might be tempted to look at mileage first and make it a huge factor in your purchase decision. The lower the mileage, the better, since it means fewer problems, right? Mileage is one metric to judge a used car, but it is not the only or most important factor in choosing a used car. There are a few other things to consider, such as maintenance records and vehicle report history. Here is what you need to know if you are looking for a used car.

Why Does Low Mileage Matter?

Checking the odometer is probably one of the first things most people do when looking at a used car. It’s an easy way to assess any used trucks Boise dealerships might have on the lot. Cars are machines, and machines wear down with frequent use. After all, the engine makes tiny explosions to power it and will eventually stop working. Belts wear down, and time ravages all parts. With fewer miles comes less wear and tear.

However, mileage won’t tell you how it was driven, only how far. If the car was outside for most of the time, especially in extreme heat or cold, it will wear down far more quickly, even if it isn’t driven much. A sitting car can cause reliability issues as seals dry out, potentially causing all kinds of leaks. If the coolant hasn’t circulated frequently enough, the radiator might have components that need to be replaced. While mileage is an important factor, it’s not the only one. Here are three other things to consider.

Was the Car Properly Maintained?

Mileage isn’t the tell-all, as maintenance also matters. If a car receives regular maintenance, it will last longer. A used car that hit all the service milestones and was thus properly maintained could be a better choice than a lower mileage car. Cars these days are built with more durable parts than the cars of yesteryear, making wear on the engine, transmission, and other areas of the car much less of a problem than it has been in the past. However, regular maintenance is important, and there should be records of major things.

Check the Vehicle Report History

When looking at Boise used cars, you will want to check the vehicle history report. This lists previous owners, accidents, repairs, any open recalls, and other important information. All you need is the vehicle identification number (VIN) to look it up. Some retailers offer them for free, while others charge, often less than $50. Keep in mind these reports won’t tell you everything about a car, and maintenance records are only available if the mechanic shop reports them. Even so, they are an important part of learning more about the vehicle.

Get a Mechanical Inspection

The final piece of the puzzle is a mechanical inspection. Get a mechanic to give the used car a once-over, taking note of any wear in parts like timing belts and hoses. A good mechanic can tell if the vehicle has undergone regular maintenance and how good previous repairs are. That’s what a report can’t tell you: the quality of the repair. Most sellers will let you take the car to a local repair shop for a pre-purchase inspection, and the best dealers have a service center on-site that goes over every car before it even hits the lot.

About DENNIS DILLON

For more than 48 years, DENNIS DILLON has been the Treasure Valley’s premier automotive group for new and used cars. With convenient locations in Boise and serving all the surrounding communities, the auto group strives to offer customers a quality product at a fair price. From a new Nissan or GMC to other Boise used cars, DENNIS DILLON is committed to providing the best car-buying experience in the Treasure Valley. The DENNIS DILLON family of dealerships offers regularly updated inventory, knowledgeable and helpful salespeople, easy financing, and experts available to help you at every step. Buying a new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicle is easy with DENNIS DILLON.

Find the used car you’ve been dreaming of at https://www.dennisdillon.com/

Original Source: https://bit.ly/3z9w23z