| Recommended
steps for inspecting a used car. |
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Inspecting a used car thoroughly
can save you a lot of time, headaches and money down the road. We
have provided a brief list of things that you should look for to help
from keeping your purchase from being "a lemon".
1. Evaluate the overall appearance of the car.
You can tell a lot about a used car just by looking at it's exterior.
Is it clean, well maintained? Does the car have many dents and scratches?
Are there any major stains or excessive wear on the upholstery, dash
etc.? Do all of the body panels and doors seem to be aligned properly?
Misaligned doors and body panels could mean that the car was in an
accident. If the car has been setting for a while, look under the
car on the pavement for any fluid leaks, etc.
2. Check out the treads on the tires.
Look at the tires and inspect them for any unusual wear and tear.
Balling or coning of the tire may occur if the front-end is misaligned,
tire pressure is not correct, or if the wheels are not balanced properly.
Find out how many miles are on the tires. Typically a car tires will
last around 35,000 miles, while SUV's, vans and trucks may only get
about 25,000 out of a set. Make sure you find out how much tires cost
if you will have to replace them. Tires can range anywhere from $250
to $1000 dollars a set.
3. Take a look under the hood.
Raise the hood of the vehicle and take a look at the engine. Is the
engine clean, are the battery terminals corroded? A clean engine doesn't
mean a good engine, but does mean someone cares enough to keep it
clean; and with that, usually comes good maintenance practices. You
should check the oil and transmission fluid if the seller would allow
you. The fluids should appear clean and have a natural oily smell;
a burnt odor may be cause for real concern. Be sure to check with
your mechanic if this is present.
4. Check out the instruments in the car.
Sit down in the driver's seat and test all of the cars instruments.
Turn on the radio, play a CD or cassette, check the heat/AC and airflow
from the vents, check the wipers (rear/front), check the trunk/hood/gas
levers, check the rear defrost, tilt the steering wheel and check
all power windows/doors/locks and seats if applicable. Some cars may
have additional features such as heated seats, headlight wipers, sunroofs,
CD changers and digital displays. These options can be expensive to
fix or replace, so check them thoroughly. Have someone stand outside
of the car, while you check the signal, brake and headlights.
5. Take the car for a test drive.
When test driving a car, try to choose a route that will allow you
to do some neighborhood driving, as well as some on a highway. You
should get the car up to about 60-65 (speed limits permitting) to
get a good judge of how is sounds and runs. From a dead stop to cruising
speed, run through all the gears manually and check for smooth transitions
from lower gears to higher ones. Any jerking or clanking sounds are
not normal. Hit the brakes, if the car pulls to one side or you feel
as if they are fading, they may need immediate attention. The pedal
should feel responsive and not spongy.
6. Take the used car to a mechanic or service station.
The purchase price should not dictate whether or not a mechanic looks
at the car, it is for your family's safety. If you have or know of
a reputable mechanic who has been doing your repairs/maintenance,
by all means he is the one, regardless you should always have a qualified
mechanic check out any used car before purchase. There may be wear
and tear issues that they may spot, or noises that may alert them
to an impending problem. |
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