If you plan to buy a used car BMW iX or any other, have a mechanic with a good reputation for honesty and skill do a pre-purchase inspection on the vehicle before you pay for it. The assembly often has problems that the manufacturer may have missed, and this is especially true if you're buying used or certified pre-owned. A thorough inspection can reveal issues that aren't readily apparent, such as damage from an accident or flood and any mechanical problems that could cause further problems for you down the line.
A pre-purchase inspection should include evaluating all of these subsystems:
- Brakes (including emergency brake)
- Chassis/frame
- Drive train (engine and transmission)
- Emissions system (including catalytic converter)
- Exhaust system (especially if the vehicle has high miles)
- Heating/cooling system (including heater core and radiator, especially if the car is more than ten years old)
Know the safety features you want.
What types of safety features should you look for when buying a new car? Which ones are essential to you? Which ones can you do without? Which brands are worth the extra money, and which ones should you avoid? Here's a breakdown of some of the safer options on the market.
Essential Safety Features
- Airbags: Look for multiple airbags that protect the front and side of your body. In addition, side curtain airbags are designed to minimize head injuries in case of a collision or rollover.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): This feature helps prevent spinouts by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels when needed. ESC is so important that it is required on all new cars as of September 1, 2011.
Have a budget and stick to it.
Think about how many cars you can afford. Set a budget, and stick to it. Also, don't forget about gas, tolls, and parking.
Take a test drive.
When shopping for a car, you should get in the driver's seat before buying. Please don't buy a car without taking it out on the road first, and ask questions about how the vehicle will perform in certain situations along the way.
Before purchasing a car, test drives a few different models to see which one feels the best. Each model has other features that you should consider and evaluate before making your purchase. Ask yourself: How does this car handle on the freeway? On city streets? Do I feel comfortable driving this vehicle? Is there enough room in the trunk? In backseat? Are there convenience features I would like to have while driving my new car, such as automatic windows? Consider all these factors and more when test driving any potential vehicles. Be sure to bring a friend or family member with you when you go—they can help guide your opinion since they want what's best for you too!
Download your owner's manual.
This tip is so easy because most modern cars come with a USB port! All you need to do is download the PDF of your car's owner's manual from the manufacturer's website, put it on a jump drive, pop that drive in your vehicle, and navigate the file through your entertainment console. You only need a few minutes to access what you need when you're on the go.
