Decisions, decisions…
So, you’re driving away from the dealer with your recently purchased used vehicle. Or, you will be soon. Whether you’ve already bought or are considering buying, a pre-owned vehicle may seem like a less reliable purchase to you. In fact, the exact opposite is true. While a used car may not be as aesthetically pleasing as a new one, you’ll save a ton of money and there are ways to make it feel more luxurious.
The used car market is as strong as ever, so it’s a good call for people of any vehicular need. But just how can you make that older car feel more… modern? More luxurious? You may be wondering that, and you’re in the right place. Just like anything else in life, your car can be nipped, tucked and upgraded to within an inch of its life, with incredible results.
So, whether you’re a car newbie looking for your first buy advice, or a seasoned veteran, look no further. This article will run down a number of great ways to make that older, pre-owned model just a little more luxurious. There are important steps you can take before you buy, too, and that’s where we’ll start.
- Is It Safe To Buy Pre-owned?
Absolutely. At the end of the day, a car is a car, and it’ll function just as well as a new one. You can save hundreds of pounds with a used car as well, so you’ll be spared a huge upfront investment. That initial saving will stretch for quite some time, too. If you’re going to be upgrading your pre-owned car, you’ll need a bit of cash to one side!
In terms of reliability, pre-owned vehicles are serviced and maintained to the same standards as a new one. In fact, it’s law. If you’re not convinced, you can even check vehicle details online for free, to get some information on its history.
It’s not like you’ll be buying blind, either. You don’t even have to leave your house! Some dealers like http://www.stlouisautostop.com/ will let you look at their catalogue online before buying. It’s important to give yourself full assurance of your purchase before you splash out the cash, after all.
Now, if you’re driving away in your car, or are very close to doing so, here’s what you can do to give it a major facelift!
- The Exterior
Firstly, and most obviously, you should be giving the full outside area of the car a complete scrub and clean. Use some specialised car cleaning fluids for maximum results. Don’t use harsh chemicals or other damaging agents.
You may need more paint…
Next, check the outside of the vehicle for any signs of paint wear or damage. A lick of colour can work wonders, so if you notice any patches that need re-doing, give them attention as soon as possible. Again, be sure to use something that’s custom made for use on cars and other vehicles.
- The Interior
Your car needs to breathe, so allow it to do so. If it’s a used vehicle, the air conditioning could be partially blocked or damaged, restricting airflow. Imagine the same problem occurring in your house; it’s not nice at all. So, ensure that the air coming into your car isn’t passing through leaves, dirt or other debris.
Once you’ve cleared the passageway, you should focus on cleaning or replacing the air filters themselves. And for added effect, why not hang up an air freshener. It’s amazing how much of a difference a smell makes. Your car may still be carrying odours from previous owners, and these steps will neutralize them.
An engine air filter
If you’re new to air filters, there’s help at sources like https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuAH8lpgDrk. As with any car upgrade, just be sure to remember how everything fits back together. Take before and after pictures if necessary.
Nothing says ‘luxury’ quite like the latest technologies, and your car is no exception to this rule. Even newer cars today seem to be lacking in the gadgets department, but luckily you can fix that. Swapping out your old radio for one with AUX and USB slots, with Bluetooth, is a great way to add value to the vehicle. A good iPod-integrated radio system can be bought for cheap online, so shop around.
To aid your driving skills, a rear-view camera may be a great idea. This makes those tricky reversing maneuvers extra safe, and gives you a clearer field of vision to boot.
And lastly, your interior will live and die by the quality of your dashboard and lighting. Ensure you can properly read your speedometer and warning lights clearly, even at night. If your dashboard pads are worn, consider replacing them. It can make something that looks older look brand new again.
- Everything In-Between
In terms of your tyres, you should check the tread depth to make sure it’s adequate. If it’s not, replace the tyre! At a basic level, your tyres should also be properly inflated. Many used car tyres that have driven a ton of miles may have less than adequate wheels, so see to them.
Additionally, replacing your car’s old exhaust can clear the passageway and give a boost to horsepower. It can be quite expensive to do this however, so only consider it if you have the cash. Otherwise, it’s best to wait until you need a new muffler altogether.
This area may need a polish!
You should also prioritize making sure your exterior lights are clear. Lightly scrub the glass with some cleaning fluid to get rid of any marks or stains. Or, pick up a headlight restoration kit on the cheap – they get to work in minutes.
- Safety Checks
So, you’ve upgraded your car to within an inch of its life, but don’t forget the basics. You should thoroughly check each aspect of the car for performance. Make sure it’s suitable for the road, and make sure you aren’t breaking any laws in the process.
Do you have any experience buying pre-owned cars? Did you perform any updates? Whatever the case, I hope this article was of some use to you!
