If you are planning on buying a used car, then it is a good idea to make sure that you are getting a well-maintained vehicle. You can get a really great bargain when you are buying a used car, but only if you do research and choose a good model. The checklist listed below will help you when it comes time to select your car. Oftentimes you can check out the car online, and that way you can limit the amount of time you spend visiting multiple dealers.

Make Sure the Brakes Are in Good Shape

Anytime you buy a used car it is important to make sure that the brakes have been checked. If you are buying a pre-owned vehicle that is only a few years old, the odds are that the brakes are in good shape. However, it is still a good idea to inquire if the brakes have been checked and that they are not worn down. The brake pads are most susceptible to wear and tear, and so any used car should be examined to ensure that the pads have not worn down.

You can inquire via email as to if the brakes have recently been inspected.

Make Sure the AC Keeps the Car Cool

You should also make sure that the air conditioner system works. This is something that you will want to check in person. So, after you've chosen the car online and booked an appointment at the dealer to do a test drive, make sure that you turn the air conditioner on full blast so that you can tell if there are any vents that don't work properly.

Consider Looking For a Certified Pre-Owned Used Vehicle

When it comes to buying a pre-owned vehicle, it might make sense to purchase a certified pre-owned car. These vehicles often times come with extended warranties and other service agreements that you do not see with regular used cars. They can be backed by guarantees from the manufacturers that ensure that should anything seriously go wrong with the car, you are covered.

Ask the Auto Dealer for a Vehicle Maintenance Record

When you have selected a few used cars from a dealer's website, the next step is to email the sales team and inquire about a vehicle maintenance record. That record will allow you to view the car's history of repairs and maintenance. So, you can see if the car was ever in an accident and repaired. You will also be able to see if the oil was regularly changed and if other normal maintenance procedures were taken care of.