Back to all

What to Do After You Buy a Used Vehicle in Oswego

September 2, 2022

So you've bought a used vehicle in the Oswego area. Do you know what you're getting? It is hard to know what you're getting because people in the Oswego area sell vehicles for different reasons. Think about why you've sold vehicles. Did you just want something new or were there problems that you wanted to run away from? Maybe it was a little of both.

Used vehicles in Illinois with 25,000 to 35,000 miles/40,000 to 55,000 km on them are often lease returns, corporate program cars or rental fleet vehicles. Most Oswego buyers feel pretty confident about these because they're newer and may still be under warranty. But how well have they been maintained?

Oswego drivers who are planning to own a vehicle for a long time will keep up on auto maintenance so that they can avoid repairs down the road. But, if you know you're only going to have the vehicle for two or three years, you may not be so committed to maintenance. It would be easy to think that skipping an oil change here and there wouldn't ruin a brand new engine. Then it'll be someone else's problem when it comes time to pay for the damage.

It is very tempting for Oswego drivers to skip the 30,000 mile/50,000 km service if they know they'll be turning in their leased vehicle in a couple of months.

If the vehicle didn't come with maintenance records, Oswego used vehicle buyers need to assume the worst. Most likely the coolant system and transmission have never been serviced. The cabin air filter has probably not been changed and a fuel system cleaning at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Oswego may be in order.

You'll want Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Oswego to check the A/C, battery, engine air filter, serpentine belt and hoses. A used vehicle inspection at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Oswego is well worth the cost.

And if your “new” used vehicle has been driven an even longer distance, an inspection is even more important. Check your owner's manual or talk with your service advisor at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Oswego about what should have been done. Please don't forget the timing belt; that can be very expensive if it fails.

Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Oswego will help you with a plan to take care of services and get the rest caught up. If your budget won't allow you to take care of everything right away, we can help you prioritize your needs and get it taken care of over the next several months. And remember to keep your maintenance records. They'll help you get top dollar on the Illinois used vehicle market when it's time for you to sell.

Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Oswego
1555 US Highway 34
Oswego, Illinois 60543
630-898-6220

More articles from Tuffy Oswego

When Your Air Bag Light Comes On (Illuminated Air Bag Light)

December 15, 2024

There are some dashboard lights you should pay more attention to than others. One is the air bag light. If it's on and your vehicle is in an accident, your air bags probably won't do their job. Automakers began installing air bags in the late 1990's since they were mandatory in the United State... More

Bump in the Road (Alignment)

December 8, 2024

There's something you can do that helps your tires last longer, wear more evenly and your vehicle handle better. "Sign me up," you say! Wondering what that is? It's aligning your wheels, and it will literally point you in the right direction when it comes to a better and safer driving experience... More

Let's Clear Some Things Up (Headlight Restoration)

December 1, 2024

You know how exposing your skin to sunlight can cause sunburn and other unhealthy things. Sunlight can also create major problems for your headlights. After they've been exposed to ultraviolet light, acrylic headlights can yellow and fog due to oxidation. And when that happens, less light can ... More