Used Cars Purchase Tips
Before buying a used car check the carfax vehicle history report. The report will tell you ownership history, title problems and other information; such as whether the car has been in an accident, structural/frame damage, airbag deployment, odometer rollback, etc. Be suspicious if the vehicle is from another state unless you live near the border. Not all accidents or other issues are reported on the report however, it will give you an idea.
When you do inspect the vehicle, take your time and walk around the car inspecting every detail looking for any defects, such as scratches, dents, missing paint, etc. These defects may be a part of your negotiations if they are minor enough for you to still want to purchase the vehicle.
Buying a car that has been in an accident is never a good idea even if the car looks like it is in good condition now, it may have problems down the road such as alignment problems, air conditioning/heat not working, power windows and locks not working, etc.
A good rule of thumb to notice if a car has been in an accident is to look alongside the car. The lines of the body should be perfectly straight. Look at the car from different angles, if the paint is perfect with no ripples or the quality of the paint is the same throughout then more than likely the car has never had to be repaired.
Tires are another good indication. Look at the tread wear, new tired have a tread depth of about 10/32 inch, tires should be replaced when only 2/32 inch of the tread depth remains or when there is any mechanical damage like cuts or cracks. If you notice wear on only one side of the tire then that could be an indication of alignment or suspension problems.
Check the manufacturer’s label which is usually located on the driver’s door to make sure the car is advertised as the year that is was manufactured.
Check the vehicle interior as it is a good indication of how well the vehicle was taken care of. Test all the electrical features of the vehicle. Lock and unlock both the driver’s and the passenger’s door and also the power windows and the side and rear-view mirrors. Test the wipers and windshield washer. Test seat adjustments, sunroof and heated seats if applicable. Turn on the radio and see if the CD player works. Test the air conditioner and the heater and make sure it works, they may be indications of a frontal collision. If the car has an alarm or remote starter test these functions as well. Be alert if you notice excessive use of an air freshener. Open the trunk and smell in there as well. Look for any mildew smells, water stains or any possible signs of water level. If the vehicle has been in a flood, it will develop many expensive to fix problems later on even if it looks in good condition now.
When starting the car, it should start easily even if it is cold outside. It should not shake, or make any excessive noise. If you notice a cloud of blue smoke beware that the vehicle may have engine problems and to avoid this vehicle. Check the panel; are any warning lights on after the car is started? If any warning lights come on while driving, have a diagnostic check done before deciding to purchase the vehicle, it may be a minor repair. Test drive the car as long as you need to get the
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